How to Identify Imitation Spark Plugs? [from NGK website]
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.
and also some numbers are stamped on the spark plug body [serial number or something?].
Genuine NGK electrodes [platinum tip and disc] at 40,000km!...
...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?
The welding around the electrode looks a little weird to me....
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.
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.
and also some numbers are stamped on the spark plug body [serial number or something?].
Genuine NGK electrodes [platinum tip and disc] at 40,000km!...
...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?
The welding around the electrode looks a little weird to me....
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:
This is something serious because it can damage the engine! Please update the outcome on your follow-up with NGK Malaysia Uncle. Thanks.
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.
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
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
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NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Limited
Maylands Avenue
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP2 4SD
Tel: 01442 281000
Fax: 01442 281001
Website: www.ngkntk.co.uk
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
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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