Spark plugs replaced. Pic

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Feb 22, 2011
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2017 Nissan Quest. 125k. Original plugs were replaced today. I was in a hurry to pick it up, so the picture isn't great. Hardly any wear. Plugs are amazing these days

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Allegedly the gap alone doesn't necessarily indicate wear on modern iridiums? I'm not positive if this is true?
 
I had him replace with Iridium LL.

I have to laugh. He had a tray of multiple plug change outs in the same tray. I just grabbed quick without thinking. That one on the left may actually be from another car
 
Any particular reason vs NGK Jeff?
I've purchased 3 sets of fake NGKs off Amazon, that I know of. Of course, that's hardly NGK's fault. It did sour me.
I no longer use Amazon for spark plugs.

Fun fact: our beloved 2006 TSX with the mighty K24 4 banger came from the factory with 2 NGK and 2 Denso plugs.

NGK makes great plugs. I'm sure I will buy them again, just not from Amazon.
 
I've purchased 3 sets of fake NGKs off Amazon, that I know of. Of course, that's hardly NGK's fault. It did sour me.
I no longer use Amazon for spark plugs.

Fun fact: our beloved 2006 TSX with the mighty K24 4 banger came from the factory with 2 NGK and 2 Denso plugs.

NGK makes great plugs. I'm sure I will buy them again, just not from Amazon.
Wasted-spark ignition, or coil-on-plug?

If wasted-spark, I would guess the Denso were double precious-metal, and the NGKs were not.

If COP, that was likely Honda treating both plug manufacturers equally.
 
Wasted-spark ignition, or coil-on-plug?

If wasted-spark, I would guess the Denso were double precious-metal, and the NGKs were not.

If COP, that was likely Honda treating both plug manufacturers equally.
Coil-on-plug. I guess the assembler just grabbed some plugs and went for it. The K24 now has 235K on the clock and does not burn a drop; it's lived on a steady diet of M1 5w30 at 4,500 OCIs. Great car.
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This might be a Gray question, but how do you know if you're getting a counterfeit spark plug.?

And any suggestions were to get a non counterfeit one?
There are some checks out there, just Google NGK fake plugs. I found out the hard way; they started throwing CELs.

My practice is to not buy plugs from Amazon. RockAuto or local parts stores are safe, in my experience.
I once got fake "Denso" coils for my old Tundra from Amazon as well. Sheesh. If it's too good to be true, it probably not true.
 
This might be a Gray question, but how do you know if you're getting a counterfeit spark plug.?

And any suggestions were to get a non counterfeit one?
It's difficult. As stated, buy from B&M or RA. Even then, look for signs someone has handled (possibly swapped) them.

One big tell IME is gaps that are all over the place. They should all be gapped the same or very close, and gapped at what the manufacturer says they set them at.

I know some say with modern Iridiums you shouldn't even check the gap for fear of damaging the electrode, but I reject that if for no other reason than what we're discussing right here ‐‐ it's simply impractical

If in doubt, compare pics to manufacturer images. Look at every detail and shape/design.

And yeah, if they're cheaper than competitive retail, probably fake. A smart scammer would just charge normal prices, and I keep fearing they've figured that out.

So yeah, it's a pain.

Sometimes OE Motorcraft plugs come withOUT the cardboard protector sleeve and fakes may get it (IME), so even THAT can be difficult to interpret.
 
Amazon becoming the new Ebay Wild West. Good. Back to brick stores like you should.

Professional opinion:
NGK were garbage up 'till they started appearing as Ir O.E. - Especially the USA steel service parts

Low Ni steel ground straps that quickly eroded, narrow heat range capability, overheating, pinging.

Denso was O.E Toyota and Subaru, Many Japan-sourced Subaru engine came with Champion USA plugs and USA Packard wire.

NGK makes a good Ir plug now.
 
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There are some checks out there, just Google NGK fake plugs. I found out the hard way; they started throwing CELs.

My practice is to not buy plugs from Amazon. RockAuto or local parts stores are safe, in my experience.
I once got fake "Denso" coils for my old Tundra from Amazon as well. Sheesh. If it's too good to be true, it probably not true.
Perhaps I'll just pick up plugs from the dealership when my miles add up.

I'm not too trustworthy on some of these auto parts stores, mostly because I'm not sure where they get their products and most that I read on the packages are usually from a global vendors that probably isn't regulated. These offshore folks can really copy items perfectly these days. It's pretty much a requirement in their countries to be able to mimic the US products.
I won't digress because this could easily launch into a political genre. Thank you
 
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