NGK spark plugs: catalog of models, decoding of markings and identification of fakes

Japanese company NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd. occupies a leading position among the world's spark plug manufacturers. It produces products for a wide range of gasoline units: from trucks to lawn mowers. The parameters of NGK spark plugs are at a stable average level, without exaggerating some characteristics to the detriment of others. This approach allows the company to actively cooperate with car factories.

Features of NGK technologies

The Japanese company NGK has been producing various models of candles for 80 years, constantly improving its developments. Thanks to this, the optimal ratio of quality and price was achieved. The spark plug lines are applicable to all popular car brands. NGK models have a number of advantages:

wide choice of configurations;
confident and easy engine start;
decent quality and reasonable price;
resistance to thermal effects;
numerous good user reviews;
Japanese high quality manufacturing technology.

The V-Line technology developed by NGK has made it possible to create candles that meet all modern quality and environmental standards. A special V-shaped groove is applied to the end part of the electrode located in the center. The area for sparking is significantly reduced, and other parameters remain at the original level. The stability and power of the spark is increased by increasing the voltage between the electrodes. The engine can operate without failures even on low-quality mixtures and at idle speed.

Semi-sliding type surface discharge spark plugs are characterized by an electrode that is completely immersed in the insulator. This structure provides an advantage when working with worn engines and rich mixtures. Carbon deposits do not have a significant effect on the performance of the spark plug; it can operate even with significant contamination.

Platinum and iridium models, due to their smaller electrode diameter, promote stable spark formation. Erosion processes in them occur more slowly, which increases their service life.

Varieties of candles

There is a wide range of candle models on sale, each with its own characteristics. They are grouped into the following NGK catalog classes:

Racing - spark plugs created for racing cars. They are designed for professionals and can withstand increased loads. The electrode located in the center is soldered with platinum. The product has good performance, suitable for gasoline engines.
Laser Line - models from the NGK spark plug catalog, used for cars running on gas fuel. The central electrode is made of iridium.
Glow - spark plugs for diesel engines. They are equipped with a special heating coil. The body is made of ceramic and metal. The products ensure smooth starting and operation of the motor.
D - Power - models designed to work in adverse conditions. With them, the diesel engine can be started at low air temperatures. The line contains a variety of candle options, including ceramic products.
Standard - products with a centered nickel electrode. NGK spark plugs in this series are standard and have a long service life. They work with cars running on gasoline.
Platinum VX - standard models with platinum coating. The electrode diameter reaches 0.8 mm. They have a good resource for long-term operation with gasoline engines.
Laser Platinum - candles with platinum soldering and corrugated ribs that protect against fire. The material of the models is not subject to erosion and corrosion. The products can operate without interruption for 60 thousand km.
Laser Iridium - products with an iridium-based electrode, 0.6 mm thick. The service life of the spark plug is approximately 100 thousand km.
V - Line - models with a V-shaped notch on the nickel electrode, which makes ignition more efficient.
V - Power - candles with a copper core that removes heat better. The product is also equipped with a V-shaped notch.

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Imported devices

Imported SZ designations are applied by analogy with Russian ones , but using other alphanumeric characters, which can lead car owners into some confusion. Although, in order to simplify the choice, the packaging contains information about which vehicles they can be used on. In addition, the marking of imported devices can be deciphered using special replaceability tables. But let’s look at the samples most in demand among car owners in more detail. Let's take an example of the labeling of devices from leading brands.

Assortment of imported candles

NGK spark plugs

company (Japan) is called the leader in the production of SZ . Its products are recognized as being of the highest quality and reliability. NGK spark plugs are marked as follows:

domestic devices A 11 are an analogue of products B 4 H;
And 17 DVRs are replaced by BPR 6 ES.

The marking of NGK products is quite simple to decipher. In particular, B4H:

the letter symbol B specifies the diameter and pitch of the thread, in this case it is M14x1.25, other possible designations are A/C/D/J;
digital symbol 4 indicates the heat value - this indicator varies in the range 2-11;
the letter symbol H indicates the thread size (12.7mm).

Marking of NGK spark plugs The
designation BPR 6 ES indicates that this product is equipped with a standard thread, a projection insulator (P), a resistor (R), a heating coefficient of 6, a thread size of 17.5 mm (E), the symbol S indicates the individual properties of the product.

