The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Billmc on October 20, 2016, 09:57:09 AM

Title: Spark plugs
Post by: Billmc on October 20, 2016, 09:57:09 AM
I know this has probably been covered a hundred times but nothing really shows up on a search.

The owners manual for my '87 R65 calls for Champion N6Y plugs or the Bosch ones. Never had much luck with Bosch in any of my vehicles and loved the Champions. Anyway, when I went to replace them I noticed they were N9Y's. That is 3 steps 'colder' than called for! I thought she was running fine with that heat but I swapped out for the N6Y instead to get it back to factory spec. Have not had her out yet as it was late last night. I'm going to road test tomorrow to the tune of a 500 mile RT to the Hill Country. I will post the results and my impressions upon my return.
The question I have is: What is everyone else running?
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: georgesgiralt on October 20, 2016, 11:03:57 AM
Hello !
In my '82 R65, I run either the Bosch W5D or the Champion N6Y. I've had not much luck with the NGK BP7ES.
(I've bought two pack of 4 N6Y Champion when my neighbor auto part store closed for retirement. So I'm covered for quite a long time ...)
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: Barry on October 20, 2016, 11:48:33 AM
With points ignition I consider it essential to run a non resistor plug which pretty much rules out Bosch.  I've run champion N6Y's and N65Y's,  NGK BP7ES and currently Denso W22EP-U's. I considered the Champion plugs to be one grade too cold but  never had trouble with any of them. Correct heat grade for the earlier R65's is Bosch 5.

N9Y's are 3 grades hotter than an N6Y and I actually think they might have been the correct grade for your 87 model. Something at the back of my head says the 85 on engines with lower compression were one or two grade hotter on the Bosch scale which would be equivalent to an N9Y.
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: montmil on October 20, 2016, 02:21:35 PM
Quote
... I'm going to road test tomorrow to the tune of a 500 mile RT to the Hill Country.

Are you going to the Harvest Classic in Luckenbach? We'll be there Friday afternoon through Saturday evening.
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: Billmc on October 20, 2016, 04:13:18 PM
Quote
Quote
... I'm going to road test tomorrow to the tune of a 500 mile RT to the Hill Country.

Are you going to the Harvest Classic in Luckenbach? We'll be there Friday afternoon through Saturday evening.

Wont be able to get out there this time. Mostly going to be in Boerne helping a friend set up a shop for his new business.
Thanks for the invite,  Maybe another time!
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: Billmc on October 24, 2016, 10:53:10 AM
Did the 'test' by riding 600 miles into the Texas Hill Country (aka Gods Country) and return, and here is what I found:
I went with the NGK BP7ES plugs, Set at .025.
They were perfect for the ride and conditions! Easy start and not once did I get a stumble or hesitation and the response was right on. Pulled them when I got in and they looked like the textbook case for "correct":  mid-dark grey with no residue, carbon or oil. Just like you like it!
Very pleased...... and the weather was perfect!!!