Technical Iridium Spark Plugs

[Adam1984]

Hello.

So I got some Bosch Spark plugs today, but they say on packaging made in China

I did want iridium but says on listing pages for them fuel type: LPG or CPC. I have a petrol 1.2 so does that mean not compatible with my panda.

Otherwise looking at Denso TT plugs, any thoughts on Denso?

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Adam - two simple questions:
(1) why do you think you need to change your spark plugs
(2) why do you think you need iridium?
(And as an aside, what’s wrong with China? My iPhone is an example of the great quality that can come from there)

To answer them:
In the really rather simple Panda 1.2 engine, the plugs don’t get taken to extremes, and are good for 20,000 miles and more. Is there any sign of wear (burned tips, cracked insulator cores etc?) or of oil- or soot contamination? No? In that case they’re fine (you’ve told us they’ve done 3000 miles)

And iridium? In many more modern engines, the spark plugs are inaccessible without removing quite a lot of external parts (such as manifolds and injection systems). For that reason, longer life plugs are specified to mean they can be changed even less often. And in high performance engines under greater strain (mostly heat), they are more durable.

You’ve just had your car fixed. Now, you can leave the engine alone for at least a year. And in 12 months time the oil can be changed

There’s a lovely maxim: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix.

 

[Adam1984]

Well after my can belt was out by a tooth for about 6 months, the garage told me that the stress it causes on the plugs might be worth getting new ones.

I just got some anyway as only was £19. Am my mechanic friend in the garage will do them for free.

I ended up going for some Denso TT plugs.

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

Don't know about the 1.2, but the 0.9 needs Iridium NGK plugs ( according to handbook) and they need to changed every 30.000km (=18000-19000mls)
And since some time, those NGK's are made in Thailand...!!

 

[The Panda Nut]

1.2 standard FPT plugs are not iridium. Iridium will be fine though and many on here use them. 1.2 plugs getting fouled is not unknown. The stronger spark from an iridium plug may be of benefit. £19 for 4 oem grade plugs would be a first for me. Its strong value.

 

[Adam1984]

1.2 standard FPT plugs are not iridium. Iridium will be fine though and many on here use them. 1.2 plugs getting fouled is not unknown. The stronger spark from an iridium plug may be of benefit. £19 for 4 oem grade plugs would be a first for me. Its strong value.

I have ordered some Denso TT spark plug they are a upgrade but still nickel. The iridium ones only say LPG or CPC fuel type. I have petrol.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

…. £19 for 4 oem grade plugs would be a first for me. Its strong value.

It does seem that spark plugs have become less expensive now.

GSF car parts list the Denso plugs at around a fiver each:
https://www.gsfcarparts.com/products/spark-plug-xu22tt-denxu22tt

Even the genuine Fiat-labelled originals are only a tad more:

Alfa Romeo | Fiat - 1.2/1.4 8v Spark Plug 55190788

www.shop4parts.co.uk