I have a 98 model 500 4x4 that I got about a year ago. The Operators manual specs NGK CR7E plugs but it had a CR8E installed and the dealer sold me a CR8E as a spare. Right now it won't start because I believe the plug is fouled. I used the spare this winter when it wouldn't start one time. If I pull the plug and hold it against the engine the spark is weak and scattered to the shell of the plug so I am calling that fouled. So I believe a new plug will get me going. But the point of this question is should I get the CR7E since I understand they are hotter? Or is there something I can do to prevent the fouling. The plug resistor is black not tan when pulled and examined. The engine used no oil in the last 500 miles before last oil change.

Thanks if you have any comments

 

In my biased opinion, you are better off running what the manufacture recommended, unless you have played with the carb jetting or installed an aftermarket CDI or a add-on box to the CDI. Why, because the engine manufacture and Arctic spent a bunch of hours doing research and development to determine which plug is best for the stock engine. NGK at their web site says your 500 should use the CR8E. I would go with what the manufacture spec'ed unless there was a service bulletin changing it. In 1999 thru 2002 AC spec'ed a CR6E, from 2003 to the present they list the CR6E as primary plug and CR7E and CR8E as optional plugs in the parts catalog, but it list only the CR6E in my 2001 and 2005 service manuals. So I guess you choose. I am not familiar with NGKs numbering systen to know which they heat ranges are from their numbers, I am with Champion but NGK and their web site is no help.

 

Arctic Cat started out with the 8's and went to 7's and finally 6's. The CR6E is the correct plug to use. NGK heat ranges go from higher number ( colder ) down to lower number ( hotter ). 6's are hotter tha 8's.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll try to remember that NGK numbers their heat range in reverse. And the 8's are why he keeps fouling his plugs.

 

Bear 4570 and Tork,
Thanks for the reply. Had a long day and just got home. I did stop by and talk with several of the guys at the dealer counter. One said some run CR6E's in the winter here. He did not push a recomendation so I bought a couple of CR7E's. I had not seen your replies at that time. Just now put one in and it started right up, didn't seem to be running the best but it is cool. At least it will start so i can fool with it when I get some time. I'll see how the 7's perform

I think I need to get with the forum administrator about my nickname. I didn't ask to be "weekend Warrior".

 

Weekend warrior is part of how many post you have. As your post count goes up the name will change.