Which Spark Plugs?

[Mesa50]

My owners manual says use LFR7A for non-California 212XE - 3 star model, but when I went to change the plugs, it had LFR6A installed from the factory. Did they just use whatever they had in stock, or is my manual incorrect? I also have a hard to start when hot issue on occasion. Could this be from the wrong plugs being installed from the factory?

 

[tdonoughue]

Not to insult with the obvious question... but did you confirm on the engine plate that you have the 3-star model? It has happened that people think they have one and find out one day they have the other.

The wrong plug could certainly affect starting, tho...

 

[Mesa50]

I’ll check the plate tomorrow. I was just assuming that I wouldn’t have a California model, but I just saw someone from a previous post say that all the newer models could be 4 star now.

 

[Mesa50]

So I checked the emissions labels on engine, and the one on the hull, and both indicate non-California 3-star model. Should I use the LFR7A as per the manual, or put the LFR6A back because that’s what’s in the engines now?

 

[AZMark]

That’s weird. I have a 2018 3 star 212 Limited S that calls for the LFR6A. Should be the same engines.

 

[Mesa50]

I guess the covid era manual is wrong. Not surprising.

 

[14SX190]

The 7 is one step colder.
The SC runs them iirc.

I have ran the 6 in NA 1.8 with no issues sn SC.

Sometimes its all they had with out having to order.

 

[captras]

My 2016 242 has the same engines, and the manual calls for 6s. What I have used, what came stock, and no issues.

 

[tdonoughue]

I wonder if they started re-specing them to deal with the issues of not starting while hot (which many have ascribed to vapor lock)...

Sounds like you can't go very wrong either way. I would err on the side of the manual, myself... But if I already had them in, I would probably leave them until next change.