E3 Spark Plugs News

If you live in a state that requires annual or biannual smog and emissions tests on your vehicle, E3 Spark Plugs has your automotive cheat sheet. Failing or dodging your mandated emissions test can result in your being denied registration of your vehicle and rack up legal infractions and fines. But a few simple steps can help assure your ride passes with flying colors.

A few simple steps, including installing a new set of E3 spark plugs, can help assure your vehicle passes emissions testing.

1. Get an oil & filter change: Dirty oil results in dirty emissions. Be sure to get your oil changed in the days just before you vehicle undergoes testing. Don’t forget to change the oil and air filters while you’re at it. If your fuel filter is five years old or older, it will need changing, too.
2. Check for leaks: These include any potential leaks in the hoses of your engine compartment (especially vacuum lines). Replace any hoses that show signs of leaks or are simply beginning to wear out. Give the engine a look look-over. If you see oil residue, your vehicle likely is losing oil pressure and the culprit may be a blown gasket. Also check for exhaust leak. The simplest way? Just start up and rev your engine. If your muffler hollers, you might have an exhaust leak.
3. Check the positive crankcase valve: Another easy check. Just give it a quick shake and listen for a clicking sound. That will be your cue that it’s working fine. If you don’t hear a click, head to the mechanic’s shop or auto parts store.
4. Test your battery: A weak battery can affect your fuel injector’s performance and alter the outcome of your smog test.
5. Change your spark plugs and check your spark plug wires: Worn or fouled spark plugs, as well as worn spark plug wires can result in less-than-stellar results on your emissions test. Of course, we recommend E3 spark plugs. Our DiamondFire Technology allows your vehicle to create more power using less fuel than conventional spark plug designs. And it’s the only spark plug recognized by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as an emissions control device. Also be sure to check your spark plug wires and replace any that look worn.
6. Fill up with premium gasoline: We know, we know – gas prices are crazy these days. But premium gasoline is cleaner and more environmentally friendly. So one fill-up just before your test will be worth the extra cost.
7. Bring your vehicle in warm: Ideally, run it for 10 to 15 minutes each on the highway and on city streets. This will help burn off any emissions you don’t want showing up on your test. And if possible, check the weather forecasts and schedule your test on a sunny day. Rainy and cool weather require you or your emissions testing mechanic to run your vehicle’s engine for a longer period of time before administering the test.

Even if your state doesn’t require emissions or smog testing, we at E3 Spark Plugs encourage you to keep your vehicle in its cleanest running condition possible. Dirty emissions pollute the environment and put you and your family at risk of cardiac and respiratory ailments.

E3 Spark Plugs make a great gift for the tree hugger on your Christmas list. In fact, EarthGarage.com has named E3 Spark Plugs among their Top 10 Green Automotive Gift Picks for 2010. A division of New York-based Green Automotive Alliance, LLC, EarthGarage.com is an online resource that offers mainstream consumers tips for making their automobiles greener by using current technology, products and services – all while saving money.

E3 Spark Plugs make a great gift for the eco-minded driver on your Christmas list.

Says EarthGarage.com: “E3 spark plugs’ advanced Diamond Fire design translates into increased power output, fuel economy and reduced emissions in gasoline engines.” They’re right. Tests show that E3 spark plugs increase combustion pressure in the engine, allowing for faster flame speed and directional flame front improvements that result in a stronger, cleaner burn. And E3 is the only spark plug recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a “supplemental emissions control device.”

“When we considered the hundreds of items that are currently on the market, the main criteria for being part of the EarthGarage Team Gift List was that the product would make a car greener, it would be widely available to the public and it ultimately would save the consumer money,” says Bob Leonard, CEO of Green Automotive Alliance and founder of EarthGarage.com. “These products offer simple but meaningful ways to make a difference while having a positive impact on the environment.”

Other eco-friendly automotive gift ideas on EarthGarage.com’s list include a range of items from eco-friendly wiper blades and floor mats, to a crankcase additive that reduces friction and wear, to electrical gadgets designed to help improve gas mileage, diagnose check engine light warnings, analyze and optimize driving behaviors and more.

E3 Spark Plugs sends a big “Thank You” to EarthGarage.com for recognizing our product as a great holiday gift for the environmentally conscious driver. Visit E3′s online catalog to find out which automotive or power sports spark plug is best for your ride.

A wintertime dip in temperatures can put a damper on your vehicle’s engine performance, and your spark plugs may play a role. But that role may start with your battery. There are several tricks to pinpoint the cause of a sluggish cold-weather start.

The coming cold weather can affect your vehicle's engine and spark plug performance.

