[Michael Mann]

All,

I'm satisfied with checking the owner's manual, but after a whole lot of good Neon miles, would I am wondering if the PT is similar. The first generation Neons were hard on plugs, any plugs, and Champion 344's at 10K intervals were the standard recommendation. That has worked very well for me. Is there any such departure from normal maintenance on the PT's 2.4 (turbo)? I know they are variations on the same engine.

Thanks.

Michael

 

[ImperialCrown]

1st gen 2.0L SOHC/DOHC Neons used copper Champions that had a 30K mile replacement intervals according to Chrysler. If you had to replace them every 10K miles, there was a problem somewhere.
The PT uses the 2.4L DOHC and also used the Champion coppers, later the NGK copper.
2003-2004 2.4L engines had a TSB #08-008-04 regarding a spark plug change for cold fouling issues. http://oskin.ru/pub/chrysler-dodge/manuals/Temp/TSB-08-008-04.pdf
The underhood sticker should also state the correct spark plug and gap to use in the car. The Champion 344 is equal to the RC9YC.
Plug wire replacement is recommended every other spark plug change (60K mile).

 

[CudaPete]

I switched to Platinum plugs and got 60K out of them without any problems. Probably could have taken them further but replaced them anyway since they were out and are a PIA to change.

 

[Michael Mann]

Imperial and Cudapete,

Thank you for the input. Our 06 is at about 60K, we've had it about 6K, and it runs very well. Plugs might have been changed; the PO had the reputation of good maintenance, and the car was immaculate when we bought it. I'll check when I can. The question just occurred to me, as I was checking things on the Neon.

Regarding the 10K change on the Neon - the list I belonged to was mostly adult, some racers, no tri-wing coffee-can folks. All said the same thing - at 10K the plugs' tips (anode?) are eroded, regardless of type or quality of the plug. I've got around 140K on two DOHC neons, and it has been true on both. I could feel the improvement with new plugs at 10K. I did try one set of platinums, and they did no better than the Champion copper plugs.

Pete, do I remember you from the BOG or IML, maybe? I have a 67 notch.

Again, thanks.

Michael

 

[CudaPete]

I've only been an Allpar guy. Must have been someone else. What's in your 67? 273? I had a 67 Dart GT with the 273 2V. Got it to run pretty good.

 

[Michael Mann]

Pete,

It was a 273 2bbl, auto but no other options. Clean but very used car from the SF Bay area. I built a strong 318/Quadrajet for it, but swapped in a 225 when my daughter started to drive it. The 318 is in a 67 Dart GT vert with all the Charger(Commando) trim. I was lucky to be stationed in the Bay area (Navy) before the A-bodies became too expensive.

Again, thanks for the input on the plugs.

Michael