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Tim · Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 3:41 pm Post subject: Spark plug type

What spark plugs should I be using in my 1.7 16v (with catalysator)? My owners manual mentions an NGK type but the local Alfa mechanic says to put Lodge types in (which I've always used on my previous Alfa's). Has there been an update since the owners manual was written?
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Laki · Alfasud Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Posts: 74 Location: Ljubjana

Both types will work OK. NGK is a bit higher class and will do more milage. I use Lodge golden and they do their job OK. Plus they are not as costly as NGK
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-- ALFA ROMEO 33 Q4 --

tvatavuk · Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 4:13 pm Post subject:

Problem with GL 25 HLD is that they seem to be a bit colder then NGKs platinum, so if you drive a lot in city/short relations withut engine having time to warm up, you might end up changing them even every 10k km like I did.
Changing sparks on 16v, can be difficult (even with original spark changing bracket key) and time consuming process anywhere from 30mins to 2 hours.
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Tino Vatavuk
Little black dress which replaced Alfa Romeo 33 S 16v Permanent 4 GMo

paddy granger · Alfa Sprint Joined: 12 Aug 2003 Posts: 248

I don't know if the Golden Lodge 25 HL was an option for the 16v engine.

As far as I know, the factory always fitted NGK plugs to the 16v 1.7. If Laki runs with the Golden Lodge 25 HL's without any problems you should be OK as well.

For the 8V engines I would always use the 25 HL Golden Lodges, as they were standard.

Bellamachinna · Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 11:25 pm Post subject:

Hi...

Early 16v were suplied with Golden Lodge 25 HLD (not 25 HL).
The GL 25 HL were only fitted to 8v engines.
When 16v were fitted with cat, Alfa droped the golden lodge plugs, and switched to Bosch for non catalitic engines, and NGK for the catalic versions.
I´ve experienced all the 3 brands, and i found the NGK, the better suitted, although my car doesn´t have a cat...
The golden lodge plugs, didnt last very long, and throtlle response was poor. When switched for Bosch (cant remember the code type, but is indicated on the owners manual), noticed better response, but they lasted only 5000 Km... Shocked

The NGK really are the better. I´m on the second set of these, and the first one lasted 40.000 km. The throtlle response is faster.
But they have only one handicap...They are expensive...

best regards
J.Oliveira
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tvatavuk · Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 1:31 pm Post subject:

GL 25 HLD still can be bought from AR dealer as original part replacement spark plug for 33 16v as it is in most of new AR parts catalogues.
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Tino Vatavuk
Little black dress which replaced Alfa Romeo 33 S 16v Permanent 4 GMo

Guest · Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 1:32 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the replies, folks. Considering what a pain in the **** it is to change the plugs in this engine I think it's going to be NGK's going in for the sake of longevity, despite the cost...

Tim · Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 1:34 pm Post subject:

Ah, just noticed I wasn't logged in there....
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If it 'aint broke.........it needs some more fixing!

Harri · Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 6:46 am Post subject:

Yep, I recommend the NGKs from experience. My 33 is still running fine with 110k kms on the plugs and I will be changing them this weekend. A couple of weeks ago I installed the same PFR6B plugs on my 164 QV, the old ones having 90k kms on them and no running problems whatsoever. The only problem with such long lasting plugs is that it might be difficult to get them out, especially if a good copper or aluminium grease has not been used when installing them.
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1990 33 16V QV
1993 164 QV 24V
1989 164 3.0 V6
2003 156 JTS Selespeed SW