The first word of advice is this: Don’t let a sluggish start tempt you to run out and buy hotter car or truck spark plugs. The operating temperature of your vehicle doesn’t change with the climate temperature. So it doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a tank top or a duffle coat – stick with the manufacturer-recommended spark plug for your vehicle.

Cold temperatures render batteries less powerful. Cool weather causes an increase in electrical resistance in most electrical circuits, including your vehicle’s ignition. So if your vehicle was slow to start (or failed to start) it may be because the battery did not provide your spark plugs enough energy to bridge the gap and make a spark. To remedy this, check the gapping. Properly gapped spark plugs require less energy to create the spark that gets your engine running.

Also check to see if your spark plugs are fouled or worn. Many drivers put off checking their spark plugs until the absolutely have to, which typically happens at the first major cold snap of the winter season. Multiple failed cold start attempts can cause your engine to be flooded with gasoline. This “wet fouling” can soak the plugs and bleed off the ignition voltage before they’re able to form a spark. Spark plugs electrodes that are simply worn over time require higher voltage.

No matter the condition of your spark plugs, your car’s engine needs a little more TLC in the wintertime than it does during warmer weather. Mechanics recommend letting your car warm up for five minutes or so before taking it on the road, particularly at freeway speeds.

If it’s time to replace your spark plugs, check the E3 Spark Plugs website to make sure you’re getting the right plug for your car, truck, motorcycle, powersports vehicle or lawn and garden equipment, and to find an authorized E3 retailer near you.

E3 Spark Plugs, with unique DiamondFire technology, deliver higher fuel economy, lower emissions and improve engine performance for all small engines including: blowers, weedeaters, generators, and lawn mowers.  Test results demonstrate a 6-12% improvement in horsepower under typical operations, and increased fuel economy of 3-13%, depending on engine class.  Hydrocarbon emissions in small enngibnes after 50 hours of use was reduced by 42%, and carbon monoxide emissions were reduced up to 58%.  Outdoor power equipment lasts longer and runs stronger because of reduced carbon buildup.

One particularly thrilled customer sent in the following testimonial:

E3 lawn & garden spark plugs can give your lawn mower a power boost and reduce the amount of gas you'll need to complete the job.

My name is David and I just wanted to write E3 Spark Plugs about their magnificent product and the spectacular performance it has provided to my 1998 Lawn Boy (2-Cycle) Push-Mower! My experience began one Thursday evening when I had family arriving to stay at my home that weekend. During the middle of mowing my lawn, the mower started missing terribly and puffing smoke out the air filter. Surely, I thought this was the end of my lawnmower since it was coming to the end of its life-cycle (I have had it for over a decade). After attempting every simple repair to finish the remaining three-quarters of my lawn left to mow, I concluded that it must have been the ‘new’ sparkplug of my old brand that I purchased just this spring in April. It was only the beginning of June. This means I only used my lawnmower approximately 6-8 times already, which isn’t anything for a sparkplug and a regularly maintenance and tuned lawnmower.

Therefore, I went to my local Menards to purchase a new sparkplug for the lawnmower as the last possible resolution to my much needed repair. To my astonishment my sparkplug type was sold out and I needed a new sparkplug today, so I utilized the Menards sparkplug guide to find a comparable sparkplug for my Lawn Boy and it specified your E3.10 Spark Plug. Worried a little about the price, I reviewed the package and all the details that your product provides and I was sold on the ‘Energy, Efficiency, and Ecology’ that is on the back of your package. After getting home and removing the old sparkplug that was already ‘worn’ and replacing it with your E3 Spark Plug, it delivered everything that was promised on your package!

My Lawn Boy took off like it was brand new, with just one pull (instead of at least 3-4 with old sparkplug), I also had to turn down the throttle/choke to nearly half as the mower had way too much power, and I can mow my entire yard on one tank of gas in the lawnmower instead of 1.5 tanks! It’s incredible and my wife loves that I don’t smell like “lawn-mowing” anymore when I come inside like I use to with the old sparkplugs…You can barely even smell or tell I finished mowing my lawn! This product is incredible and I normally never write testimonials. But, your sparkplug has made my old 1998 Lawn Boy into a brand new lawnmower for only around $7! It’s unbelievable and keep up the great work, I have been telling all my neighbors, friends and colleagues about your sparkplug for their lawnmowers!

Thanks for not making lawn mowing a dreaded chore anymore!

Backed by a five year, 100,000-mile warranty, E3 Spark Plugs with DiamondFire technology are also available for most automotive and motorsports applications at automotive retail stores nationwide.  For more information and complete test results, visit www.e3sparkplugs.com.

