Original spec for my 1.6 16v TU5JP4 is Bosch FR7ME but these don't seem to be available in the UK at the moment. I'd be interested in what alternative plugs others have used successfully?
Have had problems with NGK Iridium plugs on this car so don't want to buy another set of duff plugs again.
Which spark-plugs?
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ozvtr
- Posts: 821
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Re: Which spark-plugs?
Replacement for the FR7ME is the FR7DE. The platinum version is FR7DP. There is no Bosch Iridium replacement (recommended by Bosch) that I know of.
NGK Iridium only seem to work (well) in a narrow range of engine types.
PSA recommend FR7ME plugs for all the 'TU' range of engines (TU1, TU3, TU5).
I have found no performance difference between regular and platinum plugs (never tried Iridium). HOWEVER the service interval (clean and gap) is more than double for platinum over regular. I.E. engine performance remains constant for longer. Also "pinging", "pinking", "knocking", whatever you want to call it, happens less. I run and old car with a Kettering ignition system, so I can tell.
NGK Iridium only seem to work (well) in a narrow range of engine types.
PSA recommend FR7ME plugs for all the 'TU' range of engines (TU1, TU3, TU5).
I have found no performance difference between regular and platinum plugs (never tried Iridium). HOWEVER the service interval (clean and gap) is more than double for platinum over regular. I.E. engine performance remains constant for longer. Also "pinging", "pinking", "knocking", whatever you want to call it, happens less. I run and old car with a Kettering ignition system, so I can tell.
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NickCUK
- Posts: 65
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- x 3
Re: Which spark-plugs?
Any thoughts about using Denso KH16TT, but only Nickel not Platinum.
Edit:
Well I have actually ordered a set of these Denso KH16TT but now wondering if I would be better off cancelling them and ordering the Bosch FR7DP instead.
Edit2:
Maybe not quite so easy to get the correct Bosch Platinum plugs, there appears to be two versions of the FR7DP: FR7DPP30X and FR7DPP+.
Edit:
Well I have actually ordered a set of these Denso KH16TT but now wondering if I would be better off cancelling them and ordering the Bosch FR7DP instead.
Edit2:
Maybe not quite so easy to get the correct Bosch Platinum plugs, there appears to be two versions of the FR7DP: FR7DPP30X and FR7DPP+.
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perrye
- (Donor 2023)
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Re: Which spark-plugs?
I've used Bosch 0242229797 on same engine
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NickCUK
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Re: Which spark-plugs?
Thats what I have got on there at the moment, FR8SC+.
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ozvtr
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- x 230
Re: Which spark-plugs?
Seems like Bosch are changing their plug range every other day.
While I haven't changed the heat range in the TU5 plugs, in other engines I haven't had much success.
Not saying you shouldn't experiment, just saying I haven't had much luck.
FR7DC+ is another option. That's the bog standard nickle version.
For the people playing at home, 'Hotter' plugs tend to cause pre-ignition. 'Colder' plugs tend to foul. The trick is to find a plug with maximum serviceability(lifespan, hotter) without causing pre-ignition. The knock sensor will detect pre-ignition and 'retard' the spark timing. Resulting in poor engine performance. Colder plugs will foul, reducing performance and the service life of the plug. So you need to find the "Goldie locks zone".
Bosch '7' is '20' in Denso. Bosch '8' is '16' in Denso. Bosch '8' is hotter than Bosch '7'.
While I haven't changed the heat range in the TU5 plugs, in other engines I haven't had much success.
Not saying you shouldn't experiment, just saying I haven't had much luck.
FR7DC+ is another option. That's the bog standard nickle version.
For the people playing at home, 'Hotter' plugs tend to cause pre-ignition. 'Colder' plugs tend to foul. The trick is to find a plug with maximum serviceability(lifespan, hotter) without causing pre-ignition. The knock sensor will detect pre-ignition and 'retard' the spark timing. Resulting in poor engine performance. Colder plugs will foul, reducing performance and the service life of the plug. So you need to find the "Goldie locks zone".
Bosch '7' is '20' in Denso. Bosch '8' is '16' in Denso. Bosch '8' is hotter than Bosch '7'.
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NickCUK
- Posts: 65
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Re: Which spark-plugs?
Some places list Denso 20 as correct for this engine which matches the original Bosch 7 spec while others list Denso 16 for it.ozvtr wrote: 14 Jul 2024, 01:20 ...
Bosch '7' is '20' in Denso. Bosch '8' is '16' in Denso. Bosch '8' is hotter than Bosch '7'.
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ozvtr
- Posts: 821
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- x 230
Re: Which spark-plugs?
Bosch has a greater range of plugs in the 'hot' range. Denso has a greater range of plugs in the 'cold' range.
There are 3 Bosch plugs covering the same range that Denso only has 2 plugs for.
So in the Denso range of 16 and 20, Bosch has 8,7 and 6 (to choose from).
So I guess that puts Bosch 7 between Denso 16 and 20? So you have to make a choice.
Try it and see I guess?
There are 3 Bosch plugs covering the same range that Denso only has 2 plugs for.
So in the Denso range of 16 and 20, Bosch has 8,7 and 6 (to choose from).
So I guess that puts Bosch 7 between Denso 16 and 20? So you have to make a choice.
Try it and see I guess?