Nissan Bluebird Sylphy with engine 1.8 l (QR20DE) - a reliable sedan, but even it requires regular maintenance. One of the key elements affecting the stable operation of the motor is spark plugs. Their condition is directly related to fuel consumption, acceleration dynamics and even the service life of the catalyst.
In this article we will look at which candles are suitable for Sylphy 1.8, how to determine their wear, when replacement is required and how to carry out the procedure yourself - taking into account the nuances of the engine design. We will also consider original articles, proven analogues and common mistakes that owners make when choosing or installing.
Original spark plugs for Nissan Bluebird Sylphy 1.8: part numbers and specifications
The manufacturer recommends using spark plugs with platinum or iridium plated for engine QR20DE. They provide stable sparking throughout the entire service life (up to 100,000 km) and better resist carbon deposits.
Official articles of original candles:
- 🔧 22401-4M015 — standard nickel spark plugs (replacement every 30,000 km)
- 💎 22401-4M025 — platinum (resource up to 60,000 km)
- ⚡ 22401-4M035 — iridium (resource up to 100,000 km)
Important: they are installed on the conveyor iridium spark plugs NGK IFR6A11 (analogue 22401-4M035) - they are optimally suited to the ignition system Sylphy taking into account the heat rating and clearance.
| Article | Type | Heat number | Gap (mm) | Resource (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22401-4M015 | Nickel | 6 | 1.1 | 30 000 |
| 22401-4M025 | Platinum | 6 | 1.1 | 60 000 |
| 22401-4M035 | Iridium | 6 | 0.8 | 100 000 |
| NGK IFR6A11 | Iridium | 6 | 0.8 | 100 000 |
| Denso IK16 | Iridium | 6 | 0.8 | 100 000 |
⚠️ Attention: Using spark plugs with an inappropriate heat rating (for example, “cold” plugs with a rating of 7+) will lead to misfires at low speeds, especially in winter. "Hot" spark plugs (number 5-) can cause detonation.
Analogs of original spark plugs: what to choose for replacement
If the original spark plugs Nissan are unavailable or their price seems too high, you can select analogues from trusted brands. The main thing is to follow the parameters: heat number 6, gap 0.8–1.1 mm and the material of the central electrode.
The best analogues for Bluebird Sylphy 1.8:
- 🔥 NGK: IFR6A11 (iridium), PFR6A-11 (platinum), BKR6E-11 (nickel)
- 🔋 Denso: IK16 (iridium), PK16PR-P8 (platinum), K16PR-U11 (nickel)
- 🛠️ Bosch: FR7DPX (platinum), FR7DCX+ (iridium)
- ⚡ Champion: OE201/T10 (iridium)
Among the owners Sylphy are especially popular NGK IFR6A11 - they are identical to the original iridium spark plugs Nissan according to characteristics. If your budget is limited, you can go for platinum Denso PK16PR-P8, which last up to 50,000 km.
- Original Nissan
- NGK
- Denso
- Bosch
- Champion
- Others
Signs of Worn Spark Plugs: When to Replace
The manufacturer recommends changing spark plugs every 30,000 km for nickel and 100,000 km for iridium. However, actual service life depends on fuel quality, driving style and engine condition. The following symptoms indicate the need for replacement:
- 🚗 Engine tripping - especially noticeable at idle or during acceleration.
- ⛽ Increased fuel consumption - 10–15% higher than usual.
- 🔥 Misfires - error codes
P0300–P0304in the ECU. - 💨 Difficult launch — the engine does not “suffice” the first time, especially in cold weather.
- 🔊 Unstable speed — float at idle speed (800–1200 rpm).
If the spark plug electrodes are detected black soot (rich mixture) oil deposits (problems with rings or caps) or electrode erosion — they need to be replaced urgently, even if the mileage is less than the required mileage.
What to do if the spark plugs are “flooded” with gasoline?
If the engine does not start after several attempts, and the spark plugs are wet from gasoline, you need to unscrew them, dry them (with a hairdryer or on the stove at a minimum temperature) and blow out the cylinders by cranking the starter without spark plugs for 10–15 seconds. After this, you can try to start the engine again.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing spark plugs on a Nissan Bluebird Sylphy 1.8
Replacing spark plugs with QR20DE does not require special skills, but will require accuracy. The engine has 4 candles (one per cylinder), access to which opens after removing the decorative cover. You will need:
- 🔧 Candle key on
16 mmwith extension - 🔩 Socket wrench on
10 mm(for coil bolts) - 🧲 Flat blade screwdriver (for removing clips)
- 🧴 Dielectric grease (optional)
Sequence of actions:
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- Remove the decorative plastic engine cover (snap off the 4 clips).
