[Shop-talk] OEM Spark Plugs

[Jim Stone]

It has been quite a while since I asked this question but I finally got around to putting in the new plugs yesterday and wanted to share my thoughts now that I have some experience. 

The bottom line is consistent with the general consensus of the group: I could not see any difference between the original plugs and the new ones. Here are a couple of photos:



We’re on the road right now (my wife is driving) and there is no discernible difference that I can feel.

So, to confirm the group’s answer to my original question for anyone else who might be curious, I’d say there is no reason to pay the ridiculous OEM markup for the exact same part.  

Jim

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 21, 2021, at 7:34 PM, Jim Stone <1789alpine at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> My 2017 Honda Ridgeline is approaching its 105,000 mile service, which is a big one.  New timing belt is the main event, but Honda also recommends new spark plugs.  I did the timing belt on my old Ridgeline at 220,000 (it’s 3rd belt) but it was a PITA and I don’t think I want to take any chances on a newer, more valuable vehicle.  Spark plugs are a different story and the dealer gets over $300 to do those!
> 
> The reason changing plugs is so expensive is Honda’s price for the plugs themselves.  They list at $55 each, although you can get them discounted for the low, low price of about $40 each if you shop around.  https://www.hondapartsconnection.com/oem-parts/honda-spark-plug-dilzkr7b11g-ngk-12290r9pa01  But, here is where it gets interesting: The owner’s manual lists the plugs as NGK DILZKR7B11G, a number you can clearly see on the Honda box in the above link.  NGK lists that plug as $18 each (https://www.ngk.com/ngk-95350-dilzkr7b11g-laser-iridium-spark-plug) and you can find them at Rock Auto for about $12.
> 
> Ridgeline owners seem to be divided as to whether the plugs in the NGK box are any different from the ones in the Honda box.  I trust this group more than fellow Ridgeline owners.  What do you guys say?  Are the plugs in the Honda box likely to be different and worth an extra $170?
> 
> Jim
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://autox.team.net/pipermail/shop-talk/attachments/20220416/41f1e714/attachment-0001.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image0.jpeg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 21224 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://autox.team.net/pipermail/shop-talk/attachments/20220416/41f1e714/attachment-0003.jpeg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image1.jpeg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 23839 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://autox.team.net/pipermail/shop-talk/attachments/20220416/41f1e714/attachment-0004.jpeg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image2.jpeg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 23262 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://autox.team.net/pipermail/shop-talk/attachments/20220416/41f1e714/attachment-0005.jpeg>