Hi!

 

I have Skoda Fabia II from 2011 with 1.2 TSI engine (engine code CBZA). It has gone 40'000 km with original spark plugs and I think it is time to change the spark plugs because there is a little lag with starting in cold weather.

 

I wonder if someone has tried NGK IZFR6P7 (Laser Iridium spark plugs) and if they work ok. Probably some other NGK plugs, like Iridium IX?

Has anyone tried to fit spark plugs from Denso - the VK-series (Though Iridium)?

IIRC the factory fitted plugs are good for 40,000 miles (64,000 km) at least. Local dealer changes them at 60,000 miles (100,000km).

 

I've noticed that a 1.2Tsi engine that has been stood for more than an hour requires at least two full revs of the crankshaft before it starts. I think this is because it takes that much to charge the fuel high pressure common rail from the mechanical pump.

xman,

 

Unwittingly you've answered a question I was about to ask    My old mk1 fabia vrs started/caught very quickly (perhaps 0.5s of cranking) and I noticed my new monte 1.2 tsi needed a little more (perhaps max 1.5 secs when cold). I always let the fuel pump prime though.

 

It could be to do with the crank sensor needing to see TDC too.

xman, thank you for the answer!

I have bought an used Fabia and owned in for 2 months - so I didn't know that this behaviour is normal and just compared it with other cars that my friends and colleagues have.

 

n the service book it is stated that the spark plugs should be changed at 60,000 km intervals, but my Fabia was an rent car and could be used for short trips in very bad cold weather - it could like -20 och -30 (not so often) and I think it could a good idea to change sparks plugs more often in such climate.

 

Spark plugs from Denso have very thin electrode - 0.4 mm - and it could give better starting when it is very cold. It is particularly interesting for me because the public transportation just stops when it is too cold or snowing too much. It is one of the reasons for why I have bought my car. It want to be sure that I can start my car and would not overnight at the job or on highway...

 

I have compare NGK and Denso spark plugs and I see that Denso VK22 och VK20Y are a bit shorter than NGK IZFR6P7. The difference is like an half centimeter. According to manufacturers specifications the spark position is 3.0 mm for Denso spark plugs and 7.0 mm for NGK. How could it affect the engine performance and fuel economy if I put spark plugs with a shorter spark position?

I have replaced the stock ones with the ngk tha is mentioned above and i have no problems at all...

For best fuel burn stick with the manufacturers specification. As regards length of plug electrode, never go longer than the standard plug electrode due to engine damage being a possibility. Shorter is not so good either as you won't get the correct fuel burn unless you have a plug with multi electrodes. Manufacturers recommend a specific plug for it's heat range, and fuel burn qualities. While you can alter to another type of plug do so with care and always stick to the actual physical plug size of the standard plug and the heat range recommended for your car so you don't cause engine damage. 

Sorry for the poor pictures, but these are standard 1.4 TSI VAG Plugs and one of the choices of other suitable plugs,

the NGK is pretty much the same as VAG plug electrode wise, (not in picture)

this is in the picture is the DENSO Iridium Plug shown that is a cross reference and suits the 1.4 TSI.

Burnt out standard on the left, DENSO Centre, Standard VW Plug on the right.

 

Get the Plugs at a good Motor Factors or at a VAG Parts Desk,

use the cars VIN and get the assistant to show the plugs listed on the Computer Screen, that suit the car/engine.

There will possibly be 4 suitable plugs showing for your 1.2 TSI.

Ones from, VW, NGK, Bosch. Denso. some might cost double that of the cheapest suitable plug.

The car should run and start well on any of the suitable plugs even at very cold ambient temperatures.

The standard plugs in good condition should be perfectly OK.