Spark plugs for AUIII

Chamelion · 10-01-2008, 01:04 AM

Evening..

Just pulled out a couple of plugs for inspection (Denso Iridiums) and they're looking in need of replacement. Chances are they've been on the car since new as the book states they only need replacing every 150,000km. The previous owners got rid of the car at a tiny bit over the 150k and she's now at 160k.

I've been having some rough idle issues and also a bit lower on power short of 2200rpm, at which point the acceleration kicks in much like a turbo.

So, looking to replace them along with the leads.

I've settled on a set of Eagle 8.0mm LPG 'compatible' leads at a cost of $62, but I'm not so sure about the plugs.
I do plan to get LPG in a month or so, so it would obviously be an advantage to get plugs that are suitable.

Does anyone have any suggestions whilst I start searching the net for options?

Cheers

Matt.

PS: Not looking to spend a small fortune on top of the line plugs. The car is essentially a family hack, so I just need something that will do the job reliably.

InfernoSR · 10-01-2008, 01:25 AM

I'm running Denso currently... XR6 spec hotter ones... they work really well with my Duel Fuel...

Barossa Red AU3 · 10-01-2008, 09:18 AM

The XR6 and gas Spec plugs are the the same for the Series 3 your talking about the ags23cc these are Colder than the standard ags42cc Because Gas burns at a higher temperature than petrol the plugs need to be a colder range to compensate, Check the NGK Website it will list the equivelent plugs your after.

GK · 10-01-2008, 03:09 PM

My gas mechanic recommends stock heat range plugs with a 0.9 gap. I went the colder range plug once and it ran like a dog. Standard plugs with the aforementioned gap went in, "voila" nice again.

Hope that helps.

GK

waggaclint · 10-01-2008, 03:13 PM

id just go NGK BPR6EY and they will be fine when ya put it on gas also when ya get gas gap the plugs at 0.8 and until then 1.3 and it will be fine.....you can check it out here http://www.ngkspark.com.au/index.php

Chamelion · 14-01-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waggaclint

id just go NGK BPR6EY and they will be fine when ya put it on gas also when ya get gas gap the plugs at 0.8 and until then 1.3 and it will be fine.....you can check it out here http://www.ngkspark.com.au/index.php

At the moment I just want to try to get to the source of my less than ideal idle.

Do you know if these plugs come pre gapped to 1.3mm?

GK · 14-01-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chamelion

At the moment I just want to try to get to the source of my less than ideal idle.

Do you know if these plugs come pre gapped to 1.3mm?

Your Vehicle?:
04/00 - 12/00 Ford Falcon AUII 4.0L 6 Cyl.
Recommended Plug BPR5EY-11
Plug Gap 1.1

Your Vehicle?:
12/00 - 2002 Ford Falcon AUII 4.0L 6 Cyl.
Recommended Plug IGR5C13
Plug Gap 1.3

Your Vehicle?:
04/00 - 12/00 Ford Falcon AUII 4.0L 6 Cyl., HP VCT, XR6, Tickford
Recommended Plug ZGR6B-11
Plug Gap 1.1

The last two numbers denote the gap.

Cheers,

GK

MGM · 11-01-2008, 05:18 PM

i bough NGK iridums with the gap set at 1.1mm. is that right?

Chamelion · 14-01-2008, 01:23 PM

Erg, prices seem to have changed from what I've read.

Denso IW16:

Toyota - $18.48inc per plug
Fraud - $26.10inc per plug

Chamelion · 14-01-2008, 08:27 PM

She's an 09/02 car.

Your Vehicle?:
12/00 - 2002 Ford Falcon AUIII 4.0L 6 Cyl.
Recommended Plug IGR5C13
Plug Gap 1.3

The above plug is a dearer iridium. I was considering the option of running a set of cheap $4 NGK's for a month or so before I get the LPG conversion as a means to find out why I have a lumpy idle.
However, as you listed, the gaps in the standard plugs are 1.1 and not 1.3 as is specified for the AU3.

I'm probably just confusing myself? :P

sly · 15-01-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chamelion

I was considering the option of running a set of cheap $4 NGK's for a month or so before I get the LPG conversion as a means to find out why I have a lumpy idle.
However, as you listed, the gaps in the standard plugs are 1.1 and not 1.3 as is specified for the AU3.

I'm probably just confusing myself? :P

Many in the LPG forum are getting good results with the $4 NGK's, BPR5EY-11 same as petrol, just replacing them more often than if running petrol. From your pics the Iridiums don't look too bad, the centre electrode looks like that (except nice and shiny) on the brand new NGK Iridium in front of me. It's meant to be a fine wire... it scares people who take them out if they didn't fit them personally though, they think they're badly worn.

For now, I'd brush them up with a wire brush, re-gap them & see if they're any better. If not improved within a week then change to the $4 jobbies.... and ask the gas fitter to re-gap & put them back in and credit the cost of new plugs off his price. Check them after 20,000km.

If you put the $4 jobbies in, gap them to 1.1. Dunno why the S3 plugs are out to 1.3mm, it could be due to the plugs or a higher-voltage coilpack. The Iridiums recommended by NGK as an option for AU1&2 are gapped to 1.1 as per the $4 plugs. Play it safe at 1.1.

Chamelion · 14-01-2008, 11:05 PM

Here are a couple of pics of one of my plugs... I don't suppose anyone can throw me a little info based on its condition?

Cheers

Pics

JC · 15-01-2008, 01:25 AM

They don't look too bad. And I think the cheap NGKs you have installed are fine. Plug gap just means you will be getting a stronger spark than necessary - not a bad thing, as long as you don't go too small a gap and the thing starts trying to ignite fuel before it's in the cylinder. I run 0.8mm gap in mine (on LPG), where the standard gap is supposed to be 1.1, and it runs fine on petrol like that.

Chamelion · 15-01-2008, 06:19 PM

Cheers mate, I'm still considering my options.

On one hand I like the idea of throwing in the Denso Iridiums, but as plugs are so simple to change the cost saving when using a standard plug is tempting too.

I guess I can try the cheapies, which are gapped to 1.1 anyway, and if she's running any worse I'll cut my losses and grab the iridiums.

Matt.

GK · 15-01-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chamelion

On one hand I like the idea of throwing in the Denso Iridiums, but as plugs are so simple to change the cost saving when using a standard plug is tempting too.
Matt.

Hi Matt,

That's exactly why I run the $4 plugs, cheap as chips and an easy and quick job to do. I change them every year or so and it kind of keeps me in sync with the car.

All the best with your considering!

GK