Unfortunately, we hear this question asked more often than ever before. Although it may have something to do with your E3 Car Spark Plug, it is more likely the result of using E10 gasoline, especially if you live in a hot, humid area of the country. Since the spark plug is the easiest place to start, take your spark plug wrench and carefully remove the plug for inspection. NOTE: If the top of the motor is dirty or there is a buildup of debris around the base of the plug, you should use a brush to clean before removing the plug. As always, you want to prevent anything from falling into the spark hole.

To keep your small engine running smoothly, make sure you know the special considerations for using E-10 gas.

Now, inspect the bottom of the spark plug for signs of excessive wear or a heavy build up carbon deposits. If need be, replace the used plug with the correct E3 Spark Plug for your particular engine. You can go to the E3 Spark Plugs Catalog page and select the Cross Reference Guide for your lawn & garden spark plug, powersports spark plug or motorcycle spark plug. Don’t forget to check the spark plug gap and always install your new plug using the correct torque specifications to avoid blow-by or damage to the internal threads. Assuming this did not resolve your problem, we will move to the next step.

Today, the majority of the fuel that you buy at any gas station or convenience store is going to contain around 10% of Ethanol (often referred to as E10 gas). The government’s Renewable Fuel Standard Program has required that Ethanol be blended with gasoline as a “Greener Alternative” to more harmful oxygenators such as lead or MTBE (methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether). The biggest problem with using the grain or sugarcane based fuel additive is that it is an alcohol. As the alcohol naturally separates from the petroleum-based gasoline, it has an affinity for attracting water.

This instability is called “phase separation” and has reduced the shelf life of the gasoline that remains in your small engine’s tank or that which is stored in your gasoline can. Most experts agree that under ideal conditions the shelf life of E10 gas is only about 3 months. If you live in hotter, more humid climates, it is much less. Once the fuel is contaminated, the bad gas can cause filters and carburetors to become clogged as unprotected rubber hoses and plastic parts actually begin to dissolve. Although some fuel stabilizers can help, there really isn’t a miracle product available for today’s cheaper small engines.

In time, we will likely find an alternative to Ethanol as a gasoline oxygenator, or even better, an alternative to petroleum-based fuels. But, until that happens, you should try to limit the length of time that E10 is kept in either your small engine’s gas tank or fill can. If your motor requires the choke to be engaged (even slightly), it is likely time to thoroughly clean the fuel lines, filters and carburetor. After that, try to limit the amount of time that you leave E10 in tanks or cans. Whenever possible, run the tank dry before storing your lawn equipment, mower, scooter, go kart or other powersports equipment. Many of these small engines also have a drain plug at the bottom of the carburetor bowl for that very purpose.

You know it well – the #9 E3 Spark Plugs/Lucas Oil truck driven by pro racer Kevin Probst throughout the 2010 off road racing season. Soon, you can take it home with you. Sort of. X-Factory RC model car makers have teamed up with Probst Motorsports to create replicas of the famous #9 for sale at select fine hobby stores and on the X-Factory website.

Replica of the Kevin Probst-driven #9 E3 Spark Plugs/Lucas Oil truck made by X-Factor RC. Photo courtesy of X-Factory RC, Radio Control Car Action (www.rccaraction.com).

The replica kits for Probst’s Pro-2 short course truck will feature an SCX-60 conversion kit with a professionally painted Pro-Line Silverado body and a huge die-cut decal sheet from BC1 Graphics – the same graphics supplier for the actual #9 truck. The result is an exact, small scale replica of the real thing.

To celebrate, Probst Motorsports will bring the #9 E3 Spark Plugs / Lucas Oil truck to the ROAR National Championship race in Joliet, Ill. for at least three days of the race, which runs August 19-22 at the Leisure Hours R/C Raceway. Kevin Probst, a 35-year veteran of the short course truck circuit with more than 200 wins to his credit, will attend the ROAR race for a day in person to meet the R/C drivers and sign autographs for fans.

Drivers hold an R/C S.C. truck race in the pits at all the Lucas Oil Off-Road Series races and Probst has been using an SCX – 60 during the 2010 season. This season, several SCX – 60s will contest the ROAR Championship, including a Probst Special Edition in the hands of Kevin Probst’s nephew, Jon Probst.

X-Factory distributes its products via dealers throughout the United States and in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Spain, South Africa, Singapore, Russia, North Cyprus, Japan, Germany, France, Finland, China, Canada, Belgium, Austria and Australia. Get your #9 while they last. And if you’re looking to boost performance under the hood of your own ride, make sure you pick up a set of E3 truck spark plugs, outfitted with our patented DiamondFire technology that promises a stronger, cleaner drive.

