Spark plug recommendations

[SapperACE]

My 1996 Johnson 90hp started hard this spring and now it doesn't idle very well. I'm looking to change spark plugs since it's been a couple years. It currently has champion plugs. I was curious it anyone has used any other than champions, and to what result. I'm open to spending a little more if there's something that will perform better.

[RebelSS]

NGK is the choice over Champion, IMO. Yours should take a BR7HS, but cross reference to make sure. Check the gap too, with a proper wire gap gauge. I think .03 for that plug. "Out of the box gap" is not close enough.

[gunner55]

+ 1 for NGK.That's what a buddy who works on outboards suggested for our '02 Yamaha 115.

[walt501]

I've been using Champion plugs in 2 cycle outboards since the 1960's without a problem, but I do change them annually on engines that are used a lot. Also, a lot of what I have been reading here about hard starting or rough idling in older 2 cycle outboards I have a hunch may be weak coils, especially in boats that were stored outside over our colder than usual winter. Old coils usually fail in the cold of winter. You can test your coil -

Click Here

Or you can do what I do and install a good new plug into the spark plug boot and ground it on the engine. Beware of not grounding the plug near a gasoline source. View the spark in a darkened room. You should see something like a miniature bolt of lightening that is bright white when cranking the engine. If you see a blueish spark that looks weak compared to the others or no spark, you have a weak or bad coil that needs to be replaced.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

Plugs are probably going to be the cheapest item to replace on a motor. I'd go with what the motor manual suggests.

[Surface Tension]

I use Champions in my OMC outboards.

Hopefully a new set of plugs fixes your issues.

I'd do a compression test while your at it to rule out a bad cylinder.

[Savage Brewer]

When I ran carbureted 2 strokes, I changed the plugs annually.

Champion, NGK, Bosch, ... IMHO they are all good plugs.

Ran NGK's in my Yamaha's because that is what came from the factory, ran NGK's and Champions in countless Mercury, Johnson and Evinrude motors over the years.

Having the correct heat range and gap is more important than the brand.

[SapperACE]

Thank you all. I will change the plugs first and make sure the gap is right. If she's still sputtering, I'll look into the coils. I'll try to remember to report back.