[Diy_efi] OT - platinum plugs burning up wires

[Bret Levandowski]

Platinum plugs have a higher core resistance and require more current and more precise control to fire. This is not true of all platinum plugs but most. If the resistance in the plug or across the gap is too much, the current can't 'escape' through it's normal path and it has to go somewhere. Always the point of least resistance, whether it is the cap/rotor or plug wires it is going to flow somewhere. Either way, it is going to burn something up; possibly even your coil.
I have experimented with different plugs and different systems and have seen all types of failures. From what we saw, AC Delco platinum plugs will burn up coils and wires quite nicely on older motors. SureFire triple platinums work well in just about any type of performance motor (high comp/high energy ignition), but not so well in older or lower compression motors. It wasn't a 'scientific experiment', just what we saw happen by changing plugs. So after much rambling..... Yes, what the tech said is true. You can burn up ignition components using platinum plugs in non-platinum applications. I have done it myself and had to have someone else tell me why. Unfortunately, you don't know 'til you try.

Rick McLeod <dunvegan at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
Sorry for being off topic, but I know there is a lot
of knowledge in this area on this list, and this might
be of interest to discuss (remember the recent plug
discussion?)

Recently I had an issue w/ a Hyundai where the plugs
were replaced w/ platinum at a tune up. A few k-miles
down the road, the car began running poorly, and was
taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as having
'burned up ignition wires'. The service advisor stated
that you MUST NOT use platinum plugs in these cars
since it will cause this to happen.

My question is: What is different about them that
would cause this, it sounds like 'bunk' to me, but am
looking to the vast world of knowledge on this list to
get some insight.

Thanks

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