Here at E3 Spark Plugs, we’re passionate about providing spark plug products designed to help customers increase power, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce engine emissions that contribute to global warming. It was those three goals that first got us excited about developing something revolutionary. After years toiling away in our tiny independent laboratory, then working with some of the nation’s top experts in the fields of combustion and engine dynamics at two leading engineering universities, our patented DiamondFire technology emerged. Not only were testers and customers impressed, but our technology was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as one that offers “clear advantages in HC and CO emissions control while at the same time improving power and fuel economy.” I fact, the E3 spark plug is the only one to be included in EPA rulings and cited as a “supplemental emissions control device.”

E3 Spark Plugs are the only spark plugs recognized by the EPA as "supplemental emissions control devices."

But don’t take our word for it. A quick Internet search turned up these comments by happy E3 Spark Plugs customers – car owners and enthusiasts just like you:

From truckcampershells.blogspot.com
“I purchased these plugs to use in my 98 Saturn SL2. I just installed the plugs yesterday. The car seems to start up faster and has more pep when you hit the throttle. The old plugs that were removed were relatively new (5,000 miles on them) and in good condition so I don’t think the improvements were a matter of worn plugs being replaced with new plugs. Even so, those things are hard to measure and open to the power of suggestion. The real test will be the miles per gallon, which I will be evaluating and reporting on after driving for approx. one month. Stay tuned!!!

“Update:  It’s one month and 1,200 miles later and the numbers are in. First, some driving impressions. The car does run smoother and has more power. The car maintains 65 mph on the freeway with less effort than it used to take. Before, I could feel the engine ‘working’ to maintain 65 mph. Now it cruises at 65 and I need to keep an eye on the speedometer. Now the good stuff. My SL2 averaged 25.75 mpg versus 23.02 mpg for the month prior to installing the E3 spark plugs. I have to admit that because of the increased performance, my foot has been heavier on the gas pedal than normal so the mileage could possibly have been even a little better. All in all, I would say these spark plugs are a worthwhile purchase that will eventually pay for themselves.”

From Jared L.’s HubPages.com page
“The E3 Spark Plugs saved me. My wallet at least. The day that I installed the E3 Spark Plugs, I immediately felt an instant performance increase. My big fat car started to run smoother, a quieter idle and the throttle response become quicker on the foot. No more delay in response! I have gone through about one month of trying out the E3 spark plugs. With about 5 tank changes, my mileage is reflected as 25 MPG (11km/litre). This is a huge savings for me! I am saving about US$50+ dollars per top up. This is a life saver for me.”

From online purchaser T. Swensen
“I noticed a difference right away after installing these plugs in my truck. The plugs I took out had only 5000 miles on them so they were not worn. After installing the E3′s I noticed the idle smoothed out and the truck is running better. Gas mileage has went up 1 mpg. Well worth the price.”

From another online purchaser
“These Spark Plugs really work! They are delivering excellent gas mileage in hot or cold weather. Starting is better as well. I have gone ahead and purchased these plugs for my 4-cycle lawn mower engine, 4-cycle snow blower engine, 2-cycle string trimmer engine, with excellent results in all. Highly recommended! They are made out of conventional materials and yet last forever. They are much cheaper than the Iridium or Platinum types. Check out their web-site and other reviews. You don’t even have to worry about gapping these plugs ever. Two thumbs up.”

From E3 Spark Plugs blog reader Richard Delaney
My son and I have just upgraded from the conventional EKG plug in our competition Trials motorcycles, to the E3.38 plug. The bikes start easier and run smoother on the bottom end of the power range, which is exactly what we need for Trials competition. The E3 spark plug is even less expensive than the NGK! Thanks, E3!

Not exactly but attach a big asterisk to that statement. In recent years, there has been a rise in consumer complaints of poor running engines and sluggish motors that won’t idle properly. Most drivers naturally associate an engine’s spits and sputters with ignition problems. But, the truth is today’s drivers are filling their tanks with gasoline that has a reduced shelf life. Since the signing of the Renewable Fuel Standard Program in September of 2006, the majority of fuel pumped at gasoline stations contains around 10% of Ethanol and is often referred to as E10 gas. The problem is ethanol is not the most stable oxygenator, especially in sub-tropical or tropical climates.

Ethanol, a corn-based alternative fuel, comes with pros and cons.

