Platinum spark plugs?

**gungatim** · 12-22-2015, 06:37 AM

on another forum we were debating the use of platinum spark plugs and their (perceived) benefits and it got me wondering...how much platinum is in these, and can they be recycled profitably like catalytic convertors? I have a box of old platinum plugs that are in good shape from various cars (hate to throw stuff out), and I see them all over the ground at junk yards...

anyone ever do this?

**wayne1956** · 12-22-2015, 06:53 AM

Put "platinum" in the search box and you will find it has been discussed several times before on this forum.

**gungatim** · 12-22-2015, 07:15 AM

duh...shoulda done a search...

well did a search and didn't find much, but what I did leads me to believe nobody is recycling them unfortunately. but lots of threads mentioned O2 sensors (which I knew), and it got me wondering about sensors in CO, CO2, and all ventless heaters that are now required to have O2 sensors in them....more searching I guess...

**webuyselltradestuff** · 12-22-2015, 10:40 AM

there is a very small amount of platinum in them...it will take quite a few to be worthwhile, BUT it is something that can add up over time.

**alloy2** · 12-22-2015, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by gungatim

on another forum we were debating the use of platinum spark plugs and their (perceived) benefits and it got me wondering...how much platinum is in these, and can they be recycled profitably like catalytic convertors? I have a box of old platinum plugs that are in good shape from various cars (hate to throw stuff out), and I see them all over the ground at junk yards...

anyone ever do this?

Platinum spark plugs must be worth something, the owner of this Bell Jet Ranger recycles them.

**webuyselltradestuff** · 12-22-2015, 04:48 PM

well ANYTHING recycled in bulk can get you the Bell...LOL...just saying....of course there is value, it is a precious metal. You just have to have a large enough supply to make the $$$ you want to make....ie a box ain't gonna do it

A gaylord or 2, well now your are talking. From my reading, only the very tip of the plug is platinum, gold or palladium....and the whole reason they get changed out is they have worn out. Their always is SOME residual left, but it would have to be very very little.

These guys had a thread on it and a diagram that shows the part that has the PM

Platinum recovery/Spark plugs

Alot of newer ones have iridium. I did a quick search and the goldrefining forum had some posts that estimated about 80 plugs CAN yield about a gram...YMMV of course. Do some more research and see if the iridium is worth it along with the rest and then do the math.