What type of spark plugs do you recommend for the volvo's and any preference where I should get it? Thanks.

 

Please read this article I wrote on my S40 site. I did some research on plugs.

http://www.freeforums.in/phpbb/viewt...m=s40forums#33

Rich

 

thanks!

 

yeah you bet man

 

As a conflicting point of view, I have used successfully Bosch single electrode plugs in my 02 c-70 since the week after I purchased it (02). Since Bosch brought out the plugs I have installed them in all of my autos with both greater performance and longivity. My Hartge H-3 runs Weber 45 DCOEs that are very prone to loading up the plugs and yet they work magnificently. I also have them currently in a 65 Austin Healey, 06 Mazda mx-5, 05 BMW 3 series, and 02 Mazda Millenia. I am simply stating my opinion as the plugs have worked well for me over the years in a plethora of autos................however, it is simply my opinion.

r.

 

So what plugs did you use?

 

Sorry...............I was in a hurry when I posted...............I was speaking of the single electrode platinum. Incidently, I used to use the copper Bosch's but years ago I tried their platinum and swear by them. I am not sure if you would see much improvement in the double or quad plug that they make, although I believe the double plug is original equipment in the 80 series.

r.

 

The only two plugs that worked for me in a 2001 s40 is factory volvo and ngk irridium. Any other plug I tried (bosch) ect. made the car miss.

 

ok well now i'm a little confused on what I should do. I can either go and buy the bosch super plus coppers or the ngk irridiums....what to do...what to do...?

 

Hi mcguij1 & All,

Sorry to jump in, I usually do not go out of the 850 forum but I thought I could leave a suggestion.

It is probably the safest to go with genuine Volvo plugs. They are $28.50 for S40 at FCP Groton:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/sv40/sv40tuneup.htm

Like reg, I've been using Bosch (Platinum +2) andnever had trouble with them. However, recently I'veheard some peoplehaving trouble withthe +2 plug. I am not sure if it was due to defect or incorrect installation (many platinum plugs must not be gapped, or the centre electrode may be damaged).

Platinum plugs are designed to self-clean and generally do not require re-gapping/cleaning. They're good for approx 60,000 miles/100,000 kms. Copper plugs, on the other hand, usually require routine re-gapping & cleaning.

Bosch's plug page: http://www.boschautoparts.com/Products/SparkPlugs/
NGK's FAQ on Plugs: http://www.ngk.com/faqmain.asp


I'll copy & paste what I wrote in the 850 forum; it may be of some use:

*Note on Spark Plugs:
Bosch Platinum +2 seems to have poor reputation, though I myself never had trouble with them. However, Bosch Platinum +4 and NGK Iridium seem to have excellent reputation. For turbo (B5234T), Champion RC7GYC is specified, whereas Bosch FR6DC/Champion RC9YC is specified for non-turbo (B5254S?). The easiest way is to buy genuine Volvo; Turbo $32 (approx)/NA $13 (approx).

Platinum plugs are pre-gapped andre-gapping is generally unnecessary. If re-gapped, the center electrode may be damaged. Never drop a plug onto the floor/ground. Platinum plugs do not require cleaning, as they are designed to self-clean, and are generally good for 60,000 miles/100,000kms. Upon installation, apply anti-seize compound on top few threads (closer to the hex), hand-tighten (extension bar may be used) until tight, then tighten an additional 1/4 turn for gasket-type or 1/8-1/16 turn for non-gasket type, or use a torque wrench to specified torque. Refer to service manual for specific procedure for your engine. Replace plugs only when the engine is cold.

END OF COPY

Again, it would be the best to go with genuine Volvo plugs.

Good luck,


JPN

 

Do I need to stay away from platinum though? I haven't looked yet but what are the oem plugs? there seems to be much debate over spark plugs...I just want a performance plug that will work with my S40 1.9t....

 

JPN, I always gap the Bosch platinum plugs a minimum of .05 greater than what the factory specs call for. On my Hartge they are a tad shy of .10 over. They fire so well that the large gap work very well. I agree, some individuals have a poor experience.................you do have to experiment a bit. If the poster were to gap the .05 greater gap I'll bet he would be well satisfied. I'm surprised that you aren't moderating.....................you would do well there!

REG

 

I have changed the plugs about 6 times on my 2001 s40. The best plugs for me were ngk iridium and volvo factory. Everything else made the car run poorly (All bosch)

 

interesting, because I heard from a realiable source that we should only use copper core plugs for our cars becuase of the turbo's.

 

[quote]ORIGINAL: euro3b

interesting, because I heard from a realiable source that we should only use copper core plugs for our cars becuase of the turbo's.

Why do you think copper is better than platinum?? Why does a turbo call for copper? It is the heat range of the plug and the gap that determines whether the plug is correct for an engine. After 20 plus years of using plantinum (Bosch) plugs in a variety of autos I would not use any thing else.

r.

 

I was talking to IPD and even one of the guys there said you should stay away from plat's in a turbo'd car. BUT is plats have worked for you then thats great.

 

Differing opinion is one of the 'neat' things that this forum offers. The difficulty with differing opinion however is...............who do you believe? You might simply run your own test...........plugs are inexpensive. Now, if you do use the single electrode Bosch platinum plug you should gap it .05 to .08 larger than what the manual calls for. That is the secret to obtaining a good spark from a platinum plug....a wider gap.

Good luck

r.

 

The original volvo brand plugs are platinum.

 

Good infor on the plug reg, thanks man

 

okay I am getting ngk iridiums, does anyone know if they come pregapped or if I have to gap them when they come in? also, what spark wires do you suggest?