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The most general spark plug for the A-series engines is Hitachi L46PW or NGK BP5ES -- both are original equipment. However, 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).
Contents |
Overview
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".
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.
Plugs
Also see Spark Part Numbers
Original Equipment Hitachi L46P/L46PW Hitachi L45P/L45PW NGK BP6E NGK BP5ES
OPTIONAL COLDER Hitachi L44PW/L44P NGK BP7E
OPTIONAL HOTTER Hitachi L47PW/L47P NGK BP4E
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.
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 pages 35 for plug gap information):
Gap 0.031 to 0.035 in (0.8 to 0.9 mm)
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 BP4ES-11 (hot) | |
| 1977-1978 US models - 5-speed transmission | NGK BP5EQ-11 (standard)
NGK BP4EQ-11 (hot) | |
| 1977-1978 Canadian models | NGK BPR5ES (standard)
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
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
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.
Spark Plug Wires
See Spark Plug Wires