The Knowledge - Velocette Owners Club

C.2. Sparking Plug -
L #217 I have a standard 1960 Venom which has had the piston rings and valve guides and
valves replaced. This was only about 100 miles ago. I am having problems with the spark plug oiling
which may be due to the guides and the slightly rich mixture. However it did that before I rebuilt the
engine. I have used Champion N3C and NGKB8ES plugs although the NGK ones seem better.
However, even that let me down coming away from a classic bike show, about 30 seconds after I had
started the bike. Very embarrassing as I was being critical of all the competitors who were loading
their bikes onto trailers. A fellow competitor lent me a plug which had a centre electrode that protruded
more than the plugs I normally use. It got me home and still had a big fat spark when I checked it out.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to whether I should use a hotter standard plug, go for an
equivalent plug with the protruding electrode or try to deal with the cause (if there is one) or the
symptoms.
#218 In my 67 Venom I have had excellent performance from NGK B7ES and BP7ES, the latter has
the projected electrode. Unlike some other brands, you can decipher NGKs as follows: B means 17mm
threads P means projected tip 7 is heat range, higher is colder E means long reach (iron head MAC
takes H) S means standard materials (not platinum, etc.) At high altitude (over 8,000 feet) I have also
used B6ES successfully.
L #553 Sparking plugs KLG FE70. Lodge HLN ChampionNA8 & Bosch W.175/T1 all seemed to
be unlisted nowadays all the above are probably unsuitable now days with unleaded fuel anyway, the
plug in it is a Bosch WW4DC that tends to carbon up a bit which suggests it's a bit on the soft side.
what do you guys recommend for a standard MAC
#554 NGK B6ES is the equivalent plug to the FE70
#669 My Venom was having the sulks and simply was showing no signs of life on the kick starter. So
we tried a NGK Iridium IX spark plug type BR8EIX. I interpret this to mean it is equivalent to a B8ES
except it has a resistor in the plug. It was like throwing a switch, an immediate response from the bike
and it started on the second kick. What is the experience with NGK Iridium IX spark plugs and Venom /
Vipers? On the basis of this experience they may well be worth the price.
#670 1. What other new plugs did you use as a comparison, before opting for the Iridium plug? 2. Are
you running a mag or electronic ignition? 3. If you are running a mag, I thought I read somewhere that
you shouldn't use resistor plugs. 4. How many miles have you done since fitting the plug and does it
still start perfectly? Either way I hope it keeps going for you.
#671 My Venom has a recently reconditioned "standard" Lucas magneto. I have been running NGK
B8ES and recently NGK B7ES plugs. I had been trying a softer Bosch W7CC that day, I've been using
this type of plug with some success in my Viper (it has a slappy piston, burns some oil and runs on
lead replacement petrol). In terms of the Venom's recent starting behavior, all plugs have been the
same. Yes, I'm also puzzled about that resistor. I'd appreciate feedback from others who may be
running this NGK Iridium IX BR8EIX type of plug.
#672 Sorry, but I just have to ask....what gap are you running? Perhaps the iridium plug had less gap?
Mags can use as little as 18 thou, which definitely helps starting. I've tried both platinum and iridium
plugs in Velos and moderns with no real advantage. They do seem to last a bit longer in the moderns.
Also, adding a bit of leaded racing fuel to my VMT's tank definitely improved starting.
#673 VMT 260 has been running the same factory-spec KLG FE 220 for about 2400 miles, with no
problems starting or running. I've always used these plugs for the VMT, and there seems to be no
problem with longevity or fouling, even when the bore was clattering and the valves tockling away in
loose guides. Perhaps some plug trouble is experienced with the 'aperturus restrictus' syndrome. Open
those throttles wide once in a while; Velos can take a spanking!
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