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Spark Plugs

Just a quick note on the question of which spark plug is correct. The reason for some of the confusion is due to the advances in plug technology that allow a given plug to cover a wider heat range. That is why you see some plugs, like the champion heat range 7, becoming hard to find or out of production. Champion 9's cover a lot of heat ranges that used require a lot of different plugs. Same for the same heat range called out for the turbo and the non-turbo. Nowdays one plug can cover them both. The days of "hot plugs" and "cold plugs" is pretty much history unless you're into some EXTREME applications.








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Re: Spark Plugs S70 1998

I just ordered five NGK spark plugs for my S70. The part # is BKR6EKUB. They are dual ground electrode plugs. They are recommended by NKG for 1999and current S70 model. Since my experience with multi-electrode plugs in my five cylinder Audi is very favoriable over single electrode, I will give it a try.








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Re: Spark Plugs

The current Volvo spark plug listing is:

X40 I4 turbo- 272344 Double platinum

850/X70/S60 I5 turbo- 272313 Double platinum

S80 I6 turbo- 272367 Double platinum

850/X70/S60 I5 n/a 8642660 Tri-electrode

S80 I6 n/a 8642661 Tri-electrode

The turbos all use the same plug- the different part numbers are for different quantities in the package- same thing on the n/a cars. Currently, the turbo plugs are made in UK, the n/a plugs in France.

Dave the Volvo Tech

'99 V70R AWD, '93 854 GLT, '82 242 DL








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Re: Spark Plugs

Steve-

When the I5 motors first came out, they used a copper core plug with one ground electrode. Turbo or no, same plug. Then they had some issues with the non-turbo cars fouling the plugs on a cold start. The solution was a multi-electrode plug. At the same time, they went to a 'dual-platinum' plug for the turbo engines. Volvo now has two distinct spark plugs for the 'white motor', depending on whether it is turbo or normally aspirated. Same plug for 4/5/6 cylinders respectively. The correct plug is the one the manufacturer specifies.

Dave the Volvo Tech

'99 V70R AWD, '93 854 GLT, '82 242 DL








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Re: Spark Plugs S70 1998

Do you have the part # for the multi-electro spark plugs? I wonder if Bosch makes one!








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Re: Spark Plugs S70 1998

Chuck-

I'll check at work tomorrow and get the part #s for 5 and 6 cyl turbo and n/a applications. We use OEM exclusively and other than the cold start flooding on cars that are started/shut off cold and the few that need SW upgrades, see no problems with misfire or hard starting on any of these cars for the 30k interval recommended on plugs.\

Dave the Volvo Tech

'99 V70R AWD, '93 854 GLT, '82 242 DL








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Re: Spark Plugs

Problem is the original owners manuals and a lot of the aftermarket catalogs don't reflect that kind of info. Single massive electrode plugs are what you get over the counter. For most apps they function fine. The platinum and multi electrode are the way to go for sure if you want long plug life and that last ounce of performance.








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Re: Spark Plugs

What's wrong with the OEM plugs that Volvos engineers use, sold at Volvo dealers? They last at least 30K miles, starts the engine when cold/hot and does exactly what is was designed to do.

Aftermarket plugs won't improve anything despite the hype written in their advertising sometimes (like better mileage/performance.....NOT possible).

Considering all the engineering that went into that engine, fuel and ignition systems, do you think that they'd skimp on spark plugs for some odd reason?








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Re: Spark Plugs

The Platinum plugs in my Ford Ranger are good for 100,000mi. as are most new engine applications. (You wouldn't want to leave them in that long 'cause you'd have a devil of a time removing them) The new electronic ignition systems plus the exotic electrode materials make for great plug life. Even an old massive electrode plug will last 15-20k with electronic ignition.

You're right about the hype for spark plugs. If your ignition system is in good shape any (recommended) plug will do. If your system is getting a little weak exotic electrodes may help. Multi electrodes extend the life of the spark gap as they present more surface area for the spark to errode. The spark can only jump to the single closest point. As that point errodes, the spark chooses the next closest point. One spark at a time. No matter how many electrodes there are. Splitfires are big on the hype.









