change in manufact. recommended spark plugs??

[davescarrs]

I have twin 1987 4.3L OMC's i/o's. model 432APWX serial #T0903755 and 56. I'm replacing spark plugs. in the past I always bought prescribed per OMC manual Champion RV8C. recently it looks as if recomended plug is RV15YC4 per Champion. Reason this even came up was I went to local dealer not knowing part # of plug. I gave him engine type he looked up and found RV15YC4. I went home and found they were different than what I bought in the past. then began researching and worrying.

In West Marine I also read this:
"Spark Plug Application Note: Due to changes in fuel composition brought about by the use of detergent additives and oxygenated components, changes have taken place recently in spark plug technology. Some plugs have been redesigned to accommodate the different heat ranges required for reformulated fuel. Before you order a spark plug, be sure to consult the manufacturer’s most current reference guide. Don’t assume that you can simply replace an existing plug with the same model because the heat range may have changed, which could adversely affect engine performance."

if I put the new plug in (RV15YC4) and it appears to run fine, is it ok to use these?? what would the gap be if I use the new plug, same as the old? does this sound right or should I just track down the older RV8C type and not worry about it. just want to use the plug that is best for the boat, is the new plug what is now needed because of the new type of fuel or stick with the old one I know works?? thanks in advance

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: change in manufact. recommended spark plugs??

You'll likely take a few shots about using Champions but I also changed to that same plug on my 7.5's and have had no problems with them, should be gapped at .035

 

[bruceb58]

Re: change in manufact. recommended spark plugs??

I thought the difference between those two plugs was that the RV15YC4 had the extended tip

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: change in manufact. recommended spark plugs??

Aren't AC's the one you would want for a GM chevy engine? I suppose other plugs will work too, but in general it's best to go with the plug designed for the engine.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: change in manufact. recommended spark plugs??

If you really follow that logic I suppose we should also make sure that we use AC oil filters, AC spark plug wires and AC fuel filters right?

How about GM Goodwrench oil?

Aren't AC's the one you would want for a GM chevy engine? I suppose other plugs will work too, but in general it's best to go with the plug designed for the engine.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: change in manufact. recommended spark plugs??

No. I don't adhere to this thread of "logic" of yours. I'm not trying to be an AC junkie. ( but throw in an AC hot babe calendar and I might reconsider:}.)

Having tried other filters of different brands, I couldn't tell the difference between one and another. However, I have had best performance from the spark plug specified for the engine( be it Champion, NGK, or AC) and sometimes regrets for having substituted to other brand names that were so called "substiutes" or "equivalents". This has been the case in the past with some of my cars and outboards I have owned.

However, I did put in some Bosch platinum plugs in my Chrysler Grand Caravan and it seems to run just as well as the specified Champions. (I tried them because they were half the cost of the Champions. ) So I suppose you can luck out and really find an appropriate substitute plug that will work as well as the specified one. At the same or similar price though, why bother?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: change in manufact. recommended spark plugs??

I only use sparkplugs of manufacturers that have hot babe calendars.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: change in manufact. recommended spark plugs??

hehehehe

 

[davescarrs]

Re: change in manufact. recommended spark plugs??

OMC manual prescribes Champion RV8C or AC-MR43T. won't the AC be recommendation be changed( fuel changes), too?? I can buy either, but have manufacturers recommendations changed?? I have researched and cannot find anything from omc volvo/penta on what I should be using these days. thanks

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: change in manufact. recommended spark plugs??

Don't know what else we can tell you, OMC has been out of business since around 2000 so either use what Champion recommends or use the old ones RV8C or try another make like NGK or the AC's.

 

[MJ76]

Re: change in manufact. recommended spark plugs??

The NGK is BR6FS, I believe, but if it runs good, I wouldn't sweat it either way.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: change in manufact. recommended spark plugs??

Years back the factory, formerly OMC, sent out a service bulletin about changing the plug recommendations to RV15YC, especially for the 4.3L since it sometimes had misfire problems.

If you check with an authorized Johnson-Evinrude dealer and look in the Genuine Parts and Accessories Book that is sent each year, the plug chart will show the correct plug number.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: change in manufact. recommended spark plugs??

...which will probably bring you back to the best for your engine AC-MR43T. Hehehehe.