| Hltsolo |
hello to everyone- i'm new to this forum (as far as posting), up til now, i've been mostly reading and taking some notes and tips on "diy" ideas from fellow member's suggestion/input. i have a question, probably been ask before, but i didn't see any recent post about it so i'll ask anyway... which is the best spark plug to use between the ngk and the denso?
does either one have a certain advantage over the other? i know the owner's manual have a specific model for both the ngk and denso, but when you go to www.sparkplugs.com and do a search for 2005 acura mdx, they have a couple of different compatible model number spark plugs. for example, the denso according to the manual specify model "skj16dr-m11", but on the sparkplugs.com site they have "skj20dr-m11" and "ik20". will i be able to use those two models without any ill effect? will there be any upside to using them or should i just stay with what the owner's manual spec? any suggestion from fellow members out there would help, thanks in advance.
haze
2005 mdx touring w/nav |
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| dj-mdx2 |
I used NGK Iridium plugs on my 01 when I changed mine. I just used factory specs but I'll have to look up the actual part number. I don't think you'll see any difference between NGK and Denso for normal driving use.
Just curious, why are you changing so early? |
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| Hltsolo |
i like to do a thorough change of some of the minor miscellaneous maintenances "do it yourself" whenever i get a new "used" car. i know it's a bit early to change them out, but for the sake of "just in case" i need to change them. i want to be prepare and besides, many mechanical component will get worn and their performance will decline as time passed.
i just recently pick this up about three months ago with about 40K miles on it. it is almost at 45K now, and i have done almost all the 45K maintenance requirement as per owner manual except for a few of the fluids change left. bottom line is, i want to have this nice and warm fuzzy feeling knowing that whatever is done has been done by me as far as visual inspections and any minor miscellaneous maintenance. don't get me wrong, this car is in nearly mint conditions both inside and out. but you just never know what kind of mechanic have done the servicing or have they? i'm sure you all have heard of story or have experience some problems, if not, good on you. i trust my own two eyes and hands more than any mechanic out there, unless i know you personally and/or have dealt with you (know the quality of your work). i used to be a aircraft mechanic when i was in the u.s. navy, so i know (speaking from experience) for a fact that no two mechanics are created equally, their standards differ as do their quality of works. some take pride in their work, while others do (standard performance) what is only necessary to get by (half-aXX job). i'm a perfectionist you might say (picky about how things are done). now, i know there will be times when problems comes along and they will be beyond my two hands, that is where either a more experience mechanic comes in to help or a friendly neighborhood shop, and lastly the dealer (aka stealer cause their prices will cost you an arm or a leg). |
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| dj-mdx2 |
| OK, gotcha. Don't forget the cabin filter if you haven't done so already, as it gets neglected due to the difficulty level of changing it. |
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| mdxforever |
The only thing I'd check to make sure is that those plugs are "extended reach". thats another honda specialty.
Denso Iridiums are not extended. I tossed them and replaced with NGK iridiums that are a step colder. I also run the accord a step colder and after 10000 miles on each I have absolutely no problems.
If you have noticed honda has started to go a step colder on their stock plugs already on the newer ('03+ ?)engines, and thats possibly when it is suggesting a "20" instead of a "16".
Check air and cabin filter as already suggested. Do an oil, ATF, TQ and VTM fluid replacement. |
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| oakvilleguy |
I know nothing about spark plugs.
What are the benefits of going with a colder spark plug? |
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| mdxforever |
Think of it as added insurance towards pre-detonation - just like higher octane in gas. Higher octane doesn't neccessarily yield anything by itself. It's a safety margin for preventing the engine from knocking due to pre-detonation. Pre-detonation results in retarded timing and thereby loss or power/efficiency on engines with knock sensors (like mdx). On engines without knock sensors, you loose the engine.
A colder plug removes heat faster from the bore and reduces your risk of pre-detonation.
When I removed the plugs on the accord they were uncomfortably on the hotter side (image 21-24 -> http://www.dansmc.com/Spark_Plugs/S...gs_catalog.html). And this is without any major modifications like Turbo or anything.
It wasn't that bad on the X but it wasn't exactly "normal" range. I changed them anyways. Better a spark plug cold than hot. |
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| JP422 |
I've tried many different plugs on all sorts of motors, but my overall favorite are the NGK and Denso Iridium plugs.
I tend to change plugs more often then needed, but I like to have engines running in top condition. Personally, I really like the IK20's and have used them as well as IK22's (one step colder) in other
applications (audi 1.8L turbo 450hp) and they work great.
I was happy, yet somewhat suspicious that my Audi and my Honda/Acuras can use the same plug. I just got a set of IK20's recently for my wife's '03 Accord and will be trying them out very soon. I'll compare to see if there is an "extended" length difference as well. (currently trying Bosch +4 in the 2.4 Accord, and i'm not impressed).
Happy Thanksgiving!~ |
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