Spark plugs and Halfrauds

[tom tom]

Hi,
I've just purchased Bosch FR78x spark plugs as recommended by halfords for a Citroen 2004 C3 desire 1.4i.
Having looked at the catalogue and the haynes manual it seems that these plugs have a 1.1mm electrode gap and the cars specific plugs have 0.9mm gap.
In fact - the plugs that the Bosch catalogue and the Haynes manual suggest are the Bosch FR7DE - which have a .9 mm gap.

Will the FR78X work - or should I return them and get the FR7DE.

Opinions greatly recieved!

Tom

[Pothole]

tom tom said:

Hi,
I've just purchased Bosch FR78x spark plugs as recommended by halfords for a Citroen 2004 C3 desire 1.4i.
Having looked at the catalogue and the haynes manual it seems that these plugs have a 1.1mm electrode gap and the cars specific plugs have 0.9mm gap.
In fact - the plugs that the Bosch catalogue and the Haynes manual suggest are the Bosch FR7DE - which have a .9 mm gap.

Will the FR78X work - or should I return them and get the FR7DE.

Opinions greatly recieved!

Tom

Gap is specified for plugs not car, surely?

[GoneAnon]

Can't say anything about the thread or length of the plugs but if the only concern is the gap, what's wrong with setting them with feeler gauges and a tap on the worktop?

[RedBull]

Don't know if they'd work but why bother chancing it? If the Haynes manual and the Bosch guide both recommend diferent plugs then I'd go along with that over Halfords recommendations any day. The gap is not the only thing to be taken in to account, other factors such as heat range, thread length and electrode length need to be considered as well.
I'd return them and get the other ones, much easier all round IMHO..

Edited by RedBull on Sunday 13th January 11:00

[Buff Mchugelarge]

GoneAnon said:

Can't say anything about the thread or length of the plugs but if the only concern is the gap, what's wrong with setting them with feeler gauges and a tap on the worktop?

This, shirley?

[Spangles]

Pothole said:

ap is specified for plugs not car, surely?

No. Different cars can have the same spark plug specified but have differing gaps.

[Spangles]

tom tom said:

Hi,
I've just purchased Bosch FR78x spark plugs as recommended by halfords for a Citroen 2004 C3 desire 1.4i.
Having looked at the catalogue and the haynes manual it seems that these plugs have a 1.1mm electrode gap and the cars specific plugs have 0.9mm gap.
In fact - the plugs that the Bosch catalogue and the Haynes manual suggest are the Bosch FR7DE - which have a .9 mm gap.

Will the FR78X work - or should I return them and get the FR7DE.

Opinions greatly recieved!

Tom

My book says FR7DE with a .9mm gap as well, I'd get them swapped.

[tom tom]

Thanks for the advice-
it seems that more than one website recommends them. They have 4 electrodes instead of 1. I wonder if the wider gap is because of this diffent electrode set up.
maybe the return is the best option...
Tom

[tom tom]

If I fit them and the car runs smoothly, I imagine they are fine - right?

[busta]

Are they some funny 'high performance' spark plug? Don't bother with them, get the right ones and set the gap.

[Schermerhorn]

They have the FR prefix. They will be fine.

[Jazoli]

tom tom said:

If I fit them and the car runs smoothly, I imagine they are fine - right?

yes

[tom tom]

Fitted them - the problem is fixed - they are fine (touch wood)
Thanks all!
Tom

[Pothole]

Spangles said:

Pothole said:

ap is specified for plugs not car, surely?

No. Different cars can have the same spark plug specified but have differing gaps.

Interesting.