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Car Forum / Honda Cars / February 2008Spark plugs
Hi all, I live in Baltimore, MD, and I recently had to take my 1991 Honda Accord DX to a mechanic because the car did not pass the NOx emissions test. I had the emission mechanic do a fuel system service and replace the catalytic converter, and the car passed the test. Now, the emission mechanic also recommended that the spark plugs be replaced. According to this emission mechanic, the current spark plugs in my car are American made, and these plugs are not compatible with the Asian vehicle. He claimed that this incompatibility is causing higher temperatures inside the engine. I refused to replace the spark plugs because they were installed 8 months ago (when I lived in IN) by a trusted mechanic. I wonder if I did the right thing. Should I take the advice of the emission mechanic seriously? Will the current spark plugs cuase any damage to the engine? Thank you very much for any advice. Fijoy > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > Fijoy That emission mechanic was right. For your Honda, it's NGK! It's not about the brand names or American vs Jap. It's the plugs heat range ratings that are different from one manufacturer to another. If you want to use Bosch or Autolite or Champion plugs, make sure you use a good cross reference chart. But why would you bother with that? As for heat range, if you don't know the correct heat range specified for your engine, it's advised to err on the safe side. That is, to use colder plugs. Hotter plugs can cause severe engine damages. And just for kicks, try google ""hotter plugs" NOx" That trusted mechanic in IN was a complete moron.. > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > the advice of the emission mechanic seriously? Will the current spark > plugs cuase any damage to the engine? If the plugs are causing "higher temperatures inside the engine", it would have to do with the heat range of the plugs, not the plugs themselves. It is possible the non-OEM plugs are the wrong heat range and that there is no correct heat range available in that brand. No damage is likely with the existing plugs, but there have been many reports of non-OEM plugs causing poor driveability. If the car is running fine and has acceptable emissions results, leave the old plugs in for now and replace them with the correct NGK or ND at the next specified change interval. If the car is exhibiting driveability problems and there are no other obvious culprits, replace the plugs with the correct NGK or ND right now.  SignatureTegger The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ www.tegger.com/hondafaq/ >> Hi all, >> [quoted text clipped - 28 lines] > If the car is exhibiting driveability problems and there are no other > obvious culprits, replace the plugs with the correct NGK or ND right now. The NGK spark plugs on my car cost almost twice as much at the local dealer than other stores. I wonder if they come with something extra at the dealer. >> If the car is exhibiting driveability problems and there are no other >> obvious culprits, replace the plugs with the correct NGK or ND right [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > dealer than other stores. I wonder if they come with something extra > at the dealer. Sure they do. It's called a markup. The only reason I buy any parts from the dealer is because I am therefore certain of their quality. For parts like spark plugs -- where I can buy the known-to-be-identical same thing from a jobber -- there is no point in paying the dealer markup. SignatureTegger The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ www.tegger.com/hondafaq/ >>> If the car is exhibiting driveability problems and there are no other >>> obvious culprits, replace the plugs with the correct NGK or ND right [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > known-to-be-identical same thing from a jobber -- there is no point in > paying the dealer markup. Spark plug seems to be the only thing. Other items seem resonable. >>>> If the car is exhibiting driveability problems and there are no >>>> other obvious culprits, replace the plugs with the correct NGK or [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Spark plug seems to be the only thing. And batteries. And tires. SignatureTegger The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ www.tegger.com/hondafaq/ >>>>> If the car is exhibiting driveability problems and there are no >>>>> other obvious culprits, replace the plugs with the correct NGK or [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > And batteries. And tires. Batteries are slightly higher than the premium ones sold at regular stores, but can't tell if they are the same quality and durability. I probably won't buy tires from dealers as they only have limited selection. > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Fijoy The cat replacement must have cost a grip! In relativity, your 91 deserves the proper plugs. Only NGk and Denso will be recommended 'round here. Thanks for all your replies. Fijoy > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Fijoy |
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