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Revision as of 18:30, 6 April 2013

The most general spark plug for the A-series engines is Hitachi L46PW or NGK BP5ES -- both are original equipment.

Overview

Original Equipment suppliers were Hitachi, NGK and Champion. The most general spark plug for the A-series engines is Hitachi L46PW or NGK BP5ES -- both are original equipment.

Note that any brand new plugs will give better acceleration and throttle response than used plugs. Even new standard plugs will work better than used platinum or used twin-electrode J-groove plugs. Racers sometimes replace plugs during races, although EFI and EI make them cleaner burning than in the old days when plugs fouled regularly.

Heat Range

Depending on the year, market and usage, Nissan recommended the colder Hitachi NGK BP6E. For severe use, BP4ES, or BP7ES can be used, but be careful and don't use these unless you are an expert. If you are unsure which to use, use BP5ES or BP6ES. Of course you don't have to buy Hitachi or NGK brand, any equivalent plug will suffice. And for you junkyard scroungers, many 4, 6, V8 and V12 engines use the same plugs (see interchange section below).

IMPORTANT: Different spark plug manufacturers use different heat range number schemes. For example, NGK numbers go down as the plug design gets hotter, while Hitachi numbers go up.

Depending on driving conditions, after reading the plugs a hotter or colder plug may be useful (see Inspection section below).

OPTIONAL COLDER
Hitachi L44PW/L44P
NGK BP7E

OPTIONAL HOTTER
Hitachi L47PW/L47P
NGK BP4E

Resistor Plugs

Nowadays Resistor plugs are almost universally used for reduced interference with radio communications (particularly with AM radio).

Although if you use the common Resistor Spark Plug Wires, the plugs don't need to be resistor types.

Platinum

Note that Platinum Plugs last longer, but really don't work any better compared to 'regular' new plugs. They cost more but last longer. ddgonzal's advise is "buy whatever's inexpensive, Inspect and re-gap every 12 months".

Double-platinum plugs will last longest and are often warranteed for 100,000 miles.

Double-Electrode

Dual-electrode types last slightly longer than single-electrode plugs. Datsun used a 4-electrode plug for this reason, on lean-burn engines. These work just as well on standard engines, but last longer (though not as long as double-platinum plugs).

Datsun four-electrode plug

DENSO K16TR11 was designed for Toyoda lean-burn engines, but works great in Datsun A-series:

NGK and Denso vs Iridium plugs

Double-electrode plugs -- like any plugs -- will ventually need regapping or replacement:

Brand

Although 1200s original came with Hitachi or NGK brand sparking plugs, you don't have to buy those brands. Any equivalent plug will suffice. For example, Nissan Competition sold Champion brand spark plugs.

Maintenance

As part of a Tune-up, inspect and re-gap the plugs every 3,000 miles (5,000 km). Nissan recommends replacing the plugs every 12,000 miles but this seems unnecessary even with standard type plugs, if they are in good condition. Platinum plugs may last the lifetime of the engine.

Inspection

Carefully inspect the outer porcelain jacket for fine cracks. Replace if any are found.

Inspect the electrodes for excessive wear (end of life condition).

Inpect the inner porcelain for color/amount of deposit.
Condition

Normal: Brown to grayish-tan deposits [unleaded: light, almost white] and slight electrode wear indicated correct spark plug heat range.

Carbon Fouled: Dry fluffy carbon deposits on the insulator and electrode were mostly caused by slow speed driving in city, weak ignition, too rich fuel mixture, dirty air cleaner, etc.
It is advisable to replace with plugs having hotter heat range.

Oil fouled: Wet black deposits show excessive oil entrance into combustion chamber through worn rings and pistons or excessive clearance between valve guides and stems. If the same condition remains after repair, use a hotter plug.

Overheating: White or light gray insulator with black or gray brown spots and bluish burnt electrodes indicate engine overheating. Moreover, the appearance results from incorrect ignition timing, loose spark plugs, low fuel pump pressure, wrong selection of fuel, a hotter plug, etc.
It is advisable to replace with plugs having colder heat range.

