Power loss

[Lapister]

Did you know that there can ONLY be ONE ARC at a time when your spark plug fires????
Sorry, but you will NEVER EVER have two, three or four electrodes fire at once.
It's called " Physics". Take out a plug and lay it on your engine block and see for yourself. Just have a friend crank your engine and see. Go ahead.
Thats why a single electrode is the hottest most efficient source of spark.
The double sand quads only have an advantage if the plug becomes "fouled" on an electrode.
Then one of the others will be able to continue in a best case scenario.
My friend is an engineer for NGK. He's the one who told me all the skinny on this.
All of it is Marketing to sell more expensive plugs to people who are not informed.
Now you are informed.
Don't waste your cash.

I am not the author, i just copied from another forum! I am in no way saying this is your case. Just things to consider.

[jb92563]

I often wonder if the spark is "sheltered" a bit under the single electrode vs the fully exposed spark of the multiple electrode style, makes any difference in the combustion process?

Also wonder if the Platinum coated plugs effect the combustion process, since platinum may change the process somewhat acting as a catalyst?

I suspect the differences may be negligable and more of a new and more expensive is better marketing strategy.

I suppose the racing guys here would know whether there are any gains to be had by the different types of plugs?

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Lapister

Did you know that there can ONLY be ONE ARC at a time when your spark plug fires????
Sorry, but you will NEVER EVER have two, three or four electrodes fire at once.
It's called " Physics". Take out a plug and lay it on your engine block and see for yourself. Just have a friend crank your engine and see. Go ahead.
Thats why a single electrode is the hottest most efficient source of spark.
The double sand quads only have an advantage if the plug becomes "fouled" on an electrode.
Then one of the others will be able to continue in a best case scenario.
My friend is an engineer for NGK. He's the one who told me all the skinny on this.
All of it is Marketing to sell more expensive plugs to people who are not informed.
Now you are informed.
Don't waste your cash.

I am not the author, i just copied from another forum! I am in no way saying this is your case. Just things to consider.

Don't test spark visually on any late model vehicle, the spark intensity will damage you &/or the vehicle!

Electricity, like water & most humans will seek the easiest path. The spark arcs to the easiest ground which is a clean sharp edge. As the arc wears the edge, the spark degrades. Having additional electrodes to ground on gives more surface area to wear, potentially extending peak performance life. Superior plug materials should last longer too.

OE Boxster plugs are 4 prong, so are my wife's Lexus V-6.

I have never replaced worn plugs with new & not noticed a performance improvement, especially cold starting.

To the OP, I'm guessing your mechanic bumped a spark plug gap during install so he should inspect the plugs.