I changed my plugs to the Bosch Platinum +4 plugs in my 95 Z28. Then, I noticed that 4 cylinders were having "blue rings/sparks" at night. So, I figured that somebody behind the parts counter must have dropped the box.

I replaced the plugs again. Went to a dark spot at night and popped the hood. Again, blue rings of fire are flashing around the same plugs. The wires are new and no sparks... but there are sparks at the plug shell where it plugs into the heads. What gives?

Do I need to replace them again for the 3rd time? If it isn't the wires, what would cause this. I'm thinking there must be a fine crack in the porcelin (white part) of the plug. Am I right? Do I have to change this again? I went to the platinums so I don't have to change them as much!!! Argh!

 

So you've been changing the plugs, but not the plug wires? When's the last time the plug wires were replaced?

 

My opinion is the +4 are junk.They block the spark from the fuel.I am sure a lot of other people will agree.And yes you may need wires.

 

Thanks! Brand new Jacobs ignition wires which have each been loomed with plastic wire covering and using spacers to keep it away from the metal of the block. The wires are in very good shape.

I'm wondering if anyone else is having issues with the Bosch Platinum +4s.

It is a faint blue ring that flashes consistantly on some and intermittantly on others. I'm wondering if it is a bad factory batch or if the plugs are just designed poorly.

That blue ring of sparks isn't normal...right?

 

i have the bosch +4's and luv them no problems like the one your having change the wires

 

The engine idles smooth and runs nice, it is just the blue ring of sparks at the base that attaches to the block. I believe, and I may be wrong, but if it was the wires, wouldn't the spark arc elsewhere? The wire would arc where it touches the metal. But I don't have any arcs but at the plugs themselves... right at the base of the plug where it screws into the head.

Am I right?

 

Anyone?

 

Invest $20 in some NGK plugs and see if it goes away... I have a set of the Bosch +4s sitting in my garage that I haven't used because I'm using NGKs. I'll sell them to you if you want them. Let me know.

-B

 

A blue corona around the plug porcelain is fairly normal. It seems to show up more on some plugs than others. As long as you are not arcing, you should be ok. As you rev the engine in the dark, the corona is usually more visible and intense.

 

Corona!!! Excellent way to describe it! But on the #8, the blue corona is on about 90% of the time and on #7 it is intermittant about 30% visible.

NO arcing, just a faint fuzzy blue corona. No brilliant lightning bolts.

 

Remove the heat shield on one of the plugs that is lighting up and see if this helps.Sounds like the spark is looking for a ground.The more ribs on the spark plug,the less the spark gets to travel.(Magnacore Rep's advise.)My02(also the longer the spark plug is(in length),the better the spark.).Hope this helps.