Tried to buy just 1 Volvo OEM spark plug. Fail.

[Allgonquin]

I decided to do the plugs while changing a coil when solving a misfire. I bought a 5 pack from a local Euro parts specialist. Volvo branded OEM plugs. I managed to drop one - it shattered. My smooth move when opening that pesky blister pack. Ouch, there goes almost $12.00. That shop does not sell individual Volvo plugs, so I found. Neither does the local Volvo dealer, so I found. Ah well, a week later now I've bought a single Denso double platinum plug from my local Napa, which is an hour closer to me than the Euro parts guys. I'll put it in and see how it lasts compared to the OEM plugs.

I didn't check the big on line vendors for a single plug because I didn't want to wait and pay for shipping, etc.

[Antherzoll]

I decided to do the plugs while changing a coil when solving a misfire. I bought a 5 pack from a local Euro parts specialist. Volvo branded OEM plugs. I managed to drop one - it shattered. My smooth move when opening that pesky blister pack. Ouch, there goes almost $12.00. That shop does not sell individual Volvo plugs, so I found. Neither does the local Volvo dealer, so I found. Ah well, a week later now I've bought a single Denso double platinum plug from my local Napa, which is an hour closer to me than the Euro parts guys. I'll put it in and see how it lasts compared to the OEM plugs.

I didn't check the big on line vendors for a single plug because I didn't want to wait and pay for shipping, etc.

They also sell the same plugs for 6 cylinder Volvos. If you knew the cross reference you could have purchased a set and had a spare set ready to swap in... Captain Hindsight over here :D

Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-spark-plug-kit-s80-xc90-8692072

and always check the gap when installing, don't believe in "pre-gapped" plugs.

[JRL]

Bad idea on the Densos

[Astro14]

Best plugs, in my experience, are Volvo OE. Pretty certain they're iridium, so double platinum won't perform as well. I would be OK with NGK Iridium, they do well in the Turbo Benz.

I would look at FCP Euro, buy one plug, add a few other thing you need (or will need, e.g. filters)to qualify for free shipping, then get that platinum plug out of there....

[Thames]

Best plugs, in my experience, are Volvo OE. Pretty certain they're iridium, so double platinum won't perform as well. I would be OK with NGK Iridium, they do well in the Turbo Benz.

I would look at FCP Euro, buy one plug, add a few other thing you need (or will need, e.g. filters)to qualify for free shipping, then get that platinum plug out of there....


I always used Volvo OEM plugs too. Pricey, but trouble-free and long life. I am even wondering if some ignition coil failures are related to non-OEM plugs (or different designs ?) ... I dont know, different resistance or conductance... well... just a though. I mean.. our XC has 160k miles on original coils...** crossing fingers **

[billr99]

My owners manual says to use Champion platinums (Champion RC8PYP 8, specifically). In fact, I've used Champions on all my white blocks (Bosch worked better in the red blocks and V-6, btw) with good result. When I have tried Bosch they seemed "soft", whereas NGKs work similar to Champions for more money. Never had to replace a coil using Champions either.

Plugs are like oil, religion and politics; everybody has an opinion usually based upon myth and hearsay.

Cheers,

Bill

[Allgonquin]

I agree that spark plug threads (no pun intended) are like oil threads - many strong opinions. In my case however I happen to work for an engine OEM, and we have tested just about every brand of plug known to man, so to speak. And Denso plugs have proven to be excellent plugs. Yes, as an OEM I would have preferred to use Volvo OEM in my car and that's what I bought, but I wasn't going to shell out another $60 odd to get one plug after clumsily breaking one. So I'll report back, eventually, on how the Denso works. As they say, "your mileage may vary" and this will be a good chance to see.

[Antherzoll]

As they say, "your mileage may vary" and this will be a good chance to see.

With that kind of thinking why don't you install 5 different plugs and run them until the first one starts the to miss :p

[troyhyde]

My owners manual says to use Champion platinums (Champion RC8PYP 8, specifically). In fact, I've used Champions on all my white blocks (Bosch worked better in the red blocks and V-6, btw) with good result. When I have tried Bosch they seemed "soft", whereas NGKs work similar to Champions for more money. Never had to replace a coil using Champions either.

Plugs are like oil, religion and politics; everybody has an opinion usually based upon myth and hearsay.

Cheers,

Bill

Bill, I'm with you. Big fan of Champions here, I like the RC7YC's or Champion 340's for turbo cars. I always tell people to look in the booklet inside their glove box where Champion is specified as the correct replacement plug (was true with the 850 Turbo's but have no clue if they are in the 2000's manuals...). Volvo OEM plugs are good and last a long while, no doubt. I certainly don't think they are worth 6 times the cost of Champions. To me, that is living on planet stupidity.

I have personally seen a broken Volvo label (bosch) plug (the insulator broke off inside the combustion chamber) and have read a few accounts of broken Bosch plugs in others' whiteblock engines. (never seen any problems whatsoever with Champions)

I am an OEM parts guy in general but draw the line here.....

[kutcht1]

So, do we know who manufactures the Volvo plugs? Is it Bosch?
TomK

[Antherzoll]

So, do we know who manufactures the Volvo plugs? Is it Bosch?
TomK

Who ever can manufacture them to spec for the cheapest gets the contract :)

[billr99]

So, do we know who manufactures the Volvo plugs? Is it Bosch?
TomK

If you look at the metal bits of the current OE plug, they look to be either Champion or Beru. Back in the day (like 240 days), they looked more like Bosch and that was what was called for in the owners manuals. In any case, I have the inclination to think they are Beru; but since those are not readily available in North America, perhaps that is why Champions are specified in the manuals.

Cheers,

Bill

[sjonnie]

Ah well, a week later now I've bought a single Denso double platinum plug from my local Napa, which is an hour closer to me than the Euro parts guys. I'll put it in and see how it lasts compared to the OEM plugs.
I currently have all Denso platinum plugs in my T5 and T6 engines, they work just fine. There's nothing unique or special about Volvo plugs ... except the price!

[sjonnie]

So, do we know who manufactures the Volvo plugs? Is it Bosch?
The engine management system for the T5 is made by Bosch, for the T6 it's made by Denso. Platinum plugs from both manufacturers will work just fine as long as you set the gap correctly.

[Antherzoll]

There's nothing unique or special about Volvo plugs ... except the price!

Don't forget that feel good feeling you get when you buy OE :D

[kutcht1]

Ya, Volvo sure is proud to put their logo on parts, instantly triples the cost!
TomK

[kutcht1]

Just went and checked what I put in, Bosch Platinum Iridium FR7DPP+ and engine seems to run great. Do the volvo plugs give better mpg?
TomK