3.2L: What non-OEM plugs do you like or have success with?

[2000c70hpt]

Mine had the original FoMoCo plugs in mine after 180k. Xc90 still ran smooth as silk even with those old plugs. Threw some denso iridium in and she livened up a bit. Fuel milage is better though. I used the stock gap

200c70hpt,

180,000 on the original spark-plugs.......that's a really long way to go

I will be on my fourth set by the time I get to that many miles.

I totally agree, though it wasn’t my choice. I bought the vehicle at 178k. My c70 has gone through three plug changes in 20k. Coils failing and whatnot.

[2000c70hpt]

Update to the Denson plugs. About 1000 miles in and i noticed the intake sounds are louder, pulled harder and there is a bit of vibration at idle now

[pgill]

Update to the Denson plugs. About 1000 miles in and i noticed the intake sounds are louder, pulled harder and there is a bit of vibration at idle now

That's what happens when you start fixing things.........

Now you are sensitive to the running of the 3.2

If your going to keep it running until 300,000 mile you will need to do some preventative maintenance.

Good luck

I plan on keeping my S80 3.2 about that long

And my LR2 3.2 (same engine) for that long as well


Which Denso Iridium plugs did you get? Did you get the TT's?

Take care

Paul

[2000c70hpt]

I honestly don't remember. They cost $8 so.. I did notice the upper torque mount is loose so maybe it's time to change it

[pgill]

No worries

You can check which plugs you used in 50,000 mile when you change them again (at least that's what I'm doing)

The motor mounts on the P2 (XC90) are different than the P3 (S80) but for what its worth I did change my motor mounts

Good Luck

Paul

[chitownV]

Update to the Denson plugs. About 1000 miles in and i noticed the intake sounds are louder, pulled harder and there is a bit of vibration at idle now

I used aftermarket plugs before, but the increased vibration on idle is why I use Volvo packaged plugs. I got a smoother idle after switching to the Volvo plugs which I believe are the NGKs for my 2008. All the NGKs and Densos have a copper core. Buy from FCP and only pay once.

I found a much much greater benefit in changing all the ignition coils at my 152k miles in both performance and smoother idle. You can try to conduct ignition spark with different accepted configurations of plugs, but nothing beats starting from the source with a good strong spark from fresh coils. Again, I pay once and in another 100k miles or so I'll warranty these at FCP. Doesn't make sense to wait until 300k miles for new coils. New spark plugs cannot replace weaker spark from old and worn coils.

[2000c70hpt]

Honestly not worried about it. Fuel mileage hasn’t dropped, and I’m used to it from my c70 so

[pgill]

The 3.2 has some known failure points and you will want to get out in front of them.

I wrote this on another forum but I think you will find it helpful

Quote "The way that I think about it is this.

- The Thermostat is a known failure point at ~10 years

- Failed Thermostats can lead to coil pack failures

- Failed coil packs can lead to misfires and Catalytic converter failures

- And in severe instances a failed Thermostat (or possibly failed radiator fan) can lead to head gasket failure

For me it is easier to just replace the Thermostat and the Radiator Fan."

Here is a link to common failure points on the 3.2

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic32504.html

And here is an excellent link that talks about the Good Bad and the Ugly (Read what ChitownV wrote, its excellent)

https://forums.swedespeed.com/showthrea ... d-the-ugly


The 3.2 is complicated and very durable if maintained

Good luck

Paul

[jpbrooks81]

Here is a better picture showing the part number for the spark-plugs

FK20HQR10


FK20HQR10.jpg

I just got these same plugs in the mail today for my 2011 XC90 3.2. I have been searching all over the webs trying to find out the gap size for my vehicle. Searched through my owner's manual and even managed to access information from VIDA, but there is still no mention of the spark plug gap specs.

These are the plugs that Volvo has listed for my vehicle. I checked the gap and it is 1mm. On the reverse side of my gap tool, it is about .039" - just shy of .04". I'm hoping someone can confirm if this is the correct gap for my vehicle. Thanks!

[pgill]

Confirmed...........you are good to go!!!!!


The answer to your question is in the part number

FK20HQR10 10 = 1.0 mm (.040" which is what you measured)

I would use these as is and not attempt to adjust the gap

For reference

FK20HR11 11 = 1.1 mm (.044" these would work also)

FK20HQR8 8 = 0.8 mm (.032" these would work as well)

The sparkplugs that you bought are an excellent choice an I wouldn't hesistate to use them in either of my 3.2's


I am running

.044" Gap on my 2008 3.2 (LR2)

.044" Gap on my 2010 3.2 (S80)

For my next change I am going to .040" Gap

3459 FK20HQR10 (.040" Gap)

or

4704 IKH20TT (.040" Gap but the part number doesn't tell you, you have to look it up)

Take care

Paul