Inspection Chart

Gap

For gap, Nissan specifies 0.031 to 0.035 inch.

For a smoother idle, use 0.035 inch. The larger gap only was specified for the early B210 with the same plugs and same ignition system.
For high RPM use, try 0.31 inch

USA 1972 Owners manual (see page 35 for plug gap information):

Gap 0.031 to 0.035 in (0.8 to 0.9 mm)

Electronic Ignition

1.1 mm gap (0.044 inch) is suitable for high-energy Electronic Ignition, such as factory Datsun A-series EI. For points ignition, use standard-gap plugs.

B-model Usage

From North American repair manual. Please add to it... and note the country :-)

Spark Plug Type	1971	NGK BP6E
	1972-1976	NGK BP5ES
	1977-1978 US models - except 5-speed trans	NGK BP5ES-11 (standard) NGK BP6ES-11 or BP7ES-11 (cold) NGK BP4ES-11 (hot)
	1977-1978 US models - 5-speed transmission	NGK BP5EQ-11 (standard) NGK BP6EQ-11 or BP7EQ-11 (cold) NGK BP4EQ-11 (hot)
	1977-1978 Canadian models	NGK BPR5ES (standard) NGK BPR6ES (cold) NGK BPR4ES (hot)
Spark Plug Gap	1200	0.028-0.032 in. (0.7-0.8 mm)
	1974-1976 B210	0.031-0.035 in. (0.8-0.9 mm)
	1977 B210 - US models	0.039-0.043 in. (1.0-1.1 mm)
	1977 B210 - Canadian models	0.031-0.035 in. (0.8-0.9 mm)
	1978 B210 - non-California 5-speed	0.043-0.051 in. (1.1-1.3 mm)
	1978 B210 - other US models	0.039-0.043 in. (1.0-1.1 mm)
	1978 B210 - Canadian models	0.031-0.035 in. (0.8-0.9 mm)

Part Numbers

Factory

Also see Spark Part Numbers

Original Equipment suppliers were Hitachi, NGK and Champion:

Hitachi L46PW (Nissan part no. 22401-A4706)
NGK BP5ES (Nissan part no. 22401-A4605)
* Japan A12(S)
* USA 1972-1973

Hitachi L46P (Nissan part no. 22401-21000)
NGK BP6E (Nissan part no. 22401-75500)
* USA 1971
* Japan GX

NGK BPR5ES (Nissan part no. 22401-S2000)
* 7510-8503 Sunny Truck

NGK BP4E (Nissan part no. 22401-75504)
* 7510-7801 Sunny Truck

NGK BP5EV (Nissan part no. B2401-89900)
* 7510-7801 Sunny Truck

Champion N9YC (Nissan part no. 22401-16C79)
* 8110- Sunny Truck

NGK BP6ES (Nissan part no. 22401-W8916)
8504- Sunny Truck

Hitachi BPR6ES-11 (Nissan part no. 22401-W8316)
* Japan 8910- Sunny Truck 
* For electronic ignition

Depending on driving conditions, after reading the plugs a hotter or colder plug may be useful (see Inspection section below).

OPTIONAL COLDER
Hitachi L44PW/L44P
NGK BP7E

OPTIONAL HOTTER
Hitachi L47PW/L47P
NGK BP4E

Aftermarket

RockAuto - buy online

NOTE: You should double-check these numbers before buying.

Champion RN12YC
NGK 7734 (BPR5ES)
NGK 1233 (V-Power BPR5EY)
NGK 7082 (GP-Series BPR5EGP)
Autolite 64
Autolite AP64 (Platinum)
Autolite APP64 (Double Platinum)
Autolite XP64 (Extreme Performance)
Champion 322 (RN11YC4)
Champion 3322 (Platinum Power)
Champion 7332 (Double Platinum Power)
Bosch 4018
Bosch 4218 (Platinum WR8DP)
Denso 3032, 0.044 gap -- for high-energy ignition
AcDelco 4 (Rapidfire 25164642) 0.40 gap -- good for electronic ignition

NGK

NGK was factory Datsun OEM equipment (along with Champion and Hitachi).

