Honda Owners and Spark Plug Gurus....

[CumminsPuller]

The wifes got a 92' Honda Accord EX 2 Door Coupe. Automatic transmission... . pushing 165K miles. Got to thinking today that I have never changed the spark plugs or wires since we have owned it. We bought it with 119k on it five years ago. Got to looking in the owners manual and it says for Normal Driving Conditions to use:



ZFR5F-11 (NGK)

KJ16CR-L11 (NIPPONDENSO)



For Hot Climates and Continuous High Speed Driving:



ZFR6F-11 (NGK)

KJ20CR-L11 (NIPPONDENSO)



Living here in Louisiana I was going to use their suggestin for the hotter climates. Anyone have experience or opinions on what the best spark plug to use... . ? What do the letter designations after the part numbers mean? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks,



Jason

 

[snowracer69]

Well the only thing I can help you with is on the NGK's:



The ZFR6F-11 is a one-step hotter plug then the ZFR5F-11. I'm not sure what the other designations mean, but I do know that the higher that number (5 or 6) the hotter the plug, but in this case, it's not by much. Personally, I'd run the NGK's, but that's cause I run them in my snowmobiles and they're the best thing on the market for sleds... . not sure about cars. I'm sure you could find out what the designations mean on NGK's website.



Josh

 

[CumminsPuller]

SnowRacer.....

What does the NGK mean?



Jason

 

[CumminsPuller]

I answered it myself... ... .

 

[Hohn]

I would run the hottest range you can find until you get pinging. This will give max fuel economy and the cleanest burn. Cold plugs tend to foul if they come across something they can't handle.



The only difference from one part to another is the heat range, or basically, the rate that the plug bleeds heat into the cylinder head. if it bleeds faster, the plug runs cooler, and thus the term "colder plug". The opposite is also true.



NGK is a proven plug. I would say they are probably the best that is widely available. They can be kind of spendy (my Maxima plugs are almost $11 each).



I would see if there is a cross-reference to the Denso Iridium. That is the latest tech in spark plugs.



BTW-- Don't fall for the hype of multi-electrode plugs ($plitfire, Delco Rapidfire, etc. ) They are a waste of money unless you have a serious aftermarket ignition (like a full race MSD), and even then there isn't any evidence of big improvements.



Never buy a spark plug where all the visible metal (like the hex that the socket surrounds) is blue-black. It will rust and they will be a pain to get out. Get the Zinc-coated metal ones (all NGK, I think Champion, and most Denso IIRC). if the metal is shiny (silver or gold in color), then that's what you want.



Hope this helps.



Hohn

 

[illflem]

If the plugs you've been using the last five years did good for you replace them with the same type.

 

[big jake 1]

I have owned several Honda vehicles over the past 15 or so years, my experience is to get the best ignition parts, go back to the dealer and get genuine Honda parts, if you go to your local dealer, he will give you the proper plugs for your area.



Come to think of it, my current 89 Acura Legend just turned over 291k and is still running the original spark plug wires, this thing still get 25-26 mpg @80 mph!



If it aint broke, don't fix it!!!!!!!!



big jake

 

[TowPro]

Its the other way around. The higher the number in NGK, the colder the plug.



For high speed driving, or in a hot temp area they would tell you to put a cooler plug in.

Originally posted by snowracer69

Well the only thing I can help you with is on the NGK's:



The ZFR6F-11 is a one-step hotter plug then the ZFR5F-11. I'm not sure what the other designations mean, but I do know that the higher that number (5 or 6) the hotter the plug, but in this case, it's not by much. Personally, I'd run the NGK's, but that's cause I run them in my snowmobiles and they're the best thing on the market for sleds... . not sure about cars. I'm sure you could find out what the designations mean on NGK's website.



Josh

 

[CumminsPuller]

So what would be Genuine Honda Parts????? The book lists those above in my first post. NGK are listed in the book... . I was thinking parts that said Honda on them. Or do you mean parts approved or ones that come installed in there automobiles? I will never go to the dealer to buy anything unless forced to..... So it sounds like I will just go with the NGK... ...



Hohn... ...



You made the statement that Denso Iridium is the latest in spark plug technology. Call me dumb or ignorant, but how does one go about understaning what makes a quality plug? What are the quality differences between the NGK and the Denso Iridiums? I really don't know. There is definetly a price difference between the two. I just work on my cummins... ... The honda never needs anything done to it. Got everything fixed on the cummins, no more tinkering there... . Thought I would do some catch-up on the Honda.



Thanks,



Jason

 

[Sticks]

Originally posted by CumminsPuller

So what would be Genuine Honda Parts????? The book lists those above in my first post. NGK are listed in the book... . I was thinking parts that said Honda on them. Or do you mean parts approved or ones that come installed in there automobiles? I will never go to the dealer to buy anything unless forced to..... So it sounds like I will just go with the NGK... ...



Jason

Genuine Honda Spark plugs are NGK in a Honda box. You pay for the label. At least this is true for my Valkyrie and the 'ol ladys Goldwing. They are Honda Civics with two wheels... at least the same block.



I learned real quick that they don not like to run on anything except NGK. Tried a set of split fires, and I could count down the number of cylinders that died in two miles. . 5... 4... 3... look for a place to pull over... 2... stalled. Fouled them out number one quick. Good thing I kept the originals in the sidebag. I tried one other brand, like champion or something. Fouled them out at high altitude and high speeds. PITA pulling all 6 plugs on the side of a road with a thunderstorm bearing down on you.

 

[Harley152]

My motto====don't fix it if it ain't broken!!!!!!!!



If it still runs good with 165,000 miles it must be a pretty good combination.



Just my $. 02 worth.



Jerry

 

[CumminsPuller]

How about plug wires and and distributor cap and rotor..... any specific brands?



Jason

 

[Shovelhead]

As far as Cap & Wires, I like to run OEM.

Saves problems if it ever has to be taken to the dealer.

Almost 50K without a tune-up?

Says alot about Honda's OEM stuff.

 

[CumminsPuller]

THANKS!!!!!!!!!