Spark plugs and wires

azboater79 · **Posted:** Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:04 pm

Can anyone tell me where to find spark plugs and wires for my boat
1996 170 Horizon
4.3L 432APNCA or 4.3GLPNCA

Can I use auto plugs and wires?

azboater79 · **Posted:** Mon Sep 17, 2012 10:08 pm

I should clarify I found plugs and wires on volvopentastore.com, just curious if someone could help with a cross reference or alternative

skidaddytn · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2010 11:12 am **Posts:** 281

you can use auto spark plugs and wires provided they are the same. They are not one of the components where it is dangerous to substitute automotive parts (i.e. starter motor, alternator, etc)...

ngk has a lookup on their site for their plugs:

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/part_finde ... e=tinboard

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:04 am

Go to your local Napa autoparts store. They have a volvo cross reference for marine grade OEM replacements. I would recommend AC Delco plugs over the NGK's.

Borchik · **Posted:** Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:45 pm

Believe it or not in AC plugs there absolutely is a difference between marine grade and automotive. AC plus that start with "M" are marine, stainless cases with an anti-corrosion coating on them.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:55 pm

Borchik wrote:

Believe it or not in AC plugs there absolutely is a difference between marine grade and automotive. AC plus that start with "M" are marine, stainless cases with an anti-corrosion coating on them.

Yep, and that is what Napa will cross reference for you when you go for parts.

Winter Sux · **Posted:** Tue Sep 18, 2012 1:53 pm

For chits and giggles, AC spark plugs are now made by NGK.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Tue Sep 18, 2012 2:07 pm

Winter Sux wrote:

For chits and giggles, AC spark plugs are now made by NGK.

Lot's of AC Delco stuff is made elsewhere, and re-boxed. But made to AC Delco specs. Similar to the chinese made Goodyear tires and so much other stuff that once was made in North America. It's just cheaper to have them made outside the US. Sad, but true.

I just know on the boats I have had, when I replaced the plugs, what was in there, is what I put back in when new ones are bought. And it has always been AC Delco in our boats. Snowmobiles had NGK when I bought them, and that is what they were replaced with when needed.

skidaddytn · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2010 11:12 am **Posts:** 281

So I think we can conclude that replacement spark plugs will be easy to find for a 4.3GL. you could go auto or marine, you could go platinum or iridium even... your real expense and trouble is going to be in finding wires that are the correct fit, gauge, length. just changed the plugs and wires on the truck-- i bought ac delco wires to match the ones that came out, but just used ngk plugs. (btw the plugs that came out said both ngk and ac delco on them)

DaleG · **Posted:** Fri Sep 21, 2012 8:29 am

My feeling is what has been mentioned briefly in one of the replies about sparkplugs

Automotive plugs are functionally equal -- assuming you get one of the same size/ heat range --etc
Most marine plugs are either zinc or nickel plated (or such) to resist exterior corrosion.
If you boat in freshwater, or change plugs frequently -- then it is less of an issue than those of us that boat in a saltwater environment.

I also recommend using an anti-seize on the threads --- it has been verified that it does not affect the functioning on the ground side and does not affect the torque setting. I have used it for years on many many vehicles with plugs with no negative effects, and much more ease of removal of plugs a year later or more.

skidaddytn · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2010 11:12 am **Posts:** 281

I'm actually torn on the use of anti-seize for spark plugs issue... I don't think they use it when putting in the factory plugs, and the factory plugs are not always that hard to get out. In my case even after 10 years, 100,000 miles on the truck, the plugs came out with a small ratchet and reasonable force... while it can't hurt to use it, it may not be necessary...

If you buy other screw plugs for cars/trucks, like O2 sensors which go in your exhaust, they will come with anti-seize "Already applied"... in this scenario, your O2 sensors are going into a different cheaper material, and will always be a *pain* to get out... I ended up removing a faulty O2 sensor and when I did it, the threads came with it even though all I did was back it out...

I think if you have aluminum heads, you should use it, but if you have a cast iron block... not necessary and may just add extra lube for you to get the plug in tighter

LouC · **Posted:** Tue Sep 25, 2012 7:01 am

I have tried using both anti seize and motor oil or marine grease and have found it easier to remove after using oil or grease. I do just crack em loose and the spray PB blaster and let it soak in the threads before removing. Antiseize seems to cake in the threads, you have to put it on thin and you also have to reduce torque if you use any lube on the threads. I take the plugs out once a season and clean em and put a bit of grease on the threads. Never had trouble getting em out evev with 10 yrs of salt water mooring.

ric · **Posted:** Tue Sep 25, 2012 9:14 am

I highly recommend using the newer model # VP plugs from the 2008+ 4.3's. They are iridium and not standard copper junk. Last set of plugs you'll ever install.

As far as wires go, if you never want to install those again... hop on jegs and order a 9mm custom set and make your own.

skidaddytn · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2010 11:12 am **Posts:** 281

I have also heard good things from people using MSD spark plug wires which usually are a thicker gauge than the factory ones that came out... problem is length... it is easier if the wires you replace are the same length as the ones that came out.. you don't want them touching hot areas... although you can fix this with some tie downs or clamps...

ric · **Posted:** Thu Sep 27, 2012 7:42 am

Well funny thing is, the v6 is cheaper then my old 3.0. Weird.

According to Mallory's parts book, these are your wires. $36. They are the Promaster 8mm set.

http://www.boatpartheadquarters.com/Mer ... -28016.htm

www.iFourWinns.com

Spark plugs and wires

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