E3 Spark Plugs News

After winning the number one plate during his rookie supercross season aboard a 450cc factory Suzuki, Ryan Dungey disappointed some fans with his 8th place overall finish at Hangtown MX in the opening round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship two weeks ago. In round two at Firestone MX, Dungey silenced the skeptics with impressive 1-1 moto finishes to move within eleven points of series leader Chad Reed who finished second overall on the day. Native Texan Kyle Regal was third overall after he claimed the first pro podium of his young career with a solid ride in Moto Two that saw the native Texan pass KTM’s Mike Alessi, Honda’s Brett Metcalfe and the defending MX champion Chad Reed.

AMA Women's National Champion, Ashley Fiolek hasn't let being deaf slow her progress in the sport that she loves. The Red Bull Honda rider from St. Augustine, FL, also won a Gold Medal at the 2009 X-Games. Go, girl!

The Texas heat and humidity took its toll on Honda’s rookie sensation Eli Tomac. Tomac took the lead in the both motos and it looked as though he might repeat his AMA record setting performance of round one. But, in the first moto, Tomac lost the lead to Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Christophe Pourcel on the last lap. In Moto Two, Canadian rookie Dean Wilson would pass Tomac early and appeared to have a commanding lead that might earn him his first pro MX win. But, World Champion MX rider Tyla Rattray and Yamaha’s Broc Tickle passed Wilson on the white flag lap. Pourcel captured the overall for the day with 1-5 finishes and leaves Texas with a nine-point lead in the Lights Division of Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship series.

No surprises in the women’s division as the trio from Florida claimed the podium for the second time in two races. Yamaha pro Jessica Patterson won both WMX motos, St. Augustine native Ashley Fiolek had a pair of second place finishes with Tarah Gieger bringing her Honda home in third. The 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship continues next weekend at the RockStar Energy High Point National when riders travel to Mt. Morris, PA, for round three. Don’t forget to bookmark the E3 Spark Plug website and try our patented DiamondFire motocycle spark plug in your favorite ride.

Read on for race results and championship standings.

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No, but we think he would have if our motorcycle spark plugs had been around in 1969. Here at E3 Spark Plugs, we’re motorcycle enthusiasts and we love great films and great filmmakers. “Easy Rider” chronicled the story of two counter-culture bikers who set out on a personal odyssey from LA to New Orleans to see America on the ultimate road trip-gone-wrong. With “Easy Rider”, Dennis Hopper (as director, co-writer and actor alongside Peter Fonda), changed the way films were made and helped usher in what is largely considered the “Second Golden Age of American Cinema.”

"Easy Rider" director, co-writer and star Dennis Hopper passed away May 29.

It certainly wasn’t the first motorcycle movie, and many have followed. But, this low-budget, dark horse of a motorcycle movie proved to be an unexpected blockbuster. “Easy Rider” helped rev up interest in America’s biking subculture and is considered a turning point in American filmmaking. Stuck in a financial and artistic depression, Hollywood had no idea what was in store for it when the 1970s dawned. With language, adult content, sexuality and violence restrictions loosened up, plus the swell of the anti-war counter culture and New Wave movements, filmmakers felt a new sense of freedom to experiment not only with film content, but with film production approaches as well.

Here, E3 Spark Plugs pays tribute to the late Hopper, who passed away May 29. Following are five more motorcycle movies we think you’ll want to see – including a few you might never have heard of. Some are worth seeing for their storylines, some for their acting, some for … well, we’re not sure why, except that we just can’t look away when we catch them on cable TV, even if it is 2pm on a Tuesday and there’s work to be done. Take a gander, leave a comment and let us know which is your favorite (or least favorite).

The Wild One (1952): Hollywood great Marlon Brando stars as the leader of the Black Rebels Motorcycle Club, a gang of bikers who gate-crash a legitimate motorcycle race and make off with a stolen trophy. While hiding out in small town, Johnny falls for the local sheriff’s daughter. That’s trouble enough, but more comes when a rival gang, the Beetles, rides into town.

