I want to replace the spark plugs in my '05 S60 T5. Any suggestions? I called the dealer (just for fun) and they said they only recommend Volvo plugs, go figure.

Thanks!

 

volvo plugs as far as I know are bosch... go down to advance or autozone and get a nice set of bosch platinums or even iridium fusions if you are willing to spend the extra...

get the +4 platinum boschs for about $4, the iridiums are about $7 or $8

 

Unless you're running tons of boost and are laying down tons of horsepower, I don't think special plugs will be needed.

Just go in to Kragen or something and ask them what kind of plugs they have for your car, then get the cheapest or second cheapest. make sure to gap them right.

I run Champion Copper plugs in my 240 and it runs just as good on these as it did on the Iridiums that were in it before. At stock performance, the gain will be so minimal that you can just negate it.

 

Thanks for the replies! That was very helpful. I ended up with some NGK GP-Platinum plugs. I tossed them in last night, and my baby is runnin' smooth. Thanks again for your help.

 

A very good plug for the price... Tend to use NGK on all my japanese cars at home...
The reason I reccomended the higher end plugs is they simply last longer which means less maintainance required sooner... I guess in lazy and busy, but I much prefer the option of less work, even if the parts cost more..

 

In most cases, I agree with you on the buying parts that last longer. However, when it comes to spark plugs, I don't mind swapping them out a little more often. It gives me an excuse to break away from the "honey do's" around the house.

 

well I guess thats not too much of an issue on my end.. no "honey" to "do" hahhaha

My accord I dont mind getting down under there and fooling around, but the Volvo the less work I have to do the better... I like the car but it doesnt seem to like me back.. always some sort of complication when I do things..

 

That reminds me of my very first car. I would do all my own work on it when things broke, but each time I would wind up with an "extra screw" or two when the work was done. By the time I sold the car, I had a little cup by my toolbox with an assortment of clips and screws and stuff that I couldn't seem to figure out where they had come from. lol... Working on that thing was always an adventure.

 

Somewhat off topic reply, but it does involve spark plugs and other ignition parts. I've pretty much always done my own tune ups. Except on one vehicle that essentially required a hoist to change out the rear 3 plugs...I passed on that one since I'm not that flexible any more.

Anyway, I spent several hours recently trying to locate my xenon timing light. Hadn't used it in years, of course. I needed it for a '74 Honda motorcycle that had.....are your ready.....points and condenser ignition! I doubt that I ever threw it out, but probably loaned it to some SOB who never returned it. Whodathunk I'd need it again?

BTW, Nicholaselias, if I'm reading your name right, don't translate mine for the crowd here. They might wonder.....

 

I just picked up some plugs for my 2002 S60 (non-turbo), I purchased NGK at the recommendation of my local parts shop who seems to be knowledgeable. I was surprised when I took out one of the old plugs and it had 3 electrodes, I had never seen one of these before.

I haven't put the new ones in yet, but from what I am reading it is OK to use single electrode plugs ?

Also, what is the best gap to use, my manual says .28-.32, so should I use .28, .30 or .32 ? What kind of difference will I notice with the different gaps ? I live in CA, outside temp is typically 60-80 year round, does that make a difference in deciding on a gap ?

Thanks.

 

Hate to answer this way, but it all depends. The bigger gap gives you a bigger "spark" for flame travel. But, since plugs now increase in gap with wear (unlike the old days when lead deposits narrowed the gap) you may want to hit it straight down the middle. You'll probably get plenty of spark that way and will have some margin for wear of the electrode.

This is not based on experiments or even Volvo experience, but from work on other cars going back to the days of points & condenser ignition and several generations of electronic ignition.