164Q Spark Plugs

[V AR 164]

Ok, so after my plugs fouled up after just 1,000kms of driving, I read online that the Q motors use a different plug to the standard 164 motors. So the NGK BP6ES plugs I put in fouled and was causing all the missfiring issues.

The correct plug to use is the NGK PGR6A, however, I have had sooooo many issues trying to get a set. Plus they are really expensive and don't fancy spending $180+ on a set of plugs (Quotes from auto parts stores).

So does anyone recommend any other plugs to use? I need to get the car running ASAP for its roadworthy.

Thanks, Andrew.

[Colin Edwards]

Hi Andrew,

A quick google search finds those plugs for under $20 each. 
Another option may be to purchase direct from one of the club sponsor workshops.  One may offer a club "discount"!


Colin

[poohbah]

Is there a Bosch alternative?

[Neil Choi]

Air + Fuel + Spark = brooom brooom

No spark, no go, ebay or Supercheap or Alfa member sponsored workshop $20 each, just get the right bits and you are off, no fuss.  You wasted 6 BP6ES already.

Pfffft, don't skimp on spark!!!!!!!!

[V AR 164]

Thanks for the replies guys,

Well I ordered a set of 6 for just over $107 delievered. Just wanted to query if anyone had any other recommendations on what these engines like.

Fingers crossed that these plugs resolve my many many MANY issues regarding engine misfires and general problems.

Cheers, Andrew.

[GTVeloce]

Maybe she needed a regular 'alfa tune up*'?

* A damn good thrashing!

[Colin Edwards]

Hi Andrew,
Good to hear you have found more suitable plugs at a very good price.  The BP6ES is a VERY basic nickel plug.  The BP6ES does not feature an internal resistor.  That may have impacted on the EFI and contributed to plug fouling. 

The PGR6A s a far more advanced platinum plug less likely to foul.  However my contact at NGK suggests the BKR6EIX if your going to hang on to the car for some time.  This is an Iridium plug - probably a bit more expensive though!  He also recommends indexing plugs so the rear of the earth electrode is closest to the cylinder wall.. This can reduce the tendency to foul.   

Colin

[V AR 164]

Ok I have just about had it with this car. My old plugs fouled up because they were the incorrect plug for it, or so I believed.

I started the car yesterday and noticed it was not running correctly again. So today I pull the plugs out and I find this. My new platinum plug fouling up like my old plugs. Bear in mind, I have not driven this car at all since I put the new spark plugs in and it has only run for 20 minutes idling!

The only comment I can make, is that I believe it is running very rich. I can smell it coming out of the exhaust. Not sure how to solve it.

Also thanks for the info Colin.

Any ideas? Thanks, Andrew.

[poohbah]

Maybe the valve stem oil seals need replacing? If they are excessively worn, oil could be fouling your plugs.

[V AR 164]

Hmm traced it down to a faulty coolant temp sensor. Gonna put a new one in soon. If that doesn't work, I'll look at replacing oxygen sensors.

I doubt it's valve stem seals, as there would be an oily buildup on the plugs, this just seems to be carbon.

Cheers, Andrew.

[poohbah]

yep only just saw your pic. Definitely not oily.

[Al Campbell]

Struth my old GTV6 was so worn I had made a jig to hold all 6 plugs while I cleaned the oil off with de-greaser - about once a month.