Knightriders (1981): Many moviegoers and motorcycle enthusiasts weren’t quite sure what to make of this one, as it doesn’t exactly fit the motorcycle movie mold. Ed Harris stars as the losing-touch-with-reality leader of a traveling group of medieval fair performers who joust on motorcycles. Members begin to leave the group, seeking Hollywood fame or simply cracking under the pressure. This sends Harris’ character spiraling into a downward quest for redemption and reconnection. Stephen King, on set only because he was working with writer/director George Romero on 1982’s “Creepshow,” makes a cameo as a loudmouthed spectator.

"Captain America" motorcycle ridden by Peter Fonda in 1969's "Easy Rider." Photo courtesy of Deutsches Zweirad und NSU Museum.

Me and Will (1999): We can only describe this one as “Thelma & Louise” meets “Easy Rider” – almost literally. The two heroines, Will and Jane, burned out from the LA drug and club scene, bust out of rehab and set off on a Holy Grail-esque mission to find the Captain America motorcycle ridden by Peter Fonda in “Easy Riders.” Female bonding, battles with personal demons and clashes with characters they meet along the way ensue – all set against spectacular Montana scenery and a kickin’ soundtrack. As chick flicks often do, this one has a bittersweet ending that mixes victory and loss. And Traci Lords has a cameo as a waitress. Just sayin’.

The World’s Fastest Indian (2005): Based on a true story, this film stars Anthony Hopkins as Burt Monroe, a New Zealander who spends 25 years working to boost the speed of his motorcycle, a 1920 Indian, with the dream of taking for a thrill ride across the Bonneville Salt Flats. Come the early 1960s, Monroe is battling heart disease and facing his own mortality. So he does what any old timer with an unrequited dream would do – He mortgages his house, hops a boat to Los Angeles, buys an old clunker of a car with a makeshift trailer and, after fighting to get the Indian through customs, heads for Utah. With no brakes, no chute and no guarantee his old ticker will survive the drive, he can only hope the powers that be will actually let him on the flats.

Psychomania (1973): This one’s for the B horror flick junkies. A young biker makes a deal with the devil and, with help from his dear old, frog-worshipping occultist mum, dives to his death and leaps out of his grave, still astride his motorcycle. He quickly gets down to business recruiting new members for his band of zombie bikers dubbed the “Living Dead,” who willingly join via a fiendishly funny extreme sports suicide session. But as they say, the devil’s in the details, and this deal turns out to be not quite the one they expected.

So there you have it – E3 Spark Plugs’ list of motorcycle movies we hope you’ll see. It’s by no means a “top” list, but it’s got a nice range: an Old Hollywood classic, a chick flick, a true story, a zombie flick and a … well, we’re still  not sure how to classify a film about Medieval-styled jousting bikers. Tells us what you think of our eclectic selection and send us your own suggestions. And be sure to send some groovy vibes Dennis’ way on your next Easy Ride.

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…)

Team Diva hat worn by reality show star and former Poison lead singer Bret Michaels.

E3 Spark Plugs sends congratulations to Poison rocker-turned-reality TV star Bret Michaels for nailing this season’s Celebrity Apprentice win despite a much-publicized bout of medical woes. Oh — and we dig that hat, Bret. You all know the one. Several times throughout the season, Bret rocked a spark plug- and feather-adorned cowboy hat by designer extraordinaire Amy Skaling, founder of Team Diva. Known as “Diva Amy” to her growing fan base (which also includes celebutantes Miley Cyrus and Paris Hilton), Skaling creates cowboy hats, caps, tank tops and bandanas embellished with an array of accessories including Swarovski crystals, nail heads, feathers and tiny ceramic skulls. Hers is a brawn-meets-bling style that’s getting lots of attention. Hey Amy – might we suggest using a shiny new E3 spark plug in your future designs?

Raygun / Sonic Disruptor Pistol by Scupltor "Skunk."

