I installed Champion Iridium plugs (9804) about 3K ago. Inner and outer electrodes look OK, but there's soot on the ring. I read some pretty strong opinions somewhere about what kind of plugs should or shouldn't be used but can't find where. Any strong views there, and what symptoms would come from using the out-of-favor plugs?

Thanks!

 

I always use Volvo original sparkplugs,thats the safest.

 

I installed Champ's in my 740 once and my gas mileage dropped from 24 mpg to 19. I jerked them things out so fast made my head spin.

 

I've always used NGK plugs and have had very good luck with them; both in my s70 and 240.

 

NGK is what they came with originally but labeled as Volvo.

Its is not NGK it is Bosch, sorry.

 

really? did not know that... always thought they came stock with bosch.

 

Don't ask me why...but B230's HATE Champion plugs the worst of any plug I've run. These cars prefer period correct plugs, i.e., standard copper top plugs. Brands that they like? Bosch, Volvo, NGK and Denso. Buying platinum or iridium plugs, to me, is a waste. Such plugs do have their place; on cars where the intake manifold has to be removed to swap them at 4 hours of labor. Pretty sure o.e. Volvo plugs are Bosch, but I have had equally great service from the 4 I listed.

 

You people are right it is Bosch not NGK. That is what I meant to say but I mixed them up.

 

finding real copper plugs is challenging these days. my old benz also likes the real copper ones, in fact, it likes non-resistor plugs that are really hard to find.

I too have had very good luck with NGK plugs.
Copper Core Spark Plug

or, for turbos...
http://www.ipdusa.com/products/5627/101137-spark-plug

 

I like NGK a lot. Copper plugs work great, I've gotten over 100k mi on a set. There's no point to get an iridium plug to last longer. Plus, iridium is not as good a conductor as copper, so it acts different.