Hmmmmmm... This getting interesting! After I read your note I ran out and
drove my truck up the really big hill that the Bosch +4's choked on (I
didn't get a chance yesterday after I installed the Champion Truck plugs).
I have a '98 318 V8 4x4 CC with the 44RE automatic transmission.
To be sure I took two passes up the hill, both were with the cruise and O/D
on with one pass at around 60-65 mph, ~1,600-1,800rpm, and the other around
70-75 mph, ~2,000-2,200 rpm. The engine responded perfectly during both
tests. No hesitation, loss of power or even a hint of engine knock or
detonation. With the +4's I experienced heavy spark knock, possible
detonation, engine stumble/power loss and the MIL (check engine light)
began a fast blink sequence... My understanding is that a fast blink
indicates a "real" problem is being sensed and is referred to as
"limp-in-mode" by Chrysler.
When the parts store (Autozone) manager said they weren't right for my
truck I didn't even think to question it based on my (and one others)
experience. I do know that there is no application listed on Autozones
computer system (he tried to look it up like the first guy did and found
nothing).
Perhaps the larger R/T engine can handle the lower performance of these
plugs under load??? Do you have any steep and long highway grades in your
area to see if your engine reacts the same under load? I'd say the grade I
drove on rises over the better part of 3/4's of a mile.... Maybe even a
mile.
What's the email address for Bosch? Perhaps they can explain what happened
with my specific application?
Thanks for the note.
Tom
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: DML: Got E-mail From Bosch
Author: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net> at smtpout
Date: 2/7/99 9:46 AM
I'm not sure why some of you are having trouble with these plugs, but they
work flawlessly in my 98 R/T. I really don't think the guy at the desk
knew what he was talking about when you returned your plugs Tom. Here is an
E-mail that I recieved from Bosch on these plugs in our vehicles. (98,99's)
It's too bad they didn't work out for you. Out of curiosity what year and
eng do you have?
Steve
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. French,
I am responding to your inquiry for Platinum Plus 4. The application for the
1998 5.2L (vin Y) and the 5.9L (vin Z) will remain the same (4418). As for
the 1999 applications, I do not have enough technical information from the
Manufacture to make a recommendation. However, the 1999 catalog with the
applications should be available in May/June.
Regarding gapping of the Pt-4 - the gap is preset at 1.6mm for all vehicle
applications list in our Pt-4 catalog. The gap should never be changed
(regapped).
Regarding CD ignition systems - this does not effect the heat range of the
spark plug. However, using ignition system other than Original Equipment is
NOT covered by the Bosch Performance Guarantee. Generally, CD ignition
system produce a higher current and therefore tend to shorten the life of a
spark plug (electrode erosion).
Thanks for your interest in Bosch products,
Sincerely,
Michael Ziganto
Robert Bosch Corporation"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Date: Sat, 06 Feb 1999 18:19:53 -0500
>From: fawcett@uism.bu.edu
>Subject: DML: Re: Returned the +4's/Which Champions for '99 318?
>
>Howdy... I turned my crummy Bosch Platinum +4's in today and got some real
>plugs. For a '98 318 the P/N for the Champion Truck plug is 4071. I'd be
>really surprised if it's a different P/N for a sixer (they are sold in
>packs of six BTW) but have them look it up on the computer anyway.
>
>To add insult to injury when returning the +4's, the manager that was
>processing my refund told me they never should have been sold to me as they
>were not for use in truck engines... He also wondered who had sold them to
>me. I was mad enough that I simply said, ask the guy on your left... He
>turned red as a tomato and I'm sure he had some choice words for his
>employee after I left!
>
>I don't generally go out of my way to get somebody in trouble, but I asked
>the guy about six times if these were the right plugs for my truck when I
>bought them... He assured me they were every time and started to get a bit
>huffy the last time I asked, so I think he got pretty much what he
>deserved.
>
>Tom
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