The presence of a number at the end (usually separated by a hyphen) indicates that the electrodes have a gap of this size.

Spark generators Bosch

Bosch products need no introduction . Let's say the article number WR 7DC has the following meaning:

symbol W – thread with standard parameters (14);
symbol R – the presence of a resistor that prevents interference;
digital symbol 7—heat value;
letter D—thread size (19mm);
the letter C is a copper alloy electrode, other possible designations are O (regular alloy), S (silver element), P (platinum).

Products marked WR 7DC are an analogue of domestic spark plugs A 17 DVR, which work with engines of VAZ cars.

Bosch spark plug markings

Czech Brisk devices

Since the 35th year of the last century, the company has been producing SZ, which are in constant demand among our motorists.

The article number on the candles of this manufacturer, for example, DOR 15 YC, has the following decoding :

the letter D denotes a “standard” size thread (1.25mm), oriented for wrench 14, with a body size of 19mm;
the letter symbol O indicates a special design of the product, made in accordance with ISO regulations;
the letter R indicates the presence of a resistor, and the symbol X indicates the ability of the electrode resistance to form carbon deposits;
the number 15 is a heat indicator that can vary in the range 8-19 (in this case, the index 13 is not indicated by the manufacturer);
the letter Y indicates a protruding arrester;
symbol C indicates a head electrode made of copper;
1 (mm) - gap at the electrodes.

Brisk candles

Beru devices

The manufacturer Beru (Germany) produces candles and other components of premium quality. Products are marked, for example, as 14 R-7 DU, which stands for:

14 – thread size (14×1.25mm);
R – there is a resistor;
7 – heat coefficient (interval 7-13);
D – thread size (19mm) with gasket-seal under the cone;
U – head electrode made of copper+nickel alloy.

Using another designation as an example - 14 F-7 DTUO - we will explain that the marking changes slightly: the values of SZ are standard, and the nut is smaller than the installation space (F), can only be used in “low-power” motors with a seal (T), the head element of the product strengthened (O).

Beru candles

Denso devices

This company labels its products as SK 16 PR-A 11, which stands for as follows:

S – head electrode with a diameter of 0.7 mm made of iridium, the electrode on the side is equipped with a platinum plate;
K - hexagon diameter;
16 - heat coefficient;
P – head electrode protruding 1.5 mm;
R – there is a resistor;
A is a parameter specifically for this modification of the SZ;
11 - gap size.

Please note that letter designations on Denso devices may vary depending on the product series.

Denso spark plugs

Champion devices

Products from this brand are labeled similarly to other candles . For example, the designation RN 9 BYC 4 is:

R - presence of a resistor (if the symbol E is indicated, the product is equipped with a screen, O-wire resistor);
N – standard thread size (10mm);
9 — heat value (interval 1-25);
BYC – head electrode made of copper with two side elements (products of the “standard” design are marked with the symbol A);
4 - gap at the electrodes.

Champion candles

Definition of marking

All NGK products have a stamp that combines numbers and letters. The values are in order 123456−7. Their decoding is as follows:

Positions 1 to 4 include thread diameter and hex key size (for example, A - 18/25.4 mm, D - 12/18 mm, BK - 14/16 mm, etc.), design features, type noise suppression (Z - inductance, R - resistor). The last indicator may be missing.
The 5th position is the heat number. It is numbered from hottest (2) to coldest (10).
Letter position 6 determines the length of the fastener thread (For example, E - 19 mm, H - 12.7 mm). Candles with a conical fit are designated by the symbol F, their value is determined by the first letter in the marking (A - 10.9 mm, B - 11.2 mm, B * EF - 17.5 mm). Compact models have a standard measurement of 9.5 mm and they skip this familiarity.
The spark gap size is separated by a hyphen. If the value is missing, then the spark plug has a standard value - 0.8-0.9 mm for cars and 0.7-0.8 mm for motorcycles. The gap is indicated by an integer, for example, number 15 corresponds to 1.5 mm, and 8 corresponds to 0.8 mm.

