Bosch Platinum Plugs

[Jens Knickmeyer]

<Sam L. Smith> wrote:
> 
> I have used Bosch Platinim plugs for a number of years in a number of 
> different engines, and have noted subjective HP increase and very 
> long life (never felt compelled to change or even examine plugs).
> 
> This would be a glowing review except...
> 
> Once in my wife's 360 C.I.D. Ramcharger, she came home complaining of 
> a miss and loud popping sound under the hood.  On examination, I 
> noticed that one of the Bosch Platinum plugs had a leak between the 
> insulator and the body.  When attempting to remove the plug for 
> replacement, the body twisted off at the top of the threads, leaving 
> me with the insulator and hex part of the plug body in my hand!  
> Excessive torque was not to blame here; the body twisted off very 
> easily.
>   
> Although this could have been a *major* bummer, I was able to remove 
> the remainder of the shell with a large 'easy-out' and avoided having 
> to disassemble the engine.  
> 
> Although I love the performance of these plugs, I am hesitant to use 
> them again.
> 
> Has anyone else had a similar experience with Bosch Platinum (or 
> other brands, for that matter)?
> 
> Sam
> 
> -----
> "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." - HST
> 
> Sam_L_Smith at i-link.net                Sam L. Smith
> 

My engine,(VW, 1.3l, 83kW, G-Lader) needs the Bosch W5DP0, platinum
spark plugs (indicated by the "P") with a special form of electrodes
(as indicated by the "0", zero, not "oh"). After 40000km, I buyed
a new set (4x30DM), removed the old plugs and ... looked a bit puzzled.
There was no difference between the new and the old plugs. 
This was exactly what the Bosch guy who sold me the spark plugs had
told me (I did not believe it). From what he said, the Platinums last
VERY long, esp. those zero-types with the special electrodes. He said
the plugs are mostly used in racing engines and was surprised to find 
them in a samll, very common car.
There was a discussion in "rec.autos.makers.vw.watercooled". All postings
said the same: Platinums last long (if not forever) and in some cases help 
you fixing idle problems. Some people said they got increased hp, but
that was a minority. 
Any other experiences?

Jens.