Fake NGK Spark Plugs

[Gone in 60]

Hi all, this isn't directly related to the CB1100, but I figured I'd put it out there for everyone's benefit.

Honda typically uses NGK for OEM spark plugs, including the CB1100. I had replaced the plugs on the family Honda CRV 25k miles ago with OEM replacements, purchased on Amazon. Recently, the car has had an intermittent stumble. In the process of eliminating possible causes, I pulled the spark plugs to look at them, and the electrodes were melted.

Clearly I got a set of knock-offs. Just a word of warning for anyone looking to buy new plugs. Stick with the dealer!

[Rocky_imp]

Hi all, this isn't directly related to the CB1100, but I figured I'd put it out there for everyone's benefit.

Honda typically uses NGK for OEM spark plugs, including the CB1100. I had replaced the plugs on the family Honda CRV 25k miles ago with OEM replacements, purchased on Amazon. Recently, the car has had an intermittent stumble. In the process of eliminating possible causes, I pulled the spark plugs to look at them, and the electrodes were melted.

Clearly I got a set of knock-offs. Just a word of warning for anyone looking to buy new plugs. Stick with the dealer!

Wise words

[Gone in 60]

... of course, checking my Amazon purchase history to figure out where I got the fake plugs, I saw my purchase of NGKs for the Bonneville around the same time.
Ugh, better take a look at those too!

[GoldOxide_imp]

Thanks for the warning Gin60.

[Gone in 60]

Here's a comparison.

[Lord Popgun]

Thats a big difference. That pic makes it easy to see.

[the Ferret]

same exact number printed on top? LMAR8A-9S (the S is particularly important)

[Lord Popgun]

The S is for the washer, correct? But look at the electrodes. They are not the same. Way different.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Gin60: I am not understanding - why does the top plug look spent? Are you just comparing thread pitch and ceramic electrode insulation length? Everything else is hard to compare.

Even the ceramic insulation is tricky to compare in the photo image because the lower image is slightly twisted toward the viewer.

[Stichill_imp]

Gin60: I am not understanding - why does the top plug look spent? Are you just comparing thread pitch and ceramic electrode insulation length? Everything else is hard to compare.

Even the ceramic insulation is tricky to compare in the photo image because the lower image is slightly twisted toward the viewer.

The center electrode is clearly not the correct alloy, e.g. platinum, iridium. etc. It was just some ordinary metal (copper, brass, steel) machined to look like a fine-tipped, high-performance alloy, so it burned away and opened the spark gap.

This larger gap would greatly stress the ignition coil(s).