Design designation

Design features may have different marking options. They are indicated by the following symbols:

B - contact fixed nut;
SM, CS - compact side inclined electrode (insulator length is 18.5 mm);
GV, G - spark plugs for racing cars;
I—iridium-based electrode;
J - two special side electrodes;
IX - improved iridium electrode;
K - two simple side electrodes;
L—intermediate heat number;
LM - compact type spark plug (insulator length 14.5 mm);
P—platinum electrode;
S - standard type;
N—side single electrode of special shape;
U—semi-surface discharge;
Q or T - 4 and 3 side electrodes, respectively;
VX - platinum-based spark plug;
Y - electrode series V - Line with groove;
Z is a special type design.

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For example, an NGK spark plug type BKR6E has an external thread with a diameter of 14 mm and a length of 19 mm. The hexagon size is 16 mm, heat rating is 6. The model is equipped with a resistor type of noise suppression.

Its applicability for cars without a catalyst is quite extensive. For example, the product is suitable for models Audi A 3, Hyundai S Coupe, Kia (Carens, Mentor, Rio, Sephia), Lada 110 and Vega, Opel Monterey A, etc.

Selection rules

The company’s product range is quite extensive, so it’s difficult to manually search for the right model. For convenience, you can use the selection of NGK candles on the official website through the company catalog. In it you can choose to sort by model, engine size, make and year of manufacture. Information is available for print and online.

For example, by selecting the 2011 Ford Focus brand in the search, you can get results with spark plugs suitable for the car. This will be a model V - Line 45 type TR 5 B -13 with a thread diameter of 14 mm and a thread length of 25 mm.

How to choose ngk spark plugs

In order to correctly choose NZK spark plugs, you should use the official website of this company. In the Product Selection application, you must enter the car manufacturer, car model and specify the engine code. As a result, the output will indicate the type of spark plug that fully corresponds to the characteristics of a particular internal combustion engine.

When purchasing ngk spark plugs in specialized online stores, you must indicate the year of manufacture of the car, its make and model, and engine code. If you have any difficulties choosing this ignition element, you should contact the store specialists using the call back service or filling out the electronic application form.

Counterfeit detection

The popularity of NLC candles has caused many counterfeit products to appear on the market. Externally, the product is very similar to the branded one, but its quality is much lower. You can distinguish a fake by carefully examining the candles. The following features are important:

The packaging has even slots and resistant paint, and is glued together efficiently and reliably.
The thread is knurled and there are no nicks or any irregularities on it. If the item is cut, this indicates that it is fake.
The original has smooth, indelible, clear markings.
The ceramics from which the insulator is made are of high quality. Its remains in powder form can be found on the metal part of the case.
The terminal nut is tightly secured and requires considerable force to unscrew it.
The electrode is well centered. The sparking end of the insulator is free of any contamination.

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A wide selection of NGK spark plugs allows you to choose the optimal model for almost any make of car. The high quality and reasonable price of the products ensures the popularity of the Japanese company's products in the market. Buying candles in trusted stores and carefully checking the purchased product will help you avoid counterfeits.

How to distinguish a fake from the original

The high popularity of a particular brand is the reason for the emergence of a large number of counterfeits. NLC ignition elements are no exception to this rule. When purchasing products from this brand, you should pay attention to:

packaging quality;
the presence of holographic stickers;
the quality of the product itself;
price.

High-quality packaging should at least look neat. All images and inscriptions must be as clear as possible. The presence of crooked fonts and blurry drawings on the packaging indicates that it is a fake.

When assessing the quality of a product, you should pay attention to the appearance of the candle itself. In the original product, the terminal nut is tightened to a certain limit and is unscrewed with a certain force. In a fake, the terminal nut is easily unscrewed, and the central rod itself is poorly attached to the insulator. In the original, between the insulator and the metal base there are traces of white powder, indicating the use of a special rolling technology. In a fake, the surface of the metal base is uneven; it may have various cutting defects of mechanical origin. The engraving of the markings is sloppy, the markings are thicker. In the original, the central and side electrodes are centered relative to each other, the gap between them is set, and the spark-producing end of the insulator is completely white. In a fake, the central and side electrodes are not centered, the gap is not set, and the spark-producing end of the insulator is dirty. Also, upon visual inspection, the original can be distinguished from a fake by the quality of the thread. It should be perfectly smooth, without any flaws. The sealing ring cannot be removed from the original spark plug, but such a ring can be easily twisted off from a fake.