BP5ES Interchange

NGK BPR5ES is now NGK 7734. Here is the interchange for US-model vehicles:

Aston Martin: 79-89 V8, Lagonda, Virage, Zagato
Audi: 1980 4000, 73-79 Fox
BMW: Many models, 1968-1985
Dodge Colt 1974-1975 (Mitsubishi Colt)
Geo Tracker 89-95
Jaguar: many model 1960-1987 (V12 and 6 models)
Land Rover: some 1987-2002 models
Lotus Elite 1976-1979, Esprit 1976-1982
Mazda: 1979-1985 GLC (Familia 3), 79-87 626, 79-84 & 86-87 B2000 pickup, 87-93 B2200 pickup
Mercedes-Benz: many models 1973-1991
MG: 62-66 Midget, 75-79 Midget
Nissan
- B110 1971-1973
- B210 1975-1976
- F10 1976
- 2000 Roadster 1968-1970
- 200SX (S110) 1982-1983
- 720 pickup 1981-1986
- D21 (Hardbody) pickup 1986-1989
- Pathfinder 1987-1988
- Van 1987-1988
Porsche: 78-79 911, 78-82 928 V8, 83-84 944
Renault: 83-87 Alliance, 84-86 Encore, 80-83 LeCar
Rover 3500 V8 1980
Suzuki Samurai 86-95, Sidekick 89-95
Toyota 4Runner 85-88, pickup 85-88
Triumph: some 63-81 models
Volkswagen: Most watercooled 1974-1980
Volvo 760 1984-1990
Yugo: most 1986-1991 models

BP6 Notes

NGK RESISTOR SPARK PLUGS BPR6EK-A w/ Dual Ground Electrodes

14 mm Thread
19 mm (3/4") Reach

TOYOTA Factory Original: TERCEL (1AC) - 1980 thru 1986

Will Also Fit Many JAPANESE Models Requiring a NGK BP6ES or BPR6ES for HIGHER PERFORMANCE!!

[ S = Standard & K-A = Dual Ground Electrodes - Special Design ]

Models Such As;

HONDA - MAZDA - NISSAN - TOYOTA - SUBARU
HONDA = CIVIC (73>79)
MAZDA = GLC / MIZER / PICKUP 1.6L, 1.8L / 1200 / 616 / 818 / 626 / 808 (71>87)
DATSUN / NISSAN = PICKUP 1.8L, 2.0L / 200SX / 240Z / 260Z / 610 / 710 ( 70>89)
SUBARU = BRAT / FF-1 / 1300 / 1400 / 1600 (71>80)
TOYOTA = CELICA / CORONA / CORONA MK-2 (65>74)

Both 4 & 6 Cylinder Engines

Please check your owners manual for proper applications! Most Japanese owners books will tell you the proper NGK spark plug to use. The NGK spark plugs will also fit many English and European models, but the top plug-wire connector does NOT unscrew on these plugs like some ignition wire sets require.

BP5EQ-11

Used by round-port A14 GFU engines

Comparision to standard plug

Denso

DENSO 16 is one heat range cooler than NGK 6 (same as NGK 5). This heat range was recommended for some years of A-series engines and is a great choice.

Either Denso K or W plugs will work:

K = 14mm threads by 16.0 mm hex ISO (5/8")
W = 14mm threads by 20.6 mm hex (13/16")

5/8" hex - K type
DENSO 3194/K16TR11 Copper Double-electrode (1.1 mm gap)

13/16" hex - W type
DENSO 3032/W16EXRU11 Gap 0.044 Copper U-Groove (1.1 mm gap)
DENSO 3027/W16EXU Non-resistor
DENSO 4501/PW16TT 0.040 gap Single Platinum with Titanium 
DENSO 5305/IW16: 0.035 gap Iridium
DENSO 3004/P16R: 0.035 gap Double Platinum Plug

Spark Plug Wires

See Spark Plug Wires

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Spark plugs