June 28, 2011

WARNING! Imitation Spark Plugs

How to Identify Imitation Spark Plugs? [from NGK website]

click on the image to enlarge

When I checked the factory fitted NGK platinum spark plugs on my Peugeot 308 I got these laser-print "four-digit number" on the bi-hex... "H7Z8." as shown in the picture below.
Genuine NGK 01
and also some numbers are stamped on the spark plug body [serial number or something?].
Genuine NGK 02

Genuine NGK electrodes [platinum tip and disc] at 40,000km!...
Pt tip at 40000km
...the tip and disc are still shiny and intact - probably counterfeit tip and disc would have already vaporized at 40,000km.

What about "Laser Iridium" spark plugs which some of you and I bought on-line?
Iridium Spark Plug

NGK Laser Iridium Spark Plug

Questionable NGK 04
The welding around the electrode looks a little weird to me....
Questionable NGK 01
There is also no "four-digit number" stamped/printed on the bi-hex.
I decided not to use these "questionable" spark plugs. Investigation with NGK is in progress.


UPDATE: Received an email from Andrew Hauenstein, Technical & Training Specialist, NGK Spark Plugs (USA), Inc - Friday July 1st 2011

"The build date (four-digit code) should be marked vertically on the BI-Hex. Yes our Laser plugs are laser welded.... ",

So IMHO, NGK spark plugs without the "four-digit" code marking on the bi-hex could be fake or failed QC.

6 comments:

hakimi said...

This is something serious because it can damage the engine! Please update the outcome on your follow-up with NGK Malaysia Uncle. Thanks.

Wan A. Hadi (one.D) said...

Staff NGK kata dia tak pernah kelih spark plug camtu diMalaysia. Kena refer back to Japan. Info penjual s/plug tu juga dah diberikan kpd yg berkenaan untuk tindakan lanjut.

Wan A. Hadi (one.D) said...

Reply from NGK...

The build date should be marked vertically on the BI-Hex.  Yes our Laser plugs are laser welded....
 
Best Regards,
 
Andrew Hauenstein
Technical & Training  Specialist
NGK Spark Plugs

chargerguy said...

Uncle D and Guys,

Just sharing infor that might be interested...:)


Dear Mr xxxx,

The items you have are genuine at it is highly unlikely that anybody would
be able to produce a counterfeit version of this particular item due to
its design.

I can confirm that the batch code is now marked on the insulator of the
bi-hex plugs compared to some of the earlier production items that had the
batch code marked on a face of the hex.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Regards,

Mik Peirce AffIMI
Technical Assistant

*** The contents of this e-mail is intended solely for the individual
recipient and cannot be reproduced in any format without prior permission
(This includes reproduction or posting on any internet based forums or
similar). Unauthorised reprinting or transfer to any third party is
prohibited. ***

NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Limited
Maylands Avenue
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP2 4SD
Tel: 01442 281000
Fax: 01442 281001
Website: www.ngkntk.co.uk

Unknown said...

Dear Ngk customer service,
I recently change my laser NGK spark plugs for my Toyota sienna. Since I have a new spark plugs, my car get a little hard to start up when cranking. Do you think it's a fake spark plugs which I bought from Amazon? Please Email me vinceyu9@gmail.com. Thank you
Vince
Best regards

Unknown said...

Dear Ngk customer service,
I recently change my laser NGK spark plugs for my Toyota sienna. Since I have a new spark plugs, my car get a little hard to start up when cranking. Do you think it's a fake spark plugs which I bought from Amazon? Please Email me vinceyu9@gmail.com. Thank you
Vince
Best regards

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