Fake AC Delco Spark Plugs

[Eddie 70]

I have read on here that there are fake AC Delco plugs out there. I want to know how I can tell if they are fakes. I have included two pictures of the plugs I bought so that we can hopefully educate me on what are fake and what are real AC Delco spark plugs. I ordered these from Amazon.

 

It won't let me know post the picture of the box. This is a picture of the tip of one plug. To me they look legit.
 

[Eddie 70]

The box the plugs came in.

[Eddie 70]

Another shot of the electrode and ground strap.

The reason I am asking is I am at 113k miles and thinking of changing the plugs and wires while I am off for the Thanksgiving holidays.

[Eddie 70]

[txab]

Take a look at some of the links

 

Counterfeit AC Delco plugs

 

 

Edited November 14, 2020 by txab

[Eddie 70]

I had never seen this video before. Based on his thoughts, I feel like what I have are legit.

 

Part 2 of the above video if you care to watch it.

 

 

[Eddie 70]

Based on comments made in the video, you can see that in the packaging all the print is nice and clear and the colors are within their own boundaries. Specifically the red is where it is supposed to be on all boxes.

[Eddie 70]

My plugs have all the ground straps in alignment with each other when looking at the laser etching.

[Eddie 70]

My other box of plugs have a different code on them. But the straps all align and the print on the boxes is correct. If you look closely you can see the iridium pucks on the ground straps and on the tip of the electrode. I haven't checked the gaps yet but I feel like they will be correct.

[Colossus]

If you get them from a good source such as a dealer service department, or a legit parts store like NAPA or Advance, you'll get legit equipment. 

[Z45]

Lots of these counterfeit parts are more prolific with the internet because everyone is looking for a deal.  Spark plugs, oil and air filters are common.   The name brands are hesitant to give out their clues to legitimate parts because the counterfeiters will then know what they did wrong and fix it. 

 

https://www.acdelco.com/counterfeit-auto-parts

Extremely large differences in price should make you suspicious.  Keep in mind that you get what you pay for; materials that lead to long product life may not be included in counterfeit parts (such as no iridium on iridium spark plugs).

Edited November 14, 2020 by elcamino

[mongoose71]

I'm at 110K miles on my 2014 Sierra Denali 5.3.  My next project will be replacing the spark plugs.  Does anyone know if Rock Auto gets their AC Delco plugs from a reputable source.  They are the $5.72 each compared to Advanced auto Parts' $8.99.  These are both part # 41-114.  As of now, I'm not planning on replacing the wires.

[dieselfan1]

How much are they at the dealer? Not that I would get them there but at least you know they are legit.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

[mongoose71]

I haven't priced them at a dealer.  I'd think that they would be much higher than anywhere else.  But like you said, they would be the real deal.

[Eddie 70]

2 hours ago, mongoose71 said:

I'm at 110K miles on my 2014 Sierra Denali 5.3.  My next project will be replacing the spark plugs.  Does anyone know if Rock Auto gets their AC Delco plugs from a reputable source.  They are the $5.72 each compared to Advanced auto Parts' $8.99.  These are both part # 41-114.  As of now, I'm not planning on replacing the wires.

 

I bought the ones pictured at Rockauto. I feel pretty confident they are legit. However, it was said, that you can feel pretty darn confident that the plugs that come from the dealer or one of the local big box parts places are also legit.

 

You could also ask the dealer if they could match Autozone price of $8.99. It can't hurt.

Edited December 5, 2020 by Eddie 70