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R1150RT and Autolite 3923 plugs


Linz

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I don't know if there is a difference, I'm sure they both work. The P for Platinum gives it longer life, but I used the standard A3923 single pole copper core plugs. They worked great and I replaced them when I adjusted the valves. At $1.50 who cares.

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I recently bought a 2002 R1150R with 7,200 miles on it. Although it had the 6K done last year, I decided to at least change the fluids, filters and the plugs. I got the 12K Kit from Beemerboneyard.com and it came with Bosch plugs. While changing the plugs, I noticed the bike had Autolite 3923 in them. Silly me chunked them and put the Bosch in wondering what the heck the previous owner was thinking. The bike ran fine in the garage but the next day on my commute to work, I almost turned around thinking something was wrong with bike; the bike seemed to be surging confused.gif After a quick search on the various BMW forums, I stopped by Autozone and picked a pair of Autolites. The next day the bike was transformed. I could not believe the difference. It was smooth again. Looks like I may try the Platinums next time.

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If I had not seen this AP3923 phenomena for myself with my '04RT I would never have believed it either. I could have saved the bucks I spent on a Techlusion. My 07Mustang GT came with Autolites and Autolites it shall always have smile.gif

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Just did the 30k service yesterday and replaced the platinum autolite with the double platinum autolite APP3923. Even better performance now. Still using the 4162 as secondary and they are always rather sooty and black when I remove them. Just like the BMW plugs. Has anyone used something other than 4162 that did not come out looking that way?

 

Haven't seen an answer come by on this question yet and am curious about it myself. Wet and sooty is how I describe the secondary plug relative to the primary on my 04 RT too...

 

Sounds like the 4162 is the proper plug with a .035 gap. Should I be concerned about the wet and sooty issue in the secondary? If so, what could be causing it.

 

Thanks,

 

Paul

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Call me a convert! I was a little skeptical but after installing the APP3923 these are the things that changed for me, I won't say it was a life changing experience that made my bike run like a new one, but it made my life a whole lot easier.

 

1- My cold starts fires up almost immediately and I just have to keep my choke on half the time I normally do.

 

2- I don't have the occasional stalling starting out from a stop at anymore, the "if you don't give it enough gas while pulling out I will start to choke and die on you" stall.

 

3- It idles a lot smoother

 

I also tried the AP3923 same plug the difference is only the center electrode is platnium, vs. the center and ground being platinum on the APP clap.gif

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Hi Guys I stay in Scotland but my wife is coming to new york in January for a shopping trip. She is staying in the Hells kitchen area,I am hoping that she will bring me back autolite spark plugs for my BMW1150rt.Is there anywhere locally that she can pick them up? I would be very grateful for your help.

Davie

 

Here's one option:

 

Go to partsamerica.com

 

Enter "APP3923" in the search.

 

Enter the ZIP code where your wife is staying, and it will show you which stores have it in stock, and where they are.

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Hope you have better luck with the Denso Iridiums than I did. I had high hopes but they did not do well as all in my 02 RT single spark and so I went back to NGK's.

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It's interesting to read about the different experiences member's have had with spark plugs and such. I put a pair of Denso Iridiums in my 02 RT about two years ago and all of a sudden -- most of the surge was gone. It ran smoother and started better than it did with the stock plugs. So I wonder if there is any room for improvementwith these Autolight Wonder Plugs? The only way to know is to try and for 8 bucks, why not?

 

Ride safe,

 

Bob

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Dick_at_Lake_Tahoe_NV

Glad to hear the Denso worked well for you. Anyone else have experience with these plugs--especially on the Hexheads? Otherwise I'll report on them shortly.

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I had been totally unimpressed with my 2004 RT until I switched to the Autolite 3923's. I then went to the AP3923's and now the APP3923's. Each plug gave the bike better performance and I'm truly falling in love with this bike now.

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Hi Guys I stay in Scotland but my wife is coming to new york in January for a shopping trip. She is staying in the Hells kitchen area,I am hoping that she will bring me back autolite spark plugs for my BMW1150rt.Is there anywhere locally that she can pick them up? I would be very grateful for your help.