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100,000 mile Spark Plugs

In 2000 Volvo also went to 100,000 mile spark plugs and they're the exact same plug (same PN) as the previous year where the recommended replacement interval was 30K miles. Someone might say something changed with the fuel/ign system (and yes, there were some changes in 2000) but ? (same plugs)

Also consider that being there's a 5/50 emisions warranty in the US, the plugs that Volvo installs from day 1 have to be good enough to keep their engines running lean and efficient or if the plugs were at fault, it'd cost Volvo money. That doesn't mean that those plugs should be left alone until after the 5/50 warranty because Volvo still wanted them replaced at 30K miles to be on the safe side, but I bet they'd go to 50K miles +.

In my experience repairing Volvos since '84 for a living, I've seen few if any problems with their OEM plugs in any of their engines. I can't honestly say the same for other brands of plugs that I've found installed in an engine with starting or driveability problems.








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Re: Spark Plugs

Do I believe Volvo only uses parts of the highest possible quality, regardless of cost?? Not really!! Actually, I believe that Volvo, like every other manufacturer, compromises between cost and quality. I suspect they use the cheapest parts available that meet their minimum standards of performance and reliability. OEM spark plugs are probably fine, but it's a stretch to say they're the best available. Ditto with tires, brakes, audio components, upholstery, lights, and most everything else on the car.








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still... Spark Plugs?

Volvo claims to have little to do with tires so I'd agree there but the rest: "brakes, audio components, upholstery, lights, and

most everything else on the car" ......isn't that what makes it a Volvo?

As for Spark plugs, how much better can a spark plug really be and why?

I'm a firm believer of using OEM parts for all my cars unless we're talking about audio equipment or "mods" (another story).








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Re: still... Spark Plugs?

I think it would still be a Volvo, unless you jacked it up and ran a Volkswagen under it.

My point was that all manufacturers make quality vs cost compromises. Therefore, OEM replacement parts are not likely to be the best available. I doubt that there's many OEM components on a NASCAR car. I agree that OEM replacement parts are superior to a lot of stuff available in parts stores, but there's probably better replacement parts available if one is willing to pay the price.








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Re: still... Spark Plugs?

With some things we're in agreement here but spark plugs aren't one of them. I also use OEM brake pads in my Volvo even though they produce more dust than most people like.

I personally like OEM ignition parts, oil filters, brake pads, coolant, hoses, belts and a few other items compared to aftermarket but I have my reasons too , mostly based on experience.








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Re: still... Spark Plugs? ALL 85

Any experiences with Volvo/Bosch plugs coming apart? The German-made oem Volvo branded plug in my #3 cylinder on '85 740 GLE with only 61000 miles (yes) came apart leaving only the threaded tube and welded-on electrode stuck in the head. I found the intact porcelain core below on a heat shield, the hex nut and swaged-on ring were separated in my 13/16ths socket. Burns inside showed this plug was coming apart into its original components. The car had been tuned about 35,000 ago and was starting to run just a little ragged. After 3 hrs, I successful removed it with a #5, good quality extractor, I replaced the Volvo plugs with NGK. I am 59, have changed a lot of plugs, and have never seen this.








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Re: still... Spark Plugs? ALL 85

Michael-

Only time I have seen an OE plug come apart was when it was overtightened. The torque spec is 18 ft/lbs. I ALWAYS us a torque wrench and anti-seize when installing plugs. Saves on the grief you describe. Also, the heat range of a plug depends on the tightening torque. It makes me cringe when I see someone 'install' plugs with air tools.

Dave the Volvo Tech

'99 V70R AWD, '93 854 GLT, '82 242 DL








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Re: still... Spark Plugs? ALL 85

I've never seen that happen to any OEM plug and I've been an auto tech for a living since '78. That doesn't mean that I doubt you or say that it's impossible, just VERY rare IMHO and that I personally have never seen or heard of that occuring before. Strange things can happen too as I've had a few unusual things occur to my cars over the years as well.








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Re: still... Spark Plugs? ALL 85

I changed nmy first set of plugs in 1955 and have never seen a plug come apart. Neither have I ever broken a plug. I contacted Volvo today at the 800# and asked them if they would like to have the plug. The customer service tech said he would send the report to the product group and they would respond if they deemed it necessary. When the plug disassembled on Monday, I had a terrible feeling that a piece was going to end up in the combustion chamber and do something terrible to the low-mile engine. I was sooo relieved to find the intact porcelain core. It meant no worries about destroying a valve or damaging the cylinder. In checking the records, the plug was actually installed at around 23,500 miles in 1997 in Cincinnati, Ohio, by the former service manager of Beechmont Motors. All other service was performed by Ravenna Volvo in Seattle. I had never before attempted to do anything to the Volvo on my own, except wash it and drive it.







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