Modern engines being as reliable as they are, I ignored changing out my
plugs for a few years.  Before I knew it, I had accumulated over 100,000
miles on them without even looking at them.  The center electrode was worn
down to a little nub, but they were still firing perfectly.  When they were
replaced with new, there was no appreciable performance or MPG change.
These wonder plugs were Bosch tri electrodes, which , according to the Bosch
book, are apparently the only plugs specified for '85 1.9s.

Karl Wolz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Horace K. Sawyer" <firestream@MINDSPRING.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2000 4:43 AM
Subject: Re: Bosch Platinum Spark Plugs EAT BABY

> > When I heard about the Bosch Platinum's from someone on this List three
> years ago, I got a
> >set at great expense and tried them.
>
>         It has  been said by a few mechanics directly to me that the
Waterboxer
> engines "eat" spark plugs.  That is, you should change them out about
every
> 10K miles according to them.
>
>         Of course, being the curious type that I am, I asked "why?"
>
>         I guess everyone knows what the answer was.  : )
>
> HK
> aloha and good morning to all