Davie

Hi Davie, my "other" mount is a 747, so I am in the USA virtually every month so I intend buying a few for myself. It wouldn't be a problem picking up a handful for you as well and it will give me an excuse for a rideout from Newcastle cool.gif

 

Only poblem is that I am off sick until early feb, but after that, no problem. Let me know if I can help.

 

Cheers, Colin

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Can't find those in Australia, not easily anyway.

 

Linz smile.gif

 

Hi Linz

 

You are right about them being hard to find in OZ. Rare as.

 

Where did you get them, how much and what gaps (0.035"?)plain, AP or APP?

 

Cheers

 

Steve

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Hi Steve.

 

I bought the copper plugs. The Platinums don't perform better IMO, they just last longer.

As I had to import them from the USA, I bought quite a few. PM me if you want a set or two.

Cheers,

Linz smile.gif

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Gotta put in my two cents too...

 

Put the Platinums in my 2002 R1150RT yesterday. The bike has always run strong and never surged with oem plugs, but I tried it anyway. While not earth shattering, they made a noticable difference! I never would have guessed a 4 bucks worth of plugs could make a difference.

 

So anyway, even if you have strong running RT you should give them a try!

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Hi Linz

Thanks for the offer for the plugs. Much appreciated.

Well i got hold of some standard 3293's quite easily in Hobart after i followed a local lead.

Anyway, gapped them at 0.035". Put them in and all started ok. Took it for a ride in the 60-80 km zones and open road at about 110-120km/h.

My opinion at the moment is that it has made things worse but then i may well be riding it lower in the rev range than normal so as to see if it has made a diff or not.Also noted is that the bike idles lower than before.(down to about 1K)

Following that, i have now gapped another set at 0.032" and bunged them in. Still idles lower but I will assess tomorrow on the way to work and on the way home.

 

It recently had a valve job etc and new NGK's and it ran and idled brilliantly.

I suppose i may yet try the AP's or the APP's. If all else fails, then i will go back to the NGK's. I reckon i am only looking for about a 5% gain anyway, so all will not be lost. Runs great at cruising speeds.

Oh and the cost down under here in Hobart for the 3923 plugs was A$2 each. Dam cheap i thought compared to A$14 for the NGK's.

 

Will let you all know how i get on.

 

Steve

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Well, gave the bike a run today.

Having closed the gap up to 0.032" it ran much better.

I will now try taking the gap out to about 0.038" tomorrow morning as suggested.

A bit of experimentation never hurt anyone (so they say).

At least then i can say i have tried. After that, it's the APP's i reckon.

 

Cheers

 

Steve smile.gif

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Update

Plugs installed with 38thou gap.

Took it for a run in 60, 70 & 80km/hr zones and open road (110-120kph).

Overall i think it runs better than when i had the 32thou plugs in. Looks like the bike likes the gap (0.038")

I will keep these plugs in for a while and see how they go. I may also try the APP's as well in the mean time.

 

Many thanks for the input and hope this helps others.

 

Cheers

 

Steve smile.gif

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gday Steve.

 

So you got some 3923s in Hobart. Was it from a specialist auto shop or your average 'Auto Barn' or Repco type shop, or a local servo?

 

Best I can find on-line is at http://www.noelsautoparts.com.au/autolite.htm and the cosy of 2 APP3923s is $43AUD incl $15 delivery.

 

forget eBay at present, delivery cost exUS is ridiculous.

 

Most of the comments in this thread give prices a lot less.

 

rgds

jeff

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Hi Jeff

I rode past there this afternoon and thought 'so that's there name, i must remember that'.

So anyways, i can't remember there name and that's only half an hour ago.

I was planning to go in on Monday and find out about some APP's. I will post the details Monday sometime.

 

Cheers

 

Steve

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Laffo IBA#34115

I just finished doing my first self-service (36K) on my 04 RT and wanted to thank all of you for your encouragement and availability. I read this thread and purchased these plugs and installed them and wow, I wish I had read it 4 years ago.

 

My bike has never started well cold and never stayed running without massive throttle and holding the fast idle all the way up. It usually cranked over 3 or 4 times before it caught but I thought that was the way it was supposed to run and I accepted that bit of eccentricity but now.... From a dead cold bike I pushed the starter button and it ran perfectly, miss free, immediately and without any fast idle nor throttle input. I can't wait to get it back together to see if the all of the hesitation I had been experiencing lately is gone.

