Ford Spark Plugs

[dnwong]

XC90 3.2 2008 150K miles. I decided to change the spark plugs given the mileage. To my surprise, I found ford spark plugs. So previous owner must have had the spark plugs replaced. That was at least 80k miles ago. Car was running fine. Replaced with Densco. Here are the old ones. Not sure how to diagnose them. How do that look?

[pgill]

Back in the day when your Volvo was new Volvo was owned by FORD and LAND ROVER was also owned by FORD.

The 3.2 was built at a FORD plant in the UK.

Volvo owners don't know about this (keep it between us)

You can click on the link but you will never look at the world the same
https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic38210 ... volvo+paul



Back to the topic at hand

1) The sparkplugs look original

2) No indication of arcing on the ceramic (this is good)

3) Carbon buildup is a bit more than I would like but very even across all 6 (I would just replace with new Denso Iridium TT)

4) The even Carbon Build up indicates that the PCV is functioning well (a failed PCV will affect 6,5,4,3,2,1 in that order and it will foul the sparkplugs)

5) I change my Sparkplugs every 50,000 miles - you may want to consider reducing the interval



Some things to consider

The original sparkplugs are a single tip iridium style made by Denso for FOMOCO. In later years Volvo switched to the Denso Iridium TT which are Twin Tipped. I recommend that you use those sparkplugs. If you like you can get them in VOLVO blue packaging 31286359. Or just buy Denso IKH20TT.

I own a 2008 LR2 3.2 and a 2010 S80 3.2 and the Engine is nearly identical for both.


Good luck

Paul

[chitownV]

I believe the earlier 3.2s used Bosch iridium and later 3.2s used Denso. The shortened 50k mile spark plug interval is also listed in the Volvo XC90 3.2 thread as well as info on using Denso Iridium alternatives for the later 3.2s. Other shortened service intervals based on XC90 3.2 owners' (parts failure) results are also why the shortened service intervals are recommended.
https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/the- ... st-7332383

[pgill]

ChitownV makes a very good point.

The original Sparkplugs were likely sourced from more than one vendor.

Looking at the pictures above you have the following information on your old sparkplugs

- Made in Japan

- ILFR6B

Those are NGK Sparkplugs


I prefer the Denso Iridium TT but I don't have any data that shows NGK or BOSCH would be a problem.


My only recommendation is to use a fine tip iridium sparkplug with the correct heat range.


This link has more information (ChitownV had significant input on this thread)

viewtopic.php?t=86538


Good luck

Paul

[chitownV]

I haven't tried the Denso plugs on my 2008, but due to this thread an curious how it would perform. I currently get Volvo plugs from FCP and warranty them when it's time to replace.

Paul (pgill) has contributed a lot over the years and has links in the 3.2 thread listed earlier. He even posted a lot of 3.2 parts pics in case you needed to see what they look like. At 150k miles, and spark plugs just done, there are definitely maintenance items due.