Force 120 Spark Plugs

[Gone4two]

I recently purchased a 97" pontoon with a Force 120 outboard. I want to change the spark plugs, and looked at the ones that are currently in it. They are NGK BUZHW. I went on the search for this plug locally, but with no success. I was able to find them on the net, but they are around 11 bucks a piece. Wow, that is outrageous! I went back to the net and looked for cross reference on plug brands. The BUZHW crosses over to the following:

NGK STK: 2147
AC Delco: M40FFX
Autolite: 2852
Bosch P/N: WEA
Champion P/N: QL76V
Champion STK: 898
Denso P/N: SF-50
Denso STK: 6001
GM OEM NR: 5613574
Splitfire: SM264D
NGK TYPE: MARINE
Thread size: 14MM
Hex size: 0,81
Reach: 0,5
Seat type: GASKET
Projected tip: SURFACE

Now, armed with information, I called my local NAPA store and they came up with the AC Delco M40FFX which cost me a whopping 2 bucks each. This is my delimma! The M40FFX have electrodes, where the BUZHW are flat. Can I use these plugs? If so, what is the gap? (plugs are old stock, obviously, so the tips are bent and need to be re-gapped). I have searched everywhere and can not get the gap. Before i start banging my head, Does anyone know the gap for an electrode spark plug for this engine?

Thanks,

Gone4two

 

[87blf125]

Re: Force 120 Spark Plugs

not too sure on a 120 but i have a force 125 and you can only use surface gap plugs, i think it is a clearance thing. i am guessing that is why you can't find a gap. if you have a carquest i know they can get them, i got ngk's for like 5 buck a piece. i would not use a plug with an electrode, if you don't have the piston clearance you might realy mess **** up on the inside if the piston hits the electrode.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Force 120 Spark Plugs

You can use a NGK BUHW, stock number 2622. The NGK BUZHW is a resistor plug to eliminate radio interference. BUHW is the same plug without the resistor.

Do not use plugs with the automotive type extended ground electrode in your 120 HP Force motor. There's a good chance you'll melt a hole in the piston.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force 120 Spark Plugs

If you can't find the BUHW, you can also use BUHX or the standard Mercury (Champion) L76V. All are surface gap. Do not use ANY bent electrode plug.

 

[Gone4two]

Re: Force 120 Spark Plugs

Thanks for the replies. In my gut, I pretty much knew that the plugs should not be used! Still, I wonder why the cross reference guide shows the M40FFX as an alternative plug. As far as the BUZHW vs. BUHW, I recently read where the "Z" stands for resistance from RFI (radio frequency interference), and that "Z" plugs should be used when there is high radio frequency traffic. I am trying to get my mind around the concept. I know that when a spark moves or jumps the gap on the spark plug, it creates an electromagnetic field which may cause numerous problems with computers, radios, electronic, or electrical systems. Many of us have stereos, cell phones, and GPS. Will the use of non-RF resister plugs effect to operations of these type of devices? How about the effect of ignition systems? Not sure where i am going with this, but it is something to think about for us non techies. Any thoughts, or clarifications on the "Z" plugs?

Thanks,

Gone4Two

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Force 120 Spark Plugs

I've been using the BUHW plugs for over a year now with no affect on my cell phone, GPS fish finder/depth gauge, or stereo. I ran into the same problem as you did. BUZHW are hard to find and expensive. I guess it boils down to personal preference. Anyways, I've not had any negative affects with the NGK BUHW. NAPA stores in my area stock them.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force 120 Spark Plugs

I though one (either BUHW or BUHZ) was the equivalent of Champion L20V and the other the L76V. Could be wrong though. Would not be the first time in my life.

 

[jnpcook]

Re: Force 120 Spark Plugs

Just received a manufacturers factory service manual from Force off ebay. It is for the 90HP and the 120 HP outboards. Per the factory service manual it states that the correct plugs for the 120 HP are Champion L76V (USA0 and Champion QL-76V (Canada).

John

 

[Desertsky]

Re: Force 120 Spark Plugs

Whenever I have problems finding a plug locally, I use Sparkplugs.com. Here is your plug:

http://www.sparkplugs.com/results_cross.asp?pid=BUZHW&x=45&y=13