Ethanol is an alcohol and alcohol separates from gasoline (called Phase Separation) in a relatively short time. In doing so, the alcohol attracts water molecules and gasoline sitting in holding tanks, gas cans or your car can become diluted. As the contaminated fuel mixes with the same amount of air as before, your engine is forced to operate at a lean condition. Running lean means hotter operating temperatures which can cause an increased wear factor for your car spark plugs. In addition, the diluted fuel has a reduced octane rating that may cause your engine to “knock” due to predestination. Some common engine problems associated with E10 Gasoline include:

• Lack of Performance
• Loss of Power
• Hard to Start
• Doesn’t Want to Idle
• Hesitates on Acceleration
• Stall at Slow Speeds

On a positive note, Ethanol is a leading alternative to fossil fuels and is considered to be a “green alternative”. Prior to the mid-1970s, most gasoline contained lead which was replaced by another oxygenating agent called MTBE (or Methyl-Tertiary-Butyl-Ether). Although oxygenates were found to reduce the carbon monoxide emissions from car engines, MTBE would later be scrutinized as a ground water contaminate. So, over 150 years after ethanol was first used to power a motor, the grain or sugarcane based fuel additive was back.

If your engine doesn’t run as well as it once did or if you’ve noticed a drop in gas mileage, it might be a good time to install new E3 car spark plugs. Our patented DiamondFire technology is proven to provide a cleaner, more thorough an engine’s combustion cycle. After extensive tests, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that E3′s “… technology offered clear advantages in HC and CO emissions control while at the same time improving power and fuel economy.” Plus, E3 is the ONLY car spark plug to be included in rulings by the EPA, cited as a “supplemental emissions control device.”

If you like to ride motorcycles, there is a very good chance that sooner or later you will experience a “No Spark” situation. The scope of this article will focus on visual observations, the use of a multimeter or bulb tester, and the appropriate process of elimination to determine why your motorcycle spark plug(s) is not firing correctly.

Make sure your motorcyle keeps its spark with E3 motorcycle spark plugs.

1)    The easiest starting point is to remove one of the motorcycle’s spark plugs and re-attach the spark plug wire. Holding the loose plug by its ceramic insulator, make certain the plug’s metal base is well grounded. Then, have someone bump the ignition switch or kick starter while you observe the plug’s ground electrode. If you see a blue or yellow spark bridge the gap, then you should have adequate fire to ignite the fuel/air mixture in that cylinder. If not:

2)    Be certain the motorcycle is turned on. That sounds simple but ignition switches can fail. Plus, on many newer models of street bikes, the motorcycle’s anti-theft system must receive a specified flow of juice or the engine will not start. This prevents a would-be thief from by-passing the switch and “hot wiring” the motorcycle’s ignition. With the key or switch in the “On” position, your multi-tester should display a positive electrical flow leaving the switch. If not, the switch may be broken or may have lost its ground. (more…)

If your lawnmower performs poorly after being stored all winter, it’s probably time for routine maintenance. Most of us fail to realize the importance of small engine maintenance as a benefit to our landscaping efforts, to our pocketbooks and to our environment. Typically, if it cranks, there is a tendency to put off any equipment maintenance until next weekend. After all, what’s the harm in waiting?

Make sure your lawn mower is really is a green machine with a new set of E3 spark plugs.

Well to start with, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that older small engines like those used for lawn and garden equipment pose significant environmental problems. The EPA’s concern is based on the fact that poorly performing small engines are a major source of unburned fuel being emitted into the atmosphere through the engine’s exhaust system. In fact, recent studies suggest up to 30% of the fuel is emitted as unused “raw” gasoline.

Listed below are 5 Steps to Lawnmower Maintenance that can help you save gas, enjoy a more beautiful lawn and protect our environment in the process:

Step 1 – Check the Condition of the Gasoline
Inspect the gasoline that was left in your lawnmower’s tank and/or fill can during the dormant months. If you added a few drops of a fuel stabilizer before your equipment was stored, chances are the gasoline will be fine. If not, you may want to use a bulb siphon to remove the old fuel and start fresh. Since most pump gas today contains a percentage of renewable fuels like ethanol, it is always a good idea to inspect the motor’s carburetor for leaks. Some gasoline additives can have a harsh effect on metals, seals and gaskets.

Step 2 – Change the Engine Oil
Don’t even bother to inspect the engine oil. Just change it. Small engines will invariably crank easier and run smoother with fresh lubricants. Before you remove the drain plug, be sure to brush away any buildup of crude or debris. You should also use a catch pan and have the used motor oil disposed of properly. Avoid all temptations to pour any used motor oil on the ground as it can cause groundwater contamination that’s hazardous to everyone’s health. Most auto parts stores or hardware stores sell catch pans that can be returned to the store for disposal when it’s full. (more…)