Question:
Just replaced my factory Spark Plugs im at around 42000 miles.
I bought some of the bosch platinum spark plugs, they were a little different from the ones that were in there, the old ones had a solid top while these had a whole in the center.
But it seems now that, the car isnt same its missing the pep. Im thinking something is up with the spark plugs does someone have a recommedation for some plugs that worked for you or maybe a similar experience.
thanks
rob

 

I've had bad experience with them on a Tercel. A week after I installed them there was a miss fire on one of the cylinders.

A friend of mine who is a full time mechanic told me NEVER to use bosch platinum spark plugs.

Stick with the NGK's!!!! PFR5G-11 for the standard replacement and PFR6G-11 for the colder plug.

Remember to torque the plugs(14-22 ft-lbs). It makes a difference with regards to heat range.

 

Dude, I used to run the Bosch Platnum +4 in my Toyota truck. They made a big difference. I read in a forum that Maximas should only use the NGK's. People were having that same problem. Believe me I want to use the +4s but I probably would have been going thru the dsame problem you are going thru.

 

Not a full time mechanic, just a DYI guy. I replaced my spark plugs with the Bosch Plat +4s. The +4s are a little different than others in that it has four prongs instead of one. Installation no different than any other plug. After installation my Max never missed a beat. Come on, if you've got some real facts to show that the Bosch Plat +4s are no good.....let's see it. There are a whole bunch of German cars out there running with Bosch, they can't be all that bad. I didn't believe that the Fram filters weren't top notch till I saw the links of the test that Daniel B Martin posted. I won't be buying Fram anymore. Same here. "Show me the money". If not, it's just your opinion.

 

Z...I', with you. I have over 30K on the Bosch +4s and haven't had a problem yet. I could tell the difference from the minute I put them in. My thoughts on plugs...ANY new plug is better than an old plug. I'm sure I would have notice the same difference if I had used new NGKs. I am tempted to use NGKs next time since they now offer a double platinum tip.

 

Ok, more two cents. For you guys that are having problems with the Bosch plats. 1) Are they the Bosch Plat +4s? 2) Were you having a problem BEFORE you replaced them? 3) Did you inspect the old plugs to see if they showed any signs of being too hot, too cold, oil blowby etc. You know, all the ugly pictures in the back of the Haynes manual???? Geeez, I feel like Daniel B. Martin on this one. Come clean, did you have problems before and expect the plugs to magically cure the problem? When I replaced my plugs I looked at each one. All were in great shape. Seems like the internals of my engine, specifically my cylinders, were in good shape.
I'll use Bosch Plat +4s again in a heartbeat

 

I put them in my '96 SE with intake, exhaust, blah, blah blah, and raced my fiance's stock '96 SE. Couldn't pull away at all!!! We stayed dead even for about 3/4 mile. I went to Nissan the next day and got the NGK's. After installing them I challenged her to another race. I pulled away easily. I have no scientific data showing which plug is actually better, but this experience made me a believer. Stay with the NGK's IMO.

 

I've installed REGULAR Bosch Platinum plugs before with bad results. The engine just didn't run right. These have the center electrode that does NOT project past the insulation. These are the plugs originally described in this thread. In recent years, the price of these plugs has dropped dramatically...???? Who knows why. I have no experience with the +4's.

I KNOW you will be happy with the NGK's. They are $8.25 each from Garrand's Nissan.

Good Luck!

 

Garrands Nissan , Plattsburgh NY
(advertises genuine Nissan Parts at 25% off list price.)
Quote line: 800-339-2922
info@garrands-nissan.com

(cut and pasted from another thread)

 

where can you get the ngk plugs
can i get them at a local auto part store?

 

They can be purchased at regular auto parts stores. They are just a little more expensive than Garrands Nissan. I priced them at Advance, and they were around $11 each. I made the Garrands purchase worth my while by buying five genuine Nissan oil filters at $4.37 each, along with some more tune-up things. Can't hardly beat genuine Nissan parts. Their oil filters are about the best you can find.

Shipping was very reasonable as well.

Good Luck!

 

What kind of filters did it say were the best?

 

Best Oil Filters....Purolator Pure One was rated high along with the Mobil 1. Mobile 1 expect to pay premium. I have the article somewhere and will try and post the link when time. Ok here it is

http://members.nbci.com/_XMCM/minimo...lterstudy.html

Diamond cut clears arrived today

 

As for plugs, run whatever you want... Your money.

If you want to listen to others opinions... Your call. Sometimes opinions are like noses, everyone has them, and they all blow. Some are informed and come from experience. Listen to whomever you want....

Oil filters, same thing. I've run Purolator Pure One filters on a number of different engines, and like them. However, the Nissan filter has very small inlet holes, and seems like it could be a restriction. You also can't see an anti-drainback valve up in the filter, where you can with the Nissan.

Again, your money.

Good Luck!

 

well, i have just recently installed the bosch +4's in my car, and i love them, ive noticed considerable differences, and i too would use them again!!!!!