- Disconnect the connectors from the ignition coils (press the lock and pull up).
- Unscrew the coil mounting bolts using a wrench
10 mmand remove the coils. - Use a spark plug wrench to unscrew the old spark plugs (apply force, but without jerking!).
- Install new spark plugs by hand tightening them until they stop, then tighten them with a torque wrench
20–25 Nm. - Reassemble everything in reverse order.
☑️ Preparing to replace spark plugs
⚠️ Attention: Never use WD-40 or other penetrating lubricants to make it easier to remove spark plugs! Liquid entering the cylinder will result in water hammer. If the spark plug is stuck, warm up the engine to operating temperature - this will help.
Common mistakes when replacing spark plugs and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that can lead to serious consequences. Here are the most common of them:
- 🔧 Re-upholstery of candles - is fraught with damage to the threads in the block head. Use a torque wrench!
- 🧲 Incorrect clearance - for iridium spark plugs it should be
0.8 mm, for nickel -1.1 mm. - ⚡ Using candles with a different heat rating - for example, “cold” ones for tuned engines on a standard engine.
- 🔥 Dirt getting into wells — before removing the spark plugs, blow out the area around them with compressed air.
- 💎 Saving on quality - cheap spark plugs without a brand can last less than 10,000 km.
Pay special attention tightening torque. For aluminum block head QR20DE he makes up 20–25 Nm. Exceeding this value will result in thread deformation, and under-tightening will result in loss of compression.
Before installing new spark plugs, apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the inside of the ignition coil rubber seal - this will prevent sticking and make the next replacement easier.
How to extend the life of your spark plugs
Candles on Nissan Bluebird Sylphy 1.8 can last longer than the regulatory period if you follow a few simple rules:
- ⛽ Refuel at trusted gas stations — low-quality fuel with additives accelerates the formation of soot.
- 🚗 Avoid short trips - The engine must be warmed up to operating temperature at least once a week.
- 🔧 Monitor the condition of the ignition system - faulty coils or wires reduce the life of the spark plugs.
- 💨 Change the air filter on time — a dirty filter leads to enrichment of the mixture and carbon deposits.
If you are using iridium spark plugs, they can be cleaned every 50,000 km using an ultrasonic bath or a special cleaner (for example, Liqui Moly Ventil Sauber). This will help remove carbon deposits without mechanical impact on the electrodes.
Iridium spark plugs last longer, but only if the fuel system is in good working order. If the engine “eats” oil or there are problems with the injectors, even expensive spark plugs will fail within 30–40 thousand km.
Frequently asked questions about spark plugs for Nissan Bluebird Sylphy 1.8
Can I use candles with a different heat rating?
No, this will lead to problems. “Cold” spark plugs (number 7+) can cause misfires at low speeds, especially in winter. “Hot” (number 5-) risks causing detonation and damage to the pistons. For QR20DE optimal heat number 6.
What gap should be on the spark plugs for Sylphy 1.8?
Depends on the type of candles:
- Nickel:
1.0–1.1 mm - Platinum/Iridium:
0.8–0.9 mm
Check the gap with a round feeler gauge rather than a flat one - this is more accurate.
What happens if you don't change spark plugs on time?
The consequences range from increased fuel consumption to breakdown of ignition coils (the cost of a new one is from 5,000 rubles). In advanced cases, carbon deposits on the spark plugs can break off and get between the electrodes, causing scuffing on the cylinders.
Is it possible to clean candles at home?
Yes, but only without abrasives! Mechanical cleaning with sandpaper or a wire brush will damage the electrode coating. Better to use:
- Ultrasonic bath (if available)
- Special liquids (for example, Abro EC-1)
- Soft brass wire brush (for nickel spark plugs only)
Iridium and platinum spark plugs are cleaned only chemically.
Do I need to lubricate the spark plug threads before installation?
No! Grease on the threads may cause constriction (due to reduced friction) and damage to the cylinder head. Exception - copper paste for candles with a conical seat (on Sylphy 1.8 it is not needed).