97' 850 turbo - Spark Plug question

my850 · Post by **my850** » 21 Apr 2009, 18:17

I need to change my spark plugs and had seen something on here about not using ceramic spark plugs. Is this so, and what kind of spark plugs should I get. I checked out plugs on FCP, and they offer Bosch,which this website advises against and so does the mechanic I went to see today, FCP also offers what looks to me to be genuine volvo ceramic plugs. Are those the ones I should purchase ?
Thanx

Post by **misha** » 21 Apr 2009, 18:54

Just buy genuine Volvo plugs!It's package with 5 Volvo plugs and you're done.

mosearch · Post by **mosearch** » 21 Apr 2009, 21:25

Yeah...just buy the "Volvo" plugs; they're high quality NGK platinum anyway...and if it's convenient to spend the $43 at fcP Groton for them, that's great.

Otherwise your local parts guys can sell you the same NGK laser platinums for a similar price.
I have no idea how much a Volvo dealer wants for the "Volvo"

(labeled NGK) plugs...

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/part_finde ... esults.asp

Or if you're not feeling made of money get a cheaper NGK V-power, or the Bosch...or champion. They all make plugs that work. I am running Bosch Platinum in a v70xc (turbo) and they are just fine.

my850 · Post by **my850** » 22 Apr 2009, 07:02

Okay, great. Thank You.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 22 Apr 2009, 20:35

Always thought the Volvo plugs were Bosch rebadged and NOT NGK.... btw, I would avoid the Bosch platinum plugs- they often start off fine but 500-1000 miles down the road, many of our members have had problems with them. True however about cheap copper core Bosch plugs- they work fine and at about $2 each, they are hard to beat.

my850 · Post by **my850** » 23 Apr 2009, 12:08

Thank You MIJ. The mechanic I took my car to the other day told me only to use Genuine Volvo spark plugs, he said it will cost me a bit more, but it's worth it, because anything else will fry the coils, which will kill the engine. He told me to just go to the dealer, or wherever I get my volvo parts from.
Thanx again for the response.

mosearch · Post by **mosearch** » 23 Apr 2009, 17:24

I would love it, LOVE it, if anyone monitoring this could explain to me in technical terms HOW a spark plug would "fry a coil" and "kill an engine".
And I mean that in all sincerity and humility. How does a spark plug receiving a high voltage impulse from a coil, somehow fry that coil?

it just makes no sense to me.

And to think a Bosch is going to be significantly different from an NGK, or a "Volvo", also makes no sense. Spark plugs are fairly generic, come in a limited variety of heat ranges, and vary in length and diameter. Volvo does not even make them, somebody makes them for Volvo and applies the Volvo logo during manufacture.

The plugs I took out of my V70XC were extremely similar in appearance to NGK platinum, and were labeled "R6"...very similar heat range nomenclature to the NGK recommended replacement Laser Platinum PFR6G. Coincidence. Maybe. But my bet is that NGK manufactured that particular production run of "Volvo" plugs...Bosch would have a heat range code of "7" for plugs for that car...not because Bosch run hotter or cooler, only because they use a different scale.

Robert Bosch received one of the earliest patents on spark plugs. So, without a lot more scientific or empirical evidence, I think it's absurd to assume that Bosch can't make plugs for Volvos.

my850 · Post by **my850** » 23 Apr 2009, 17:34

I dont know either. I'm just a girl, learning all I can. But do come back regularly to this website to double check what I've been told. So far I have not been let down, and that's why I keep coming back, and posting the questions I do. It's possible the mechanic was just trying to scare me so I dont do the spark plugs myself. I've no idea.

mosearch · Post by **mosearch** » 23 Apr 2009, 18:14

You can definitely do THIS yourself. Buy the Volvo plugs for greater peace of mind if you like, and follow this DIY:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/howto_sparkplugs850.php

Not a huge deal, and your car will be happier. I happened to use Bosch last time; might use NGK next time....maybe even use "Volvo" plugs

if Groton FCP has a sale...

my850 · Post by **my850** » 23 Apr 2009, 18:33

Yes we want the volvo to be happier. Checked out FCP yesterday. 43.00. Cheaper then the dealer which was
65.00. Thank you much Mo.