 

BTW my gap is .040 primary and .035 secondary.

 

Thanks All

Happy New Year

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I posted earlier in this thread my observations about the installation of the Autolite AP3923(?)(single platinum) plugs.

 

I said I would reinstall the stock NGK's that have 6K miles on them to do a back to back comparison. Since having done that and run them a little over a week and a couple tanks of fuel here are the results:

1 I noted the Autolites seemed to dramatically help the stalling on cold start up. I had to regularly restart my '04 Rt usually one time before it stayed running. Even then it was a few moments before it really settled down. After reinstalling the NGK's they are not exhibiting the same cold start symptoms. I had it die only once with the NGK's. At the 30K service I did set the idle up slightly and done a throttle sync. I am guessing one or both of these changes helped the starting more than the plug change. However, the Autolites definately start easier and smooth out quicker than the NGK's. Winner---Autolite

 

2 Throttle response after going back to the NGK's seemed to be a little lazy. From idle a good throttle wack is quicker with the Autolites. That same feel returned with replacing the Autolites. Winner.....Autolite

 

3 Cruise speed response: my standard to judge by was 60mph in 6th gear. The NGK's seem fine if you have not run the Autolites. I was pleased to find the Autolites seem smoother with throttle roll on at this rpm and load. I don't know that I can say there is a difference at full throttle and high rpm. You would have to have a dyno to say.

Winner....Autolite

 

4 And last but not least I paid about $5 for two Autolite plugs. As I recall the NGK's were about $16 for two. Winner Autolite

 

I will probably install Autolites in the secondary plug position the next time I have the tupperware off. I doubt I'll notice much with that plug change. I measured the gaps on the NGK's as best I could with wire gauges and they seem to be around .042. I installed the Autolites at .040 gap.

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I forgot to add in my earlier post the changes in idle speed. During the 30K service with the new Autolites I had the idle at 1200-1250 rpm. After putting the NGK's back in I noticed the idle was 1100-1150 rpm at full operating temps. After reinstalling the Autolites my idle speed went back up to the 1200-1250 rpm range just like before. Absolutely no other changes have been made.

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I cannot believe how spark plugs can make such a difference but they surely do. I agree 100% with each of your findings.

 

By the way, nice stang you have smile.gif

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I put the Autolite 3923 plugs in my 2003 1150 RT at 20k km...before I did a valve adjustment and throttle body sync. Contrary to most expressed opinions, I didn't notice a bit of difference in anything (except purchase price) Still using autolites - for no other reason than I'm cheap and they work as well as the NKG in my bike. PS I've never noticed a surging problem with either plug but perhaps I'm not as sensitive as many.

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Yup, huge improvement for me! I installed standard Auto Lite 3923's when I did my first tune up at 18,000 miles and was amazed at the better idle, easier start, better throtle response and got rid of the minor surging all for $3!!! I am going to try a set of AP 3923's when I do the 24,000 mile tune up this Winter!! I get them at my local Walmart in 2 packs!! Love this board and all their help!!

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Hi Jeff

 

I have spoken to the dealer. He will have some APP's in stock on Wednesday he says. Reckons about $7.50 - $8 each. He normally carries stock but had run out.

Business name is Hard 2 Beat Car Parts (he's in the online whitepages) Ph 6273 5910 or 0424 522 291.

Have also sent you a PM.

 

Cheers

 

Steve

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Agent_Orange

Put the 3923's in the bike [02 RT w/32k] last weekend. Took'er out today to put some miles on the new front tire and see about the 3923's.

 

Wow. blush.gif Surging is negligible. Roll-on feels stronger.

 

I BELIEVE! clap.gif

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When I put the 3923's in I gapped them the same as the specs for the OEM plugs. Here I see many are using .040 which is how the plugs are gapped out of the box. Which is correct? Has anyone done both and is there a difference?

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I put mine at .040 because that seemed fairly close to the non adjustable NGK gaps. My Autolites are the "single" platinum and while I don't remember exactly what the gap was out of box it seems to me it was around .054.

