PSA: NGK spark plugs superseded?

[Ali_Boz]

Hi all,

Went into the local repco after a set of NGK BP6EFS plugs for my 300TE however they told me they had been superseded by a R type plug so I bought the BP6EFS-13 plugs instead. However the another auto store had the BP6EFS in stock so be weary which store you're at to make sure you get the non-resistor copper plugs if they're the ones you want.

thanks

[MMWA]

theres tons on ebay.

What are these plugs used for ?

I bought all remaining new old stock champion and bosch plugs factory specified for my australia version m104.980 and will continue to do so as they show up. One will have to pry them from my cold dead hands if they wanted any.

[Ali_Boz]

I have a workshop manual that recommends the NGK BP6EFS plugs and I've used them hassle free as they are/were available at retail outlets. What are the stock numbers for the champion and bosch plugs?

not too sure where you'd use the -13 or the R but I don't think they're for a 103/104

[gjlockyer]

Just got a pack of 36 NGK BP6EFS plugs from an Australian eBay seller for $42 post paid. Yes 36 plugs for $42! Picked them up from a local Woolworths Supermarket parcel collection point. Should keep me (and the car) going for a bit. Unfortunately I got the last of them from him.

[gjlockyer]

OK, now for the bad news. Just changed the plugs on the 300E 2.6 I drove down from Queensland four months back. Original owner and just 152,000K, and at a very good price but uncertain maintenance over the past decade using any old garage that was handy. I figured the great body and interior was worth any hassles that I found. Mostly the problems have been lack of preventative maintenance and easily fixed.
Just pulled the plugs that were in the car - Bosch FR7DC4, totally wrong plugs, square seats, not tapered and with a washer. Five changed out OK but at No4 cylinder, I can't tighten the new correct NGK plug up; the thread seems damaged in some way. The plug is reasonably tight, but if pressed any further it just keeps turning round. Looks like I'm going to be up for a head job. I'll probably take the the head off my parts car and do it up in my own (slow) time. Alternatively, anyone know if its possible to repair the damaged thread without taking the head off?
In any case, an object lesson to use the correct parts! Using the correct plugs also immediately fixed the slight hesitation when starting off and acceleration is much better. A very pronounced improvement!

[Bartman4800]

You can buy a kit (quite cheaply) with a helicoil to repair 1 spark plug port.
It drills and taps in the same go.

About 50 aud; Repco sells them and probably others.
Sealing of the plug is still on the conical seat so makes no difference.


Bart

[Lance]

I've seen those advertised but how do you prevent the swarf from falling into the combustion chamber?

[Bartman4800]

You put a lot of grease on the cutouts of the tap. The swarf will stick on that.

The rest is blown out with the air gun. Make sure your engine is in compression stroke on that cylinder so the valves are closed.


Regards, Bart

[Ivanerrol]

If you are not confidant of doing it yourself, there are mechanics who will do it for you. Some even come to where your car is.

[gjlockyer]

Thank you one and all for your help. I thought that the head had to be off for the helicoil procedure. I'll follow it up and get it done asap. The plug has not come loose after 200 k's around town. I've taken it out and wiped off most of the small dab of applied copper grease - I wouldn't mind if the plug seized up a bit! but I will get an experienced mechanic to put a helicoil in as I don't think I'll attempt it myself.

[gjlockyer]

Now some good news, but a mystery! After a lengthy run I checked the suspect plug to make sure it was still as tight as I could get it - and it seated home perfectly! Couldn't believe it, so I took it out entirely and then put it back, again to the correct torque. No sign of it refusing to fully tighten up and keep turning. I'll keep checking it for a bit, but it seems that it has fixed itself. Can't explain it; beyond my experience (and I'd love a dollar for every plug I've ever changed), but I'm smiling!

[Ali_Boz]

Just got a pack of 36 NGK BP6EFS plugs from an Australian eBay seller for $42 post paid.

Next time I do a plug and oil swap I'll be buying those ngk bp6efs in bulk to stockpile, that's for sure !!!!

[Ivanerrol]

Bought some BCP6ES yesterday at Repco.
When the batch they have is gone, then that’s it.

Stoopercheep didn’t have any in stock but could order them in - penalty for ordering in - $10.00 per plug

The NGK book lists the resistive types for our cars. I pointed out that the book is incorrect.

The car I bought these for was using resistive types. They had 15,000ks on them and already causing misfires - besides the gap being way out.