 

I would like to use these in my Max because they were great in my Toyota(noticable power difference in a 4). You have had no problem with them?

 

Pep boys lists these Autolite (AC delco) Double platinums as the OEM spark plugs for the Maxima (96 at least)
I put them in. THey look virtually identical.
I put them in. Runs about same. BTW, I think the original owner never changed plugs. because those hex screws on the engine block cover were soo tite. 82K on it now. The tip didn't look too bad. THere was a little carbon deposit I think.
So what's the deal with them Autolites? Are they same as NGK?

Also, when I put them in, I accidentally didn't connect one of the wires (I have no idea how I missed it) . I turned on, and the check engine light came on, and it started vibrating noticeably, but no screeching sounds or loud noises. I didn't rev it of course, and turned it off immediately. When I reconnected the wire and reset the ECU, check engine light is gone, and it runs fine for 2 weeks now. Could I have done some damage and what are some things to check for?

 

I just looked it up. It turns out the sparkplugs Pepboys gave me were single platinums. I specifically asked for double platinums.
Just pisses me off.
I guess I will change those when time comes to change the wires at 100K.

 

I thought Autolight were design more so for Fords?

 

Well I used the Autolite Double platinum plugs in my car as well and it seems to alright. According to the autolite website, Fram and Prestone are affiliated with Autolite, so it may or may not be a good thing.

 

alright you guys were right, the ngk plugs worked great, so my journey started at the first of 5 auto part stores no one had the plugs, but you could order them but they would still be 1250 a peice. So i decided to hit the nissan dealer and bought them there for around 12 a piece the guy gave me a deal if you want to call it a deal but 72 dollars on spark plugs i couldnt believe it, But anyway the car runs better than it did before and its sounds much cleaner thanks guys

 

Well, since I got out of my Toyota pickup, I have been trying to stick with the recommended parts as far as the engine goes. I'm not a racer, but more of a highway runner. I put about 25,000 on my car since last May. I want to get the maximum mileage I can from my modifications. These cars are great. Last summer, I drove from MA to Ok. My range was around 530 miles on one full tank. And I drove with the AC on at 80MPH most of the way. The trip is about 1600 miles.

 

What kind of mods do you have done/ what "recommended" parts.... we are in the same boat my friend, and i like the stir of 530 miles on one tank.

 

No mods yet on the engine. I spent about $600 for Stillen Cross Drilled Rotors, Matrix Pads and Synthetic Fluid. My next project is the exhaust system. I am doing my homework now to see what is the best option without a lot of noise. I am working my way to the engine from everything else.

 

No harm was done.

 

I was a little worried.
What happened was that I only had a 5" extension, which was OK for front cylinders. So I changed those, and then I wanted to drive to sears and get a 10" extension for the rear. For some reason I forgot to reconnect the first cylinder I worked on, but not the last 2.
Also, is there something inherently bad in running on Autolite single platinums for a year or so, before I change to NGKs? Is there any difference between single and double platinum in terms of performance out of the box (first 20K or so), or do double platinums just last longer?
It seems to me that a spark is a spark.

 

I have the same idea. Some Maxima owners insist their cars run well only with Original Equipment NGK platinum plugs. Others report success with other brands or style of plug. The intensity of these opposing camps approaches a religious war, one which I prefer to stay out of.

 

Q: How much of a performance improvement can I expect from changing plugs?
A: A common misconception is that changing spark plugs will result in a large power increase. In most cases, removing even seriously worn out spark plugs will only result in very modest power gains, typically about 1-2% of total engine output. This could be even less for computer-controlled vehicles, primarily because most newer vehicles have more powerful ignition systems and the vehicle's computer can make adjustments so that vehicle operation seems smoother and more seamless.
Many people think that simply supplying more spark to the firing tip can and will combust more fuel. What they don't understand is that most newer cars' engines are so efficient that they are already burning all of the available fuel. Simply adding more spark voltage can't burn more fuel because there is no more fuel to burn.
When a stock or near-stock engine is given a fresh set of spark plugs, peak efficiency is restored. The power gains that come from this restored state of tune are usually minimal. Any company that tells you that their spark plug will provide significant gains in power in a stock or near-stock engine is making blanket statements that may not be supportable.

 

I guess that means you probably won,t tell which brand you use. Or will you...........hm.

 

My present car is a '99 Maxima which still has the factory plugs. My previous car was an '87 Stanza (wonderful car!). I used Bosch platinum plugs in that engine and was completely satisfied.

 

Same here.

 

I've also tried the Bosch +4's and Bosch basic plats. Seemed like with the +4s the engine was slightly rough at idle, and maybe a touch slower. Went back to the Factory fit NGK plats and the engine was smoother at idle and thru the rev range. The basic plats seemed better than the +4s. Still the differences were very subtle.
Any data on a real controlled test out there?

Over the years I seem to go back to the factory parts if the cost isn't too out of line. They seem to be made better, fit better and just give me less hassle. (My Max and my other cars as well)