 

Be very carefull gapping platinum plugs. They are fragile in some ways. Do not put a screwdriver in the gap to widen it!

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I put mine at .040 because that seemed fairly close to the non adjustable NGK gaps. My Autolites are the "single" platinum and while I don't remember exactly what the gap was out of box it seems to me it was around .054.

 

Be very carefull gapping platinum plugs. They are fragile in some ways. Do not put a screwdriver in the gap to widen it!

 

Snap On Gapper

 

I use this. Does millimeters and inches, has gap increasing tool as part of the deal. Closing the gap method is up to you.

 

I'm having success at the recommended gap with standard 3923's. I have the single spark 2002 R1150RT.

 

Linz smile.gif

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I put mine at .040 because that seemed fairly close to the non adjustable NGK gaps. My Autolites are the "single" platinum and while I don't remember exactly what the gap was out of box it seems to me it was around .054.

 

Be very carefull gapping platinum plugs. They are fragile in some ways. Do not put a screwdriver in the gap to widen it!

 

Snap On Gapper

 

I use this. Does millimeters and inches, has gap increasing tool as part of the deal. Closing the gap method is up to you.

 

I'm having success at the recommended gap with standard 3923's. I have the single spark 2002 R1150RT.

 

Linz smile.gif

 

And is the recommended gap .040?

 

Bob

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BluegrassPicker

for the record - I used mine right out of the box last spring & it worked great. I will pull them this spring and see what they look like. The gap was pretty wide .054 is probably accureate out of the box measurement.

I had a noticable improvement in smoothness.

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And is the recommended gap .040?

 

The factory says (for single spark 1150's) .035

 

I did the plugs at exactly that and mine runs fine. I suspect that slight variances (and discussions about them) are going to end up like oil threads.

 

Linz smile.gif

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Count me in as seeing an improvement in smoothness. I put 'em in today and went for a short ride in traffic and on the highway--I gotta say they DID make a difference that you could definately notice. My bike ran pretty good anyway, so I was skeptical that I'd see much difference but I did thumbsup.gif I probably notice the best improvement in idle and low speed (25-45 mph) operation. I have a Techlusion box that is currently installed, but turned OFF. If the Techlusion was turned on, the very little hunting I can detect would disappear, but I'd rather not buy more gas right now lmao.gif I'd recommend anyone with an oilhead upgrade to these plugs at the next service.

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Just to keep things stirred up on this topic for the non- believers, I also have noticed an improvement in shifting in both directions (up and down).

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Put the autolites in the r1100s yesterday and there was a slight improvement.I still get a little surginess and small throttle openings at low speeds(below 3000 rpm) when the bike is warmed up.I suspect the throttle position sensor is the culprit.Anybody tell me where it is? The bike is smoother and the motor feels more revvy.

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TPS is on the left hand Throttle Body. It may be the cause but if you don't do your own valve adjustments and throttle body balancing, it's more likely to be there IMO. That's where I got the biggest improvement.

I have found though, despite everything I've done to the bike to get it right, including the plugs, my bike detests Shell high octane fuel. It's not called Optimax any longer, whatever crap they replaced it with, it hates and doesn't run well (slight surging). Give it a bellyfull of Caltex High Octane and it's as smooth as butter. Other Aussie brands such as Ampol and BP do just as well.

 

I'm not imagining this, I've had to use two tanks by necessity on long runs and both times it's run badly and then back to normal with different fuel.

 

Who knows?

 

Linz smile.gif

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Hot diggety! Another Surging thread.

 

I ride an '02 RT which used to surge something FIERCE. I did a lot of stuff to it, but there was one thing that really did the job. What was it? (Drum roll please.)

 

Replace the left side cam chain tensioner with one for an '04 RT!

 

(Cymbal clash)

 

No kidding, that is THE fix. Search the oilheads archives for info about this including my raving praise for it when I did this change.

 

clap.gif

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Just to keep things stirred up on this topic for the non- believers, I also have noticed an improvement in shifting in both directions (up and down).

 

Since I started using 3923s, my airbox oil stays cleaner and my PTTR is gone!

 

wink.gif

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