Team Diva’s designs got us wondering about other artistic uses of spark plugs and a Google search turned up an amazing sculptor who goes by the name “Skunk.” Also an avid biker, Skunk creates robots, ray guns and bicycle contraptions that bring to mind scenes from the sci-fi Western “Wild, Wild West.” His creations are made using bicycle chains, old gears, vending machine parts, discarded musical instruments and, of course, spark plugs. See if you can spot the spark plug in this image of a ray gun available via Skunk’s website.

Spark plug grasshopper featured on the Greensmithy Blog.

Oh, and then there’s this little guy, posted by blogger “Cameron” on the apparently defunct Greensmithy Blog. Not quite the glam of a Team Diva hat or the detail of a Skunk sculpture, but he’s got the warm and whimsical charm that only a spark plug bug can exude. Got some great spark plug art of your own to show off? Become a fan of the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook Fan Page and post your pics on our wall feed. And, watch for some incredible spark plug-inspired  tattoo art in an upcoming E3 Spark Plugs blog.

Not all spark plugs are created equal. Some spark plugs are made to burn hotter than others. Making sure that you install the right spark plugs can make a critical difference in the way your engine performs.  Using spark plugs that burn too hot for your particular engine can result in pre-detonation and cause your engine to overheat. But if your spark plugs burn too cold, your engine may perform sluggishly and you can end up with carbon fouling requiring you to clean or replace your spark plugs.

Don't let this happen to your spark plugs! Make sure you get the right hot or cold spark plug for your engine based on its model and use.

Spark plugs work by forcing electricity to arc across a gap, much like a bolt of lightning arcs from a cloud to the ground. A high voltage – anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 volts – is needed to create a strong enough spark to ignite the fuel/air mixture and start your engine. All spark plugs feature ceramic inserts designed to insulate the high voltage at the electrode tip, where it can jump the gap and be directed into the engine’s cylinder. The resulting heat also helps to burn excess fuel and carbon deposits from the plug’s electrode.

Hot spark plugs feature a ceramic insulator designed with a smaller contact area surrounding the metal electrode to reduce heat transfer and keep the spark plug tip insulated. Cold spark plugs have a larger contact area and transfer more heat away from the spark plug tip. Because ceramic is such a poor conductor of heat, these spark plugs run cooler. Manufacturers specify a spark plug’s heat range using numbers but always ask before you buy as differing brands may use larger or smaller numbers to indicate a specific temperature range.

For many years, auto makers and mechanics recommended hot spark plugs for vehicles that primarily were driven slowly and for short distances, and cold spark plugs for automobiles driven on long distances and sustaining high speed highway use. Today, car and truck fuel/air mixtures and cylinder temperatures are electronically maintained within a much narrower range than before, primarily in an effort to minimize emissions. So, the practice has become a bit obsolete except when it comes to high performance race car engines, boat motors and truck engines. Because these engines generate crazy high heat, they often require colder spark plugs to keep the fuel/air mixture from igniting before the spark fires.

The best way to make sure you are using the right spark plug for your vehicle’s engine, based upon its primary use, is to check your vehicle owner’s manual. You also can find the right E3 spark plug for your car, truck, boat, power sports or lawn & garden equipment engine by checking our online interactive catalog.

Racing history was made this weekend at the opening round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship when rookie Eli Tomac became the first rider to ever win a debut event. The 16-year-old son of multi-time mountain biking champion John Tomac dominated an impressive field that included the reigning world champion and a couple of recently crowned U.S. supercross champions. The Geico Honda rider led most of the opening moto before dropping his bike with only a couple of laps to go. He would remount to finish third.

Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Champion Eli Tomac

After a red flag on the opening lap of the second moto sent the 250cc Lites class back to the starting gate, Tomac charged off the line, took the lead and never looked back. Honda’s sophomore sensation Trey Canard picked up the chase but could only watch as the rookie sensation pulled away for the second moto win. A 3-1 finish left Tomac tied in points for the National Championship chase with veteran French-rider Christophe Pourcel but a second moto tie breaker put Eli on the top tier of the podium for round one of twelve in the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

Defending outdoor national motocross champion Chad Reed swapped moto wins with KTM’s Mike Alessi in the 450cc class with Reed eventually claiming the overall victory by a slim two point margin. After a long awaited debut for KTM’s 350cc rocket ship, Alessi pulled the holeshot and dominated the second moto in the big bike class. Factory Honda rider Davi Millsaps finished third and trails Alessi by a single point in the national championship hunt. Yamaha’s Josh Grant returned to racing with a fifth place overall finish after being sidelined by injury for the entire supercross season.

