Spark Plug change question

[BiasedWaffles]

I wanted to know what type of spark plugs I should go with. I have 145k on my car now, and want to change them. Are the 4-pronged spark plugs worth it? Also, would a bigger gap give me any percieveable performance boost?

Thanks for your time and awnsers.


-BiasedWaffles

[billr99]

I wanted to know what type of spark plugs I should go with. I have 145k on my car now, and want to change them. Are the 4-pronged spark plugs worth it? Also, would a bigger gap give me any percieveable performance boost?

Thanks for your time and awnsers.


-BiasedWaffles

The 4-electrode plugs are a waste of time and money. On turbo white-block Volvos, I have found the basic copper core Champions or NGKs to work best and the former are what is specified in the owners manual (at least for '02).

Cheers,

Bill

[Jules]

I agree with Bill. the 4 pronged plugs (or any split fire plug) is a waste of money. I may be wrong, but I believe the Volvo plugs are made by Bosch. In my experience, I have found Bosch plugs to work best in European vehicles, NGKs work best in Japanese vehicles, AC Delco for GMs and Autolite or Motorcraft for Fords. I might consider Champion plugs for my lawn mower, but nothing else. Just my opinion.

I have a preference of Irridium plugs, may others prefere copper based - your call on that one.

DO NOT increase the gap or change the heat range - this will only cause you grief. Changing heat range is only for vehicles run under extreme heat conditions (racing.)



Cheers
Jules

[BiasedWaffles]

Thanks for your replies. I took the liberty of buying Iridium plugs for $4 a piece. Swapped out the original plugs after almost 150,000 miles. Thank God I changed them now.


Also for anyone wanting to change their spark plugs, its not nessecary to remove the inlet air pipe, all you need to do it to remove the two screws holding the pipe that are pipe (i cant explain the position, you'll see them, trust me) then to move the pipe over to the right, wiggle the plastic cover off, change plugs 1-4 starting from the left, then move the pipe right to more easily access number 5. Also its MUCH easier to work on if you remove the top bar.

[billr99]

I might consider Champion plugs for my lawn mower, but nothing else. Just my opinion.

"Spark plugs: Champion RC8PYP 8 (or equivalent)
Spark plug gap: 0.028-0.032" (0.7-0.8 mm)
Tightening torque: 18.4 ft. lbs. (25 Nm) "

Page 142 of the '02 Volvo Cross Country Owners Manual. In a side-by-side comparison between OEM Volvo-labelled plugs and Champion, NGK, and Bosch copper cores; the closest resemblance including shell markings and engravings was with Champions. With that said, I suspect that just like most OEMs, Volvo has multiple suppliers for every part, including plugs.

Cheers,

Bill

[levpri]

I had to replace quickly one of my spark plugs and ignition coils, because I had cylinder 5 misfire (P0305). The new spark plug I put in is NGK platinum, the rest are original Volvo spark plugs (replaced at 60k miles). Car runs fine now, I cleared the CEL, it stays off.
Is there any long term harm keeping this one different spark plug than the rest?
Thanks.
P.S. My car is 02 with 83k miles.

[Aviator]

Is there any long term harm keeping this one different spark plug than the rest?

No.

Dave.