Spark plugs

How often do you change on your saws? Someone might have been pulling my leg but he said he changes his once a year. Every time we are in the saw shop he asks if I want to buy plugs. 084 has been in my possession since 1995 and I’ve never changed the plug.
Do y’all change plugs annually?

 

Still got the original plug in my saw from 2008. I usually cut 6 cord per year with it

 

I definitely wouldn't change mine annually. As long as the oil/gas ratio is correct, and the saw isn't running too rich it shouldn't be fouled and should last for a few seasons. It's a good idea to at least check the plug annually and verify the gap.

 

I clean mine once a year. I don't see a reason to change it unless it's worn out.

 

I also have the original spark plugs in my pickup with 135k. Why fix it if it aint broke?

 

Well, they do wear out

My 99 or 2000 029s. Had the original plug until like 2 years ago. Never needed to change it. If they start hard that's a sign. Mine started just fine, but I changed it out of principle.

 

I think that whoever is trying to convince you to buy a new one annually is clearly in the pockets of BIG PLUG. He's being paid big money to peddle nonsense in order to make a commission.

 

If I was milking or cutting a lot I might. I only usually change plugs if there is a problem. I had one the ceramic came out of the steel and I had little compression. It got changed. I inspect and clean them, but don't change once a year no. I have too many saws and some are not even used hardly any so changing plugs would be pointless.

 

Carb tune is more important than mix ratio. People think more oil will foul your plug.nin reality it's poor time or weak spark that fouls them. I run 32:1 in my more modern era saws and I do not have oil fouling. But I also tune my saws so there not dogs.

 

Hope it's not in a Triton v8 ford

 

Agree 100%. I've still got the 2 stroke dirt bike mentality. I could run 32:1 all day in the sand pits, motor screaming. But if I was putzing around in the woods, not opening it up I'd foul the plug before the end of the day.

 

I dont change them unless there is a problem. If they look good and gap correctly, run em.

 

Yep like most on here I do not change the plug every year. It is just not needed if your saw is tuned and running correctly.

 

So that is the rule of thumb? Keep her fully loaded and running clean but if you go too easy on the trigger you get fouling?
I suppose I go 40 or 50:1 so maybe it doesn't matter so much.

 

Or 75 or 100:1 with newer synthetic oil.
Honestly, 50:1 you'll get plenty of wash with today's synthetics

 

I have to be careful here how I word it. Chainsaws and dirt bikes are two different animals. Chainsaws are generally run at higher RPMs more consistently than dirt bikes (unless you're on a motocross track or doing Baja desert racing.) I always run my saws at 50:1, but a bike I will change the ratio depending on what kind of riding I'm doing. I guess if you're really pushing your saw with some serious noodling or using it on a mill, you might want to richen up the mixture a bit for added protection.

 

Noted.
Are dirt bikes 2 stroke? I just looked it up... looks like they can be 2 and 4.

 

Some are, some aren't. Manufacturers are trending towards 4 stroke engines more and more due to emissions and fuel efficiency concerns. It began in the late 90s in the motocross world when Yamaha started racing big "thumper" 4 strokes in the 250cc 2 stroke class. It took off like wildfire from there.

 

I don't change mine on a regular basis, but I do keep an eye on what they look like. The Denso's have been good to me for a while now.

 

My 562 xp it coming up on 3 years old I think. 2 times it has thrown a fit and would not start, a new plug fixed it instantly.