Yamaha’s Jessica Patterson of Tallahassee, Florida, won both motos of the Women’s AMA Pro Championship class and holds an eight point lead over second place finisher Ashley Fiolek of St. Augustine. The ladies from Florida dominated the opening round in Sacramento with Tarah Gieger of Winter Park bringing her Honda home third overall with a 2-6 finish.

If you are looking for E3 Motorcycle Spark Plugs check our Power Sports Catalog for crossover part numbers to select the right plug for your street bike, chopper or dirt bike. E3 DiamondFire spark plugs are available at Advance Auto Parts, Baxter Auto Parts, Home Hardware, JC Motors, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Checker Auto Parts, Schuck’s Auto Supply, Kragen Auto Parts, LORDCO Auto Parts, Summit Racing Equipment or online at Amazon.Com or SparkPlugs.Com. Don’t forget to catch round two of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship in two weeks at Freestone Raceway in Wortham, Texas.

If your vehicle has a little less spunk lately, it might be time to change your spark plugs. A quick inspection can not only tell you if it’s time for new spark plugs, but can speak volumes about your automobile’s engine condition as well. Light brown or tan colored deposits on the tip of your spark plugs are normal. But deposits of different colors and consistencies can be indications of bigger problems. Here are a few things to look for:

Your spark plugs hold numerous clues about your engine's conditition.

A yellow glaze on the spark plug’s electrode and the tip can inhibit conductivity, keeping the spark from being able to jump the gap. Clean it by spraying your spark plug with brake cleaner, letting it soak for about 10 minutes, then wiping it with a clean cloth.

If your spark plug is white in color or appears blistered, that means something is making the plug run too hot. Check for problems in your engine’s cooling, a lean fuel mixture or incorrect ignition timing. A melted electrode on your spark plugs means that they’ve been running too hot for too long and could burn a hole through the top of a piston.

A black, feathery carbon deposit on your spark plugs can be an indication of a weak spark or an overly rich fuel mixture. Causes may include a stuck choke, misadjusted or heavy carburetor float, a leaky injector or carburetor needle valve, low coil output or high resistance in your spark plug wires. A dead oxygen sensor or coolant sensor also can be a cause of carbon fouling.

A heavier, oily black deposit means that oil is being sucked down into the combustion chamber, likely via worn valve guides, guide seals or piston rings or a cracked piston. Check for oil consumption problems including leaky valve cover gaskets, crankshaft end seals and oil pan gaskets. Tightening your automobile’s valve cover or pan bolts may prove a temporary fix, but you’ll likely need to replace the gasket.

A wet spark plug likely means that it hasn’t been firing due to engine flooding or a bad ignition cable. Dirt or moisture on the outside of the spark plug that provides a conductive path to ground, or an internal crack in the spark plug’s ceramic insulator that shorts the plug to ground also can be the culprit.

If your spark plugs’ electrodes are smashed flat or broken, they likely are the wrong spark plugs for your engine. If a spark plug is too long, it can protrude into the combustion chamber and hit the piston or a valve. This could not only shatter your spark plug into the piston, but shatter the piston itself or damage the head. A spark plug that is too short will cause your engine to buck. The spark won’t ignite your fuel correctly and can cause poor gas mileage, plus prompt your check engine lights. E3 Spark Plugs provides online catalogs to make sure you’ve got the right spark plug for automotive, power sports and lawn & garden equipment engines.

A split or chipped spark plug insulator is a sign of pre-detonation, also called “spark knock.” Check for engine overheating or ignition timing problems, a faulty EGR valve or excessive compression caused by a clogged combustion chamber.

