Pulstar Plugs are Junk
#32
08-16-2008, 01:38 PM
Originally Posted by Sagemark
I spoke with Pulstar about this and they argued that premature failure has been rare and most likely caused by mis-gapping. They say that any engine failures were almost certainly because of some other problems, which to me sounds pretty likely... I mean why would these plugs cause engine failure??? Bad predetonation or a lean burn situation can lead to piston failure but any lean burn would be a fueling problem, not down to plugs. From what I understand, predetonation is caused by early timing, low octane fuel, or engine lugging. I just can't see how or why these plugs could lead to piston or engine failure.
I expect that some engines will fail, whether they have these plugs or not. In those which have these plugs they will be pointed at as a potential cause.
Pulse plugs are far less tested than regular plugs, they are a new technology. They will likely have problems more often than old technology. They've sold tens of thousands of sets, versus millions of regular plugs. That means current users are effectively beta testers. Pulstar intend to prove the reliability of the plugs over time and hope to have the plugs made standard, but that will take time.
Personally, I kind of doubt these plugs will cause problems, at least the vast majority of the time. The risk reward relationship however is assymetrical, you get a small benefit for taking a risk of a big loss. The probability of that loss is small in my opinion, but is unknown in reality. If there were a lot of problems they'd probably be out of business, and maybe they will be down the road, who knows.
The engine failure story in this thread is an "I have a buddy" story, and involves an engine swap. That leaves plenty of room for other tuning or fueling issues to be an actual cause.
Still, I do worry now that somehow the plugs could cause an engine failure and that the warranty could be invalidated as well, leaving an owner well and truly up the creek without a paddle.
I expect that some engines will fail, whether they have these plugs or not. In those which have these plugs they will be pointed at as a potential cause.
Pulse plugs are far less tested than regular plugs, they are a new technology. They will likely have problems more often than old technology. They've sold tens of thousands of sets, versus millions of regular plugs. That means current users are effectively beta testers. Pulstar intend to prove the reliability of the plugs over time and hope to have the plugs made standard, but that will take time.
Personally, I kind of doubt these plugs will cause problems, at least the vast majority of the time. The risk reward relationship however is assymetrical, you get a small benefit for taking a risk of a big loss. The probability of that loss is small in my opinion, but is unknown in reality. If there were a lot of problems they'd probably be out of business, and maybe they will be down the road, who knows.
The engine failure story in this thread is an "I have a buddy" story, and involves an engine swap. That leaves plenty of room for other tuning or fueling issues to be an actual cause.
Still, I do worry now that somehow the plugs could cause an engine failure and that the warranty could be invalidated as well, leaving an owner well and truly up the creek without a paddle.
#33
08-16-2008, 02:44 PM
#35
08-22-2008, 07:09 PM
I called bull**** and warned of possible damage when pulse plugs started advertising.
To those that remain pulse plug nuthuggers, grab ur ankles; u r f@cked. Muwahaha.
I'll take good ol coppers or ngk iridiums for $7 a piece over these overpriced, overhyped, and apparently unsafe pulse plugs.
To those that remain pulse plug nuthuggers, grab ur ankles; u r f@cked. Muwahaha.
I'll take good ol coppers or ngk iridiums for $7 a piece over these overpriced, overhyped, and apparently unsafe pulse plugs.
#36
08-23-2008, 02:26 AM
#37
08-27-2008, 09:39 PM
Is this the final verdict? I've heard good things as well as an equal amount of terrible things about them. Was about an hour away from ordering these, but am glad I used that magical search button. Is this truly consistent failure, or possibly just particular engines? If so, what performance plugs do people recommend, mine are gunked up and gotta go asap. Thanks for the advice guys.
#39
08-28-2008, 12:23 AM
#40
08-28-2008, 01:42 PM
Originally Posted by Mutedshark
On my way home tonight my car suddenly started running like sh*t. The check engine light was flashing. I limped home and pulled the Pulstar Plugs out of the engine. The number five plugs electrude was burned off. All the plugs had visable heat marks on the white ceramic. I phoned my master mechanic and he told me to get rid of them and not mess around with the spark. He told me I was lucky I didn't burn a hole in a piston. I put these in 5000 miles ago. A friend of mine got 6000 out of his before he was towed in because two Pulstar plugs went. I strongly recommend getting rid of these if you have them and would not advise anyone to buy them.
Sorry for your inconvenience.
#41
08-28-2008, 02:35 PM
^^^ his isn’t the only report of problems...
As a CEO you better let your admin know that you will be busy for several weeks if you intend to create an account and post damage control on al the threads - because there are several reports on more forums than this one...
BTW, I would think you would have a marketing group to handle this type of thing…
As a CEO you better let your admin know that you will be busy for several weeks if you intend to create an account and post damage control on al the threads - because there are several reports on more forums than this one...
BTW, I would think you would have a marketing group to handle this type of thing…
#43
09-06-2008, 07:25 PM
Originally Posted by dparker
Hi, I am the CEO of Enerpulse, the maker of Pulstar. I came across your post with great concern. We have tens of thousands of pulse plugs in the market with no problems and suddenly you and your friend have had some problems. First of all if it is our fault I apologize and hope you have talked to our Customer Service department to make this right for you. We stand behind our product and want make sure you are taken care of.
Sorry for your inconvenience.
Sorry for your inconvenience.
Sorry but the marketing of your product alone makes me very wary of your product. Simply put if your product did what you claim, every OEM on the planet would be using your product. If something as cheap as a spark plug could make the combustion process better, it would reduce pollution, increase efficiency and pigs would grow wings. They dont, and pigs are still land based mammals. Please lets us know when you figure out the wings.
#44
09-07-2008, 10:21 AM
Originally Posted by UpRev
Sorry but the marketing of your product alone makes me very wary of your product. Simply put if your product did what you claim, every OEM on the planet would be using your product. If something as cheap as a spark plug could make the combustion process better, it would reduce pollution, increase efficiency and pigs would grow wings. They dont, and pigs are still land based mammals. Please lets us know when you figure out the wings.
Our claims are based on extensive dyno testing and unlike everyone in the spark plug business claiming to improve fuel economy with no specifics, we give specifics...6% average. With all those spark plug claims making the combustion process better and selling 2 billion spark plugs a year in the process, pigs not only have wings, but they must have afterburners too!
Pulse plugs are different, but my fear as CEO is that we are not doing a great job in explaining that difference. At the risk of doing my market studies in public, I wonder if you or anyone from this forum can tell me what we could do better or stop doing.
Thanks.
#45
09-07-2008, 02:14 PM
