Slightly worried about these spark plugs
 

So I decided to look at the spark plugs I purchased from Mazmart a while ago and compare it against the old ones I pulled out. The old ones were purchased from the local Mazda dealer a while ago, and something looks a bit off with the new ones.

The new one(Mazmart) is on the left and and the old one(dealer) is on the right.

Attachment 283814
As you can see, the NGK logo is a bit off center on the new ones. The logo is centered on the old ones.

Attachment 283813
The new one doesn't have the blue(white for leading) paint on it.

Attachment 283812
The font is a bit different. The "9" is definitely different.

Now I know Mazmart is a respected and reputable seller, and I definitely don't want to point fingers, but should I be concerned about this?

Subscribed, and about to go take a look at the set I just got from Mazmart a few days ago.

Have you contacted Mazmart about this?

Just ran to the local NAPA to check. The clerk gave me a trailing plug they have in stock. It looks identical to the ones I bought from Mazmart.

I'd be surprised if two reputable distributors sell non-genuine parts.

Maybe I should send an email to NGK?

I agree.


Can't hurt.


FWIW, just snapped these pics of mine:

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...b2ee754d03.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...2b161a4901.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...1d861e8e15.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...a183865a70.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...9cfb87307c.jpg


My bet is that between when you got your old plugs and now, NGK switched to a different labeling machine or something.

I'll try to remember to snap pics of the old plugs when I swap them out in the next week or so.

Just sent them an email asking about it. I will post an update when they reply.

Yeah, the ones I bought from Mazmart look the same as what you have bought from them.

And that's certainly a possibility, just a simple font change or something. Could also just be differences between independent NGK parts and Mazda-branded NGK parts.

I mean, aside from the labeling on the ceramic, nothing looks particularly off. The threads are fine, and the washer doesn't come off at all.

Also keep in mind that NGK probably makes a run of those plugs once per year. There is probably a good bit of cosmetic variance from that infrequency alone.

No harm in double checking, lots of fakes about, some do get into the supply chain, I've come across them myself.
PLUG STUDIO / NGK

This is exactly what I was thinking. I was thinking it was just a paint variance due to different production dates. Honestly nothing I would be terribly concerned about.

Could just be me being paranoid, but just want to double check.

A small update here. This is their reply.

Will reply and see what they say.

gonna keep my eye on this thread cuz I'm about to buy plugs, coils and cable.

I have worked with NGK on projects in the past. I believe what your seeing is caused from this being a limited run. NGK's usual run for their standard PN#'s could be in the 100K+ size where with the more limited runs it might be less then 20K. The limited runs most likely uses non-std techniques to manufacture. I see this sometimes on their race plugs. I have some contacts at NGK if you want to call them I can PM you their contact info.

Turns out, I am just paranoid. These spark plugs are good.

So yeah, could just be minor differences in manufacturing as mentioned by some people here. Also makes sense since it's too niche of a market to counterfeit. Good to make sure, though.

Glad you were able to get the issue resolved. Thank you for sharing their replies.