Spark Plug Brand Comparison

[neller]

My mechanic tells me that all the new reference materials for plugs for my engine (1979 Mercury 40 hp) will call for a NGK BUHW spark plug. This is true. In the old shop manual it calls for a champion Q77V.

He says to throw away the NGK plugs and try the Champions as they were the plug originally used and tested for the engine. Anyone else have similar thoughts?

I have bought the QL76Vs, as they only make 76V and 78V now, and am going to give it a try.

p.s. The BUHW plugs seem to foul easy in my engine.

 

[642mx]

Re: Spark Plug Brand Comparison

IMO, NGK makes one of the best plugs you can buy. Champion plugs are not the worst plug ever, but I would only run them in my mower or pressure washer.

There are 100 reasons why engines foul plugs, but most of the time its not the plugs fault. (unless its a Bosch plug, which is probably the worst plug ever made.. they are known to mis-fire in auto applications)

 

[Stachi]

Re: Spark Plug Brand Comparison

IMO, NGK makes one of the best plugs you can buy. Champion plugs are not the worst plug ever, but I would only run them in my mower or pressure washer.

There are 100 reasons why engines foul plugs, but most of the time its not the plugs fault. (unless its a Bosch plug, which is probably the worst plug ever made.. they are known to mis-fire in auto applications)

I agree.... with most of it...I wouldn't screw a champion or ac delco into the ground...and Bosch is even worse...the only auto's we put Bosch into , are German brands...Japanese cars get NGK or Denso, domestics get Autolite

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Spark Plug Brand Comparison

Stick with what the manufacturer recommends.
The motor was developed with them.
My 2 cents.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Spark Plug Brand Comparison

Stick with what the manufacturer recommends.
The motor was developed with them.
My 2 cents.

I agree, but have a question. As an example, my engine (and manual) is 26 yrs old (1984). In the 26 years, haven't there been improvements to spark plugs? Wouldn't it stand to reason to some degree, that a different brand then what was originally recommended could be a better choice present day? I've heard that the NGK iridium plugs are the best out there today (or a better product then was available in 1984), and was thinking of using the comparable NGK iridium on my next tune-up. I'm sure this would apply to any 'older' engine and its respective plugs.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Spark Plug Brand Comparison

I agree, but have a question. As an example, my engine (and manual) is 26 yrs old (1984). In the 26 years, haven't there been improvements to spark plugs? Wouldn't it stand to reason to some degree, that a different brand then what was originally recommended could be a better choice present day? I've heard that the NGK iridium plugs are the best out there today (or a better product then was available in 1984), and was thinking of using the comparable NGK iridium on my next tune-up. I'm sure this would apply to any 'older' engine and its respective plugs.

Frankly, no. Some brands might use better materials, or have stricter assembly methods and quality control than others, but a spark plug is a spark plug. It's about as simple a device as you'll find anywhere, and it hasn't changed significantly since the invention of the internal combustion engine.

What with electronic ignition and the precise fuel metering of injection, a spark plug (unless it's defective) in a well-tuned motor will last darned near forever.

Compare it to the cooling thermostat in any motor anywhere. It's a valve operated by a metallic spring whose expansion/contraction properties in relation to heat are completely known and understood. It's simple, cheap and effective with no room or need for improvement.

My ,02

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Spark Plug Brand Comparison

I've been using NGK's for years with no problems.

 

[riptide09]

Re: Spark Plug Brand Comparison

This link leads to an interesting discussion of NGK vs. Champion for OMC, Johnson, Evinruide

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=2746675#post2746675

My 2 cents worth. My Johnson came with Champions in it. The owners manual only lists Champions. The motor runs fine and I have never had a problem with the plugs. If it isn't broke, don't fix it.