Checking for counterfeit parts.

[ATex7239]

Purchased (4) NGK Lazer Iriduim (SILZKR7B11) Spark Plugs on Labor Day Sale from Autozone. Checked gap (1.1mm), resistance (5k Ohm) and gave them a visual inspection. With all the counterfeits these days I’m pretty cautious about checking things even from reputable places. Everything is pretty consistent here so think they’re good. Daughter’s Hyundai is overdue so we’ll be installing these once the heat lets up.

How much do you check parts before you’re confidence in using them?

 

[daves87rs]

True, sure there is part switching going on at AZ……

 

[The_Jeff]

I'd be pretty confident buying from B&M stores, online branded dealers, and Rockauto. Yes there could be return fraud but I could get struck by lightning tomorrow too.

 

[ATex7239]

I'd be pretty confident buying from B&M stores, online branded dealers, and Rockauto. Yes there could be return fraud but I could get struck by lightning tomorrow too.

I’ve gotten fake parts before. Haven’t experienced the return fraud though.

 

[Zee09]

When buying Fram oil filters I always make sure I opt for the counterfeit ones. That way i know I'm getting top quality...

 

[tblt44]

E bay and Amazon i would think the most fakes come from.
Parts store would be less likely

 

[ATex7239]

When buying Fram oil filters I always make sure I opt for the counterfeit ones. That way i know I'm getting top quality...

I buy only Toyota oil filters cause they make the best lanterns.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I don't think Autozone is selling counterfeits.

 

[dogememe]

I don't think Autozone is selling counterfeits.

Not on purpose, but people can buy genuine at the parts store, buy fake on eBay for cheap, then refund the fake ones at the parts store for a refund of the genuine price… and now there are fake plugs in stock in the parts store. I’ve caught people trying this at least once… who knows how many times it actually happens across the country.

 

[ATex7239]

Not on purpose, but people can buy genuine at the parts store, buy fake on eBay for cheap, then refund the fake ones at the parts store for a refund of the genuine price… and now there are fake plugs in stock in the parts store. I’ve caught people trying this at least once… who knows how many times it actually happens across the country.

15 minutes of my time on a lazy Sunday afternoon to do a few checks is well worth the peace of mind.

 

[mnmarlin]

I've wondered about the last couple AC Delco oil filters that I've recieved from Amazon, the packaging is suspect. One I got loose in the box and it didn't even have the rubber seal on it. The last one I got had no country of origin on the package (didn't check until after I already had it installed so I didn't check on the filter itself). Guess I'll start buying from the local parts store.

 

[Capt W]

When you buy from Amazon, pay close attention to the rightmost column under the price. It will always say "Shipped by" and "Sold by." If these are both Amazon, or if one's Amazon and the other is a reputable seller (like Summit Racing), you'll be fine.

If one (or both) of them says "Sold by Ping Ding Chong Dong Auto Parts," I'd probably run. Gotta check all the details.

 

[dogememe]

When you buy from Amazon, pay close attention to the rightmost column under the price. It will always say "Shipped by" and "Sold by." If these are both Amazon, or if one's Amazon and the other is a reputable seller (like Summit Racing), you'll be fine.

If one (or both) of them says "Sold by Ping Ding Chong Dong Auto Parts," I'd probably run. Gotta check all the details.

Unfortunately Amazon inventory and 3rd party seller inventory gets mixed if they use Fulfilled by Amazon. So even shipped and sold by Amazon could have come from some random seller if that’s what in the closer Amazon warehouse to you.

 

[Capt W]

Blimey! Didn't know that. Have always had good luck with stuff straight from Amazon. Ugh.

 

[Ursatdx]

15 minutes of my time on a lazy Sunday afternoon to do a few checks is well worth the peace of mind.

Is there a standard measure of resistance one can expect from a spark plug or
does it vary from plug to plug?

 

[ATex7239]

Is there a standard measure of resistance one can expect from a spark plug or
does it vary from plug to plug?

It can vary a little. Just did a quick search online to find the value.

https://www.ngk.com/ngk-9723-silzkr7b11-laser-iridium-spark-plug

 

[circuitsmith]

A counterfeit can read proper resistance, but the electrodes are not noble (iridium/platinum) metal, which erodes quickly.

ngk.com is a legit online vendor.

 

[Randol]

Just like in aerospace, controlling your source of supply is your #1 defense.

 

[repairman54]

I've wondered about the last couple AC Delco oil filters that I've recieved from Amazon, the packaging is suspect. One I got loose in the box and it didn't even have the rubber seal on it. The last one I got had no country of origin on the package (didn't check until after I already had it installed so I didn't check on the filter itself). Guess I'll start buying from the local parts store.

My fleet all use the PF63 filter. I only use the GM UPF63R filters which I buy through RA. Just did an oil change yesterday and on the filter it said product of USA. No origin on the box even though the box has hieroglyphics on it.

 

[ATex7239]

A counterfeit can read proper resistance, but the electrodes are not noble (iridium/platinum) metal, which erodes quickly.

ngk.com is a legit online vendor.

It’s just basic checks looking for consistency. Can only do so much.