Will Champion or NGK spark plug work better than generic Chinese?

[wavinwayne]

NGK always for me, everything from cars to the bike to the OPE. Menards sells multiple different NGK plugs for OPE for literally $2.99 each for those in the Midwest.

Assuming this NGK works well, I'll use NGK going forward for my saw and Echo trimmer (need to do end of season maintenance on the trimmer). The other OPE I maintain right now is the John Deere ZT mower, but I use John Deere branded plugs (not sure who makes them) in it which work perfect so no need to change.

 

[cptbarkey]

My Predator generator was surging, cleaning out the upper jet fixed it. It only has about 7 hours. I put in an NGK BPR6ES also and its now running smooth as silk. Going to run it the next month or so with an SDS hammer digging out clay.

Here is what the torch spark plug looks like, not bad I guess but its tossed.

 

[wavinwayne]

Here's the SAP plug that came with the Hipa tune-up kit for my chainsaw. I probably only ran it for an hour tops. It looks fine but since I believe it's a rebranded Torch, it got tossed. No regrets.

 

[wavinwayne]

And the new NGK that went in the saw:

 

[cptbarkey]

One more torch spark plug (left), new NGK on the right. The torch was in a 9000w predator for about 7 hours. Couldn’t tell the difference after installation, she is a loud beast of a generator.

 

[Texcl2]

I use predator engines on my surface drive boat and the first thing I do with a new powerhead is change the plug out with a NGK. I can’t risk that motor crapping out way back in a marsh. Same with pretty much any small engine I use like on a generator, even name brand equipment sometimes come with torch plugs.

 

[nbpt100]

I have never trusted those no name Asian plugs that come in tune up kits. You do not have a way of x-refing them to the plug spec from the manufacturer. Why put yourself in that situation where you have no idea what you have. I have seen them work at times . But the reliability and performance is sketchy. You can x-ref Torche plugs but I have seen poor longevity and some reliability issues with them. If it is working for you fine. Keep using it but have a spare NGK, Champion or even Autolite as a back up as many have already suggested. Recently I have read people have seen quality issues with Champion plugs. Champion have been the cornerstone of American Small engines. I still use them on Briggs and Tecemseh engines. I personally have never had a problem. Maybe these people bought counterfeits.????? A few years ago there was a spike in Counterfiet Bosh spark plugs purchased on the internet. If you buy from your local auto part store you should be fine.

 

[wavinwayne]

@nbpt100 I tossed that plug that came with the tune-up kit and installed an NGK, and I have a spare NGK but hopefully it'll never be needed.

 

[jeepman3071]

I have never trusted those no name Asian plugs that come in tune up kits. You do not have a way of x-refing them to the plug spec from the manufacturer. Why put yourself in that situation where you have no idea what you have. I have seen them work at times . But the reliability and performance is sketchy. You can x-ref Torche plugs but I have seen poor longevity and some reliability issues with them. If it is working for you fine. Keep using it but have a spare NGK, Champion or even Autolite as a back up as many have already suggested. Recently I have read people have seen quality issues with Champion plugs. Champion have been the cornerstone of American Small engines. I still use them on Briggs and Tecemseh engines. I personally have never had a problem. Maybe these people bought counterfeits.????? A few years ago there was a spike in Counterfiet Bosh spark plugs purchased on the internet. If you buy from your local auto part store you should be fine.

I haven't had issues with Champions either. I typically replace plugs with what is spec'd for the engine originally, and most Briggs and Kohlers come with Champions. Hondas and Kawasakis will come with NGK, but some older Kawasakis came with Champions. The only area where I differ is exchanging the Torch plugs for equivalent NGK.

 

[nbpt100]

I haven't had issues with Champions either. I typically replace plugs with what is spec'd for the engine originally, and most Briggs and Kohlers come with Champions. Hondas and Kawasakis will come with NGK, but some older Kawasakis came with Champions. The only area where I differ is exchanging the Torch plugs for equivalent NGK.

I would say we pretty much have come to the same conclusions. Other than keeping an OEM installed Torche as long as it is working. However, if not working well I replace with an NGK.

 

[Silverado12]

I've been using NGK lately and they're good spark plugs but I only have one Chinese motor and it's on a low hours Craftsman tiller. They've really good in my Briggs motors too.

 

[Johnny248]

Always NGK.