What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

[greg82255]

Hello,

I have a '82 Merc 898, and have been through several types of spark plugs. When I first got the boat, it had Champion Model # RV8C installed. I went to Pep boys and they looked up the 898 in their manuals and they gave me Champion Model RV15YC4, said that rv8c was a colder plug and would give me idle problems. Next time I changed the plugs I went back to Pep Boys (went to pep boys because they sell the plugs for $1.49 and theyre like $4 at any other store) and a different employee looked up the 898 again and gave me RV19YC4, said they no longer carried the old ones.

I have come to the conclusion that some of these people in the auto parts stores know even less than I do about engines. So my question is, does anyone know the correct spark plug that goes in my engine? And is there a plug I can buy that will give me better performance as opposed to the standard plug for the 898? I want to do a quick tune-up before I go away with the boat for the weekend.

Thanks

 

[sethjon]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

I do not know the right plug for you, but heres some good advice. The wrong plugs can do a number on your pistons. People in Pep Boys are nice people but they are only clerks and don't know their *** from their elbow. Only go there when you know exactly what you want.

 

[greg82255]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

You are right, I have realized that not all, but most of them, are clueless when it comes to choosing the correct parts to use. However, their prices on spark plugs are far cheaper than any competitor that I have found, at least in my area. I am hoping that someone will give me the correct part # and I can do exactly as you said, go in there knowing exactly what I want, and also pay the price that I want.

 

[greg82255]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

Thank you Bubba1235. Do you think I can get these at an auto parts store? Or do you need to go to somewhere specific to get them?

 

[Brewman61]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

All the guys at places like Pep Boys do is read cross reference charts. You can find those yourself online, and go from there.
But relying on those guys on things like this would make me a bit nervous.
It's not that hard to read a cross reference chart, but it may be beyone the ability of a high school kid who was up till all hours the night before!

 

[Bondo]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

And is there a plug I can buy that will give me better performance as opposed to the standard plug for the 898?

Ayuh,... There's No Super plugs,...
Bubba's got it Right,... Get a set of AC Delco, MR43T plugs...

 

[greg82255]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

Will do, thank you for the help. I have been looking at cross reference charts and it syas that the AC Delco MR43T plugs are the same as the Champion RV8C. Is this correct?

 

[Bondo]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

Donno,... I wouldn't buy a Champion...

 

[achris]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

Will do, thank you for the help. I have been looking at cross reference charts and it syas that the AC Delco MR43T plugs are the same as the Champion RV8C. Is this correct?

Yes... I use NGKs, BR6FS... Never had a problem with any NGK plug... Won't use chumps, too many DOA from the box....

Chris........

 

[greg82255]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

Alright, out with Champion, in with AC Delco or NGK, whichever is cheaper. is the gap still going to be the same? The spec for the 898 is .035, but I have seen that some of these plugs come with .045 as their standard gap. Which one is correct?

 

[Icefire55]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

running BR6FS in my 350 and are probably the most recommanded for 305/350.

"standard" gab is only a presetting, spark plug go in many motor and each call for a specific gap, mine came at about 0.024, had them at .035 as per the book

 

[Slicktified]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

I agree, with points ignition, set them at .035" and no champion plugs. I've had good luck with the 3 other brands listed, in cars and trucks anyway.

 

[bucnon75]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

You can't go wrong with NGKs.
The mechanics I know don't use autolite or champion.
A lot of ac-delco parts are Chinese made.

 

[jeepnsam]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

I run AC-MR43T which cross references to NKG BR6FS

 

[sparky71]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

I got my acmr43t at advanve auto,and I believe 1.99 a piece.As we are somewhat from the same region I know you can get them cheap.Pep boys would not be my first choice to buy stuff for my boat tho.Try napa...they are a lil more expensive but have a much better selection of marine stuff.

 

[greg82255]

Re: What Kind of Spark Plugs to use??

There's a Napa right near my house.. I'll head there later today. Thank you!