Reading your spark plugs can provide multiple clues about your engine’s condition and save you tons of money.

Compared to older competitive designs, E3 Spark Plugs‘ patented DiamondFire technology was recently and conclusively proven to provide more rapid and robust combustion by research engineers at Michigan Technological University.

In reality, spark plug technology hasn’t changed much since the original “J-Wire” side-wire electrode was developed and patented in 1904 and used in the Model T Ford.  Real-time combustion images were captured during advanced testing methods employed at Michigan Tech, a nationally-acclaimed automotive research facility, to show a comparison between conventional competitive designs and E3’s revolutionary DiamondFire technology. The images prove that E3’s “diamond-shaped” side-wire electrode projects the combustion spark in a way that more quickly ignites the air/fuel mixture, thereby creating a significantly faster and larger flame kernel.

In effect, this burns more of the available fuel, resulting in increased combustion efficiency for improved power and fuel economy with reduced emissions.

“I have had an active role in the automotive industry for about forty years, so new technology surprises are rare to me. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the scientific data from Michigan Tech when they tested the new E3 technology,” stated Jim McFarland, veteran automotive engineer, and Research consultant for E3.

While conducting engine dyno tests comparing E3 technology to competitive brands, Jeremy Worm, lead Research Engineer for the Advanced Power Systems Research Center at Michigan Tech stated, “We found that the E3 spark plug produces a faster burn, especially in the early stages of the combustion process.  In an engine, the early burn duration translates to the stability of the combustion process.  By making that early burn more stable, we can run more dilution in the cylinder, and that directly translates into improved engine efficiency.”

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

Ordinary Plug Flame Kernal vs. E3 Spark Plug Flame Kernal

E3 Spark Plugs-sponsored racer Kevin Probst is no newbie on the tracks. He began his racing career in 1978 at just 16 years old and since has landed upwards of 230 wins and 18 class championships. In fact, he is one of the all-time winningest drivers in the history of the famous Crandon International Off-Raceway in Wisconsin.  But his racing experience goes even further back than the start of his 32-year professional racing career.

E3 Spark Plugs-Sponsored Off Road Racer Kevin Probst

“My dad started racing the old fiberglass dune buggies back in the late 60’s,” Kevin recently told EPN Newswire. “All of us on the team got our start racing buggies. One year, my brother and I raced every buggy class that was available. Sometimes we would run nine races a weekend between the two of us.”

Fast forward 30 years, and Kevin is still running the tracks hard, recently debuting his custom-built Pro 2 Unlimited truck at the 2010 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series in Las Vegas in March.  It’s the third consecutive season of the Probst Motorsports team being sponsored by E3 Spark Plugs. Kevin and his brother Jeff (no, not the Jeff Probst from CBS’ “Survivor”) own Probst Motorsports and Probst Collision Center in their hometown, New Lennox, IL. There, the family team including dad Steve, wife Vickie, son Ryan, daughter Kara and nephew Jon (a promising young racer himself) work tirelessly to create racing excellence. The Probst Collision Center is a GM-certified collision center and ASA and I-CAR certified repair facility. So, racing isn’t just a profitable hobby – it’s in the Probst blood.

“Probst Motorsports is a racing business we started for the love of off road racing,” Kevin says. And as all the greats in any sort of venture do, Probst is still learning the racing biz.

E3 Spark Plugs-Sponsored Kevin Probst's new Chevy UWeld Chassis truck developed for the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series

“That season was a learning curve,” Kevin said of the Lucas Oil 2009 season which featured a new off road-style racing facility. “I had to learn how to race the motocross style tracks that the series developed. We had only three days notice to come out and start the season, so we played catch up all year just trying to get up to speed and learn the system.”

The Probst team has since responded by developing the new truck, a Chevy UWeld chassis, specifically for the 2010 Lucas Oil series, and early indications point to a promising season. E3 Spark Plugs is excited to sponsor Kevin for the third consecutive season. Check the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series TV schedule on CBS Sports, SPEED TV, Versus and MavTV and stay tuned for some spectacular racing action.