I got caught recently by the fake NGK plugs.
Most of the techniques on Youtube or online didn't work to identify them. And it was the weekend, so calling the manufacturer was out of question.
How I was able to determine was based on the welds to the center electrode. Genuine NGK plugs had very noticeable and consistent welding left-overs (I don't know the technical term) on both sides of the ground electrode that was welded on during the processing.
My fakes were completely inconsistent. And the ground electrode was *slightly* too long. And upon closer examination, the fake plugs lacked the precious metal tip, but had been shined up to make it appear as though one existed.
Most of the techniques on Youtube or online didn't work to identify them. And it was the weekend, so calling the manufacturer was out of question.
How I was able to determine was based on the welds to the center electrode. Genuine NGK plugs had very noticeable and consistent welding left-overs (I don't know the technical term) on both sides of the ground electrode that was welded on during the processing.
My fakes were completely inconsistent. And the ground electrode was *slightly* too long. And upon closer examination, the fake plugs lacked the precious metal tip, but had been shined up to make it appear as though one existed.