x SS ai “| Dear Mr. Fix-it, What is the considered ular maintenance of the ition rotor? T have had mine replaced four times in less than two years at every sixth month service. Burning in Blueridge Dear Reader, The ignition rotor should be replaced as per your owner’s manual. The rotor and distributor cap should be inspected and or replaced as required with the maintenance tune up schedule. Four times in two years seems to be too often unless you are driving exces- sive kilometres. 90a Dear Mr. Fix-it, Is there any advantage to using “premium” spark plugs that I see advertised? Some talk about the metal (platinum) used. Others talk about the shape of the plug tip. Do they really provide more power or better mileage? Do they last longer? . Plugged in Park Royal | re Sits Dear Reader, The spark plug raust per- form two primary functions: ignite the air/fuel mixture and remove the hear out of the combustion chamber. Spark plugs transmit elec- trical energy that turns (ignites) fuel into working energy. A sufficient amount of voltage must be supplied by the ignition system to cause the spark to jump the across the spark plug gap, creating what is called “electrical per- formance”. There are hundreds of dif- ferent spark plug types designed for — different engines as well as specific applications. The fine-wire gold palla- dium plugs produce the best power and reduce oil foul- ing. The platinum and double platinum plugs are only good tor longevity. The V-grooved centre electrode spark plugs are ide- ally suited for standard appli- cations. High mileage engines should use standard type spark plugs, they will stand up better against fouling due to lower compression pres- sures and oil fouling contam- ination. Fouling occurs when spark plug tip temperature is insufficient to burn off car- bon, fuel, oil or other deposits. The deposits will cause the spark to shore to the metal shell and no spark across the plug gap will cause a misfire. Wet-fouled spark plugs must be changed since those plugs will not fire. Dry-fouled spark plugs can sometimes be cleaned by bringing engine up to oper- ating temperature . Before changing any fouled spark plugs, be sure to eliminate the root cause of fouling. Charles Taylor Taylormotive Service Ltd. Got a question for Mr. Fix- it? Send it c/o Martin Millerchip, North Shore News, * Roomiest and safest car in its class * The most standard equipment in its class * The most environmentally frienclly in its class. * The best fuel economy in its class. M1 rotor; Check PC.V. valve; Check and adjust idle speeds (rpm's); a ' Roed test, Most cars and light pick-ups. Vans and minivans extra. 1139 Lonsdale Ayve., North Vancouver, B.C. V7M 2H4. Fax to 985-2104 ar, best of all, eomail . Please do not try te phone in your questions. Pt rn ree een ewe ree | Maintenance Tune-U p #59. Labour on i 1 is 7 istril H inclades Labour ta instoll new spark plugs; check distributor cap, parte a: only . B | Ask for details. Hees ps rerit, iS te cond ica , at ‘ Ail offers expire December 24, . Quaiity Parts provided by North Shore Parts ? . . Mehrdad Sultani 1392 Marine Drive West Vancouver -- Most Chrysler, Dodge | & Jeep vehicles, -: Some restrictions . apply Expires Dec. 22/00 Vo A fepesinimesrt Necessary While Yau Wait Service s. GENCY DODGE | CHRYSLER JEEP 980-8567 1177 Marine Dr., North Van