Technical Car/Motor Issues > Vauxhall Astra F - 97 1.4 Which Spark Plug?
Thread Author: Robin O'Reliant Replies: 11
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New Sat 10 Sep 11 12:11 
 Vauxhall Astra F - 97 1.4 Which Spark Plug? - Robin O'Reliant
My Astra could do with a new set of plugs before winter sets in. As I've owned oil burners for the best part of two decades I obviously haven't bought any in that time (apart from a set for a bike).

Halfords are listing NGK, Champion and Bosch. Any thoughts on which are the best buy or are they all much of a muchness?
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New Sat 10 Sep 11 12:35 
 Vauxhall Astra F - 97 1.4 Which Spark Plug? - Dog
You wont go far wrong with NGK.
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New Sat 10 Sep 11 12:38 
 Vauxhall Astra F - 97 1.4 Which Spark Plug? - -
Indeed, never had a moments problem with NGK or Bosch for that matter.

Your local motor factor will probably beat the price of the place you mention.
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New Sat 10 Sep 11 15:34 
 Vauxhall Astra F - 97 1.4 Which Spark Plug? - carmalade
I would try main dealer.Original fitment would be Bosch.Probably cheaper than Halfords or factor.hth
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New Sat 10 Sep 11 17:03 
 Vauxhall Astra F - 97 1.4 Which Spark Plug? - Robin O'Reliant
Do they come pre-gapped these days?
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New Sat 10 Sep 11 19:11 
 Vauxhall Astra F - 97 1.4 Which Spark Plug? - VxFan
>> Do they come pre-gapped these days?

Yes, they should work straight out of the box. I always check single electrode plugs though just to make sure (0.7 to 0.8 mm btw).
Multi electrode plugs shouldn't be re-gapped though as you'll never get the gaps all the same and as the spark will always travel the shortest distance and prematurely wear them out.

Getting back to plugs for your Astra,

If it's the X14NZ engine:
Champion RN7YCC
AC Delco ACCR42LXS
NGK BRK6EK
Bosch WR8DC4

X14XE engine:
Champion RC10DMC
NGK BRK6EK
Bosch FR8DCU
Beru 14FLR-8LDUX
No mention of AC Delco plug type on Autodata.

If it were me I'd just buy them over Vauxhall's parts counter. Most Vauxhall service parts are just as cheap (sometime cheaper) than buying from other motor factor outlets.
Last edited by: VxFan on Sat 10 Sep 11 at 19:15
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New Sat 10 Sep 11 18:00 
 Vauxhall Astra F - 97 1.4 Which Spark Plug? - Victorbox
Thumbs up for NGK. I always gap my plugs carefully.
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New Sat 10 Sep 11 19:17 
 Vauxhall Astra F - 97 1.4 Which Spark Plug? - Zero
>> Thumbs up for NGK. I always gap my plugs carefully.

I really dont bother, modern powerful coil packs, modern electronics and multiple ejectors are really not fussy. As long as i can see daylight through the plug.
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New Sat 10 Sep 11 20:17 
 Vauxhall Astra F - 97 1.4 Which Spark Plug? - bathtub tom
I always used to check the conductivity of new plugs from HT connection to centre electrode. A surprisingly large number would show no electrical path to a multi meter, but would seemingly work OK.

There was a theory at the time that said the HT would jump an internal fault, but any plug without a good internal electrical path would be likely to fail prematurely.
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New Sat 10 Sep 11 20:51 
 Vauxhall Astra F - 97 1.4 Which Spark Plug? - Number_Cruncher
There's no need to go anywhere other than the Vauxhall dealer - you get exactly the right plugs, not the nearest match in the catalogue, and the prices aren't problematic.

The same goes for the other service items too, including the oil.
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New Sun 11 Sep 11 10:39 
 Vauxhall Astra F - 97 1.4 Which Spark Plug? - Robin O'Reliant
Thanks for all the replies, the local Vauxhall dealers it is then.

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New Sun 11 Sep 11 13:15 
 Vauxhall Astra F - 97 1.4 Which Spark Plug? - VxFan
>> the local Vauxhall dealers it is then.

If you've got a Masterfit Service Card, then you'll get them even cheaper.

www.vauxhalldriverscentre.co.uk/serviceclub/info

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