Volvo RWD 444-544 Forum

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B16b Spark Plug Questions 444-544

posted by chiefeagle on Mon Jan 5 07:24 CST 2009
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last visit: Sat Jan 28 12:27 CST 2012

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Greetings.

I know this is on here somewhere, but I can't seem to find it. Sorry if it's already been covered.

What spark plug brand do you guys prefer or find works best in the B16b?? And do you use the recommended spark heat or run a little hotter plug??

Thanks in advance,
Sam

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B16b Spark Plug Questions 444-544

posted by Old Kombi on Mon Jan 5 10:52 CST 2009
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last visit: Thu Sep 30 01:42 CST 2010

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Plugs designed for the B18/20 engines can and will damage A B16 as they are too long and can hit the piston!
Plugs for the B16 should have threads no longer than 5/16" (.312) as measured from the crush washer to the end of the threads.
Overall length from the washer to the end of the electrode should not exceed .45" (slightly longer than 7/16").
I use Autolite number 303 plugs in mine, they are readily available and the correct heat range. AC number 46/Champion J4C are also correct but harder to find.

Cheers!
OK
PS Photo of autolite 303 next to B18/20 plug.
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B16b Spark Plug Questions 444-544

posted by alschnertz on Mon Jan 5 11:37 CST 2009
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:32 CST 2014

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You are absolutely right!
I installed new NGK plugs for a B18/20 into my freshly rebuilt B16. I could swear they were the same...but,
The car started missing after a few miles.
Couldn't figure out what was wrong, never thought it would be the plugs.
Pulled the plugs and found that there was no gap on one. Hmmm, I thought, how could I have missed that! Re-gapped it, installed and went through the same drill.

Yes, the plugs are different.
Fortunately, there was no major damage. I could see where the plug was hitting the piston though.

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B16b Spark Plug Questions 444-544

posted by Phil S. on Mon Jan 5 08:25 CST 2009
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 13:18 CST 2014

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NGK BP6HS or Bosch W7BC, no reason to run a hotter plug.

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B16b Spark Plug Questions 444-544

posted by revolvo on Mon Jan 5 10:05 CST 2009
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last visit: Mon May 20 22:34 CST 2013

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Respectfully disagree. The reach of the B-16 plugs is shorter, so a B-18/20
plug would probably foul and misfire too easily. I like NGKs, but haven't found the equivalent plug for the earlier B-4/14/16 engines.
According to my library, the correct Bosch plug should be a W175 T3,
but I'm sure that number has been superceded by Bosch.

Suggestion; contact some VW aftermarket suppliers.
If you want to go with other plugs, here are a few crossover numbers.
Again, the numbers may not be current. I have used Autolite with acceptable results, and they had a number like 303, or maybe 279 (maybe that one is for the B-18/20).
Bosch 175 T3
AC plugs 44COM
Autolite A7
Champion J7

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B16b Spark Plug Questions 444-544

posted by Phil S. on Mon Jan 5 11:07 CST 2009
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 13:18 CST 2014

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Hmmm... I was pretty sure they were the same reach as B18 plugs, but having just read Old Kombi's post as well as yours, it seems I'm wrong. I'll be pulling the head off a B16 in the next few weeks and will measure the threads...

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B16b Spark Plug Questions 444-544

posted by chiefeagle on Mon Jan 5 11:34 CST 2009
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last visit: Sat Jan 28 12:27 CST 2012

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I do think I remember reading in the post I can't find that the b16 plugs are shorter. I think somebody had sustained some damage to the tops of their pistons. I think it left some indents from actually making contact with the plug.

I might be wrong.

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B16b Spark Plug Questions 444-544

posted by planetman on Mon Jan 5 14:12 CST 2009
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 09:29 CST 2014

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Hello,

I use ONLY Bosch plugs in my customers red blocks, unless the motor is a high performance motor and if Bosch had a REAL platinum plug for the red blocks, I would use them.

Bosch just recently discontinued the non-resistor style of plugs for the B18/B20/B30 and changed the number to WR7BC.

The correct Bosch plug for a B16 was W7EC, which I have in stock.

But I believe that Bosch just updated them to a WR7EC.
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90501

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