Why "some" Fantastic Deals on NGK Spark Plugs may not be so "fantastic"

[06 SB]

...a local Merc dealer that sells the same plugs for $30 each!! $180 for spark plugs that are recommended to be replaced annually!

I know we all have our opinions and practices but I just don't see this as an "OMG" moment. Even at the price you listed, it is not much considering the price of rods, lures, oil, gas, FFs, etc. Heck the fishing line I use (FC Sniper) is the same cost as a spark plug and it gets used up at a MUCH faster rate!!! I get my plugs through Don (and the BBC discount) and the difference is not that much. Also, I know I am getting the correct plug and the guarantee that goes with it. It has been discussed before but if a higher-priced Mercury plugs malfunctions and does damage, Mercury will stand by their product. O'Reilly will just replace the plug. My motor is still under warranty and therefore will only use Mercury parts even if they are made by NGK.

[potomacbassin]

Yes i did called Rockauto and left a message on answering machine , they called back quickly and were rather upset that i said they sold me counterfeit or EAC plugs , he said they do not talk about products over the phone and to go to there website to report my problem under Order Status & Returns . the only problem is my order was 179 days old witch exceeds there 60 day warranty . The page kicks me out because of that . I have tried and look for other ways to contact them with no results .

Are people getting confused here? In the video, the authentic plugs say "EAC" on them--not the counterfeit. I've seen multiple posts here now that are saying the EAC plugs are conterfeit.... or am I the confused one?

[06 SB]

Are people getting confused here? In the video, the authentic plugs say "EAC" on them--not the counterfeit. I've seen multiple posts here now that are saying the EAC plugs are conterfeit.... or am I the confused one?

I went and rewatched the video. I thought EAC = counterfeit. You are correct though. I was the one confused. It appears the EAC plugs are the originals.

[gaston13]

Guy in video says EAC marked on box are the good ones then digthemup claims EAC are for Eurasian Market so I'm still not sure what one is the counterfeit.

[EuropeanAM]

EAC is an official standards mark for NGK.

A couple other "box" abnormalities I've seen published included:

-Warning Triangle in images on back of the box did not have YELLOW color

-No website address listed

-Different boldness of font for "Made in Japan" (and other language translations).

[potomacbassin]

I have a shipment coming in today and will report results. I'm already fully prepared to return these and go to autozone.

[SilverFox579]

The burning question in my mind is this, 1yr parts and labor warranty aside, what, if any, difference is there between a genuine NGK IZFxxx sold by Mercury and any other legitimate seller?

From what I've gathered here over the past several years, and please correct me if I'm wrong, the only difference is the 1yr parts and labor warranty where Mercury represents the consumer to NGK in the event a plug fails and causes other damage. In contrast, a genuine IZFxxx purchased from any other source the burden of proof the plug caused other damage is between the consumer and NGK.

My question isn't about alternative products for our engines (brand x,y,x vs NGK) it's about using THE manufacturer's recommended product purchased from legitimate resellers.

[RazorCat]

O’Reilly’s Auto Parts carries NGK for my Mercury, and plugs for my Honda OB too. Only place I buy them any more. Reasonable priced. Even beat Amazon prices on my Honda.

[EuropeanAM]

The burning question in my mind is this, 1yr parts and labor warranty aside, what, if any, difference is there between a genuine NGK IZFxxx sold by Mercury and any other legitimate seller?

From what I've gathered here over the past several years, and please correct me if I'm wrong, the only difference is the 1yr parts and labor warranty where Mercury represents the consumer to NGK in the event a plug fails and causes other damage. In contrast, a genuine IZFxxx purchased from any other source the burden of proof the plug caused other damage is between the consumer and NGK.

Essentially correct. As long as both products are GENUINE, the two primary differences are packaging and warranty.

Even comparing GENUINE products side-by-side there are only subtle color differences (that can occur in most any product from one batch to another).

[potomacbassin]

Not trying to persuade anyone one way or the other, but here are some pics of the plugs that I received. Every thing seems to pass the 'sniff test.' Letters centered, 4 digit code, secure gasket, width of arm, arc of arm, yellow triangles on box, website, and EAC. Makes me feel better that these weren't $4 plugs as shown in the video as well.

[MRichard2016]

Thanks for all the info..

I bought some plugs last year on amazon before finding/reading this info..saved over $40

This year i removed the plugs after 1 time out ..plugs dont look very good so im looking to replace

Im going to try the autoparts store close by..but im wondering, on amazon there is "Quicksilver" plugs for $20.49 each.. Are these ok?

How do we know what the hell we are buying? Ordering thru the "A" only because its easy and shipping with "you know", is in afew days

Thanks for any help

[SilverFox579]

Quicksilver IS Mercury. Only difference is labeling/packaging for sale in 3rd party outlets.

[buster502]

don, can you tell the difference in plugs by looking at them,if you was handed 2 plugs one from say rockauto and one from mercury out of the box plugs, i am sure mercury has a vender that makes them, thanks for a reply

[MRichard2016]

don, can you tell the difference in plugs by looking at them,if you was handed 2 plugs one from say rockauto and one from mercury out of the box plugs, i am sure mercury has a vender that makes them, thanks for a reply

Thank you, as this is exactly what im asking!

EuropeanAM

[SilverFox579]

Assuming both plugs are genuine NGK there is no way to "ID" one vs the other out of the box as Mercury's "vendor" is NGK. See #47 above.

[EuropeanAM]

don, can you tell the difference in plugs by looking at them,if you was handed 2 plugs one from say rockauto and one from mercury out of the box plugs, i am sure mercury has a vender that makes them, thanks for a reply

Good question.

Here's a couple of comparison pictures (comparing an 843220Q Mercury/Quicksilver plug and a REAL (EAC Label) NGK-IZFR6J (obtained from a local supplier)). Sorry- I had to go and get the later plug to show a comparison.

There are some subtle differences in print color and metal colors, other than that they are essentially identical.

IMG_6395.jpg

IMG_6394.jpg

IMG_6392.jpg

[buster502]

thanks so the bottom is,know who you get them from and stay away from cut rate parts places,thanks for the reply don

[coolwhip]

Purchased these from dealer in Florida. Hopefully legit. I emailed guy to make sure as save 5 bucks going with them rather than advance auto. Actually installed the plugs today, but have not started the outboard yet.

Plugs1.PNG

[Bernerbass99]

I have always gotten my plugs on Amazon and have never had a problem but I also change my plugs every year except this year ,money has been tight and I only used the boat for about a month and a half on the weekends last year.

[joco0101]

Hmmm....the plugs were purchased from "NGK" on Amazon. My question to NGK would be do you sell your sparkplugs on Amazon?

It was sold by "Incredible Spark(plugs ... ???)" you can see it over on the right of the page. They're saying, on Incredible Sparkplugs' Amazon page, that they are made by NGK. The order was fulfilled by Amazon, not sold by Amazon (basically Amazon warehouses them for a fee).

I'm still wondering if they are "gray market," as others have said.