AC Delco Spark plugs

aero3113

Has anyone purchased AC Delco spark plugs lately? I received my new ones today from Amazon and they look different. Also they don't have the plastic or cardboard sleeve protectors on them. I have an old box and it’s definitely different (Top box in first pic). The QR code on the new box does take me to the AC Delco site. Maybe they changed the packaging and now leave out the protectors to cut cost?

Aqua_Aura

Who was the seller on Amazon? If it was some Chinese company I would be suspect. 

I just looked up that part number and I only see 3 sellers. One is directly from Amazon and the other seem to be US based part sellers. 

aero3113

@Aqua_Aura Amazon was the shipper/seller

Aqua_Aura

Probably good. There have been cases of even big box stores unknowingly selling counterfeit products and I'm sure Amazon being the seller things can happen. I wouldn't think spark plugs are a big counterfeit item in this situation. 

PickleRick

I'd be a little suspect of the plugs coming with no protective sleeve as I don't even think the engineers want you checking the plug gap much less bending it back out after the possibility of an impact via shipping and lets face it, all shippers beat the **** out of the boxes. 

I'd snap a few pics and send them in to GM/ac delco to be sure. 

I'm seeing lots of NGK bpmr7a knock offs, they are usually easy to pick out as the text is green vs blue on OEM but these scammers are not always so easy to spot.   

Rockauto is probably a little more trusting vendor for plugs than eBay or Amazon if you don't want to purchase local.

aero3113

Check out this video. His genuine plugs did not come with the sleeves. I also read some other posts where genuine AC Delco plugs did not come with sleeves. I’m trying to find out about the packaging. I’ll see if I can get in touch with AC Delco customer support today.

https://youtu.be/8j81M8CACFs?si=J6snUMGC7DWNwbid

PickleRick

It's odd they don't come with sleeves. Even much cheaper non iridium ngk plugs come with sleeves such as the cmr6h and previously mentioned bpmr7a 

aero3113

Yes, I'm wondering if my last set was counterfeit (they did have the protectors) and that's why my port engine ate two plugs....

aero3113

I spoke to AC Delco customer service and explained what I received. He said since it was sold and shipped by Amazon I should be okay (Amazon is an authorized dealer). If it was shipped from a different company it could be a concern. As for the protective sleeves, he wasn't too concerned and it wasn't a red flag for him. I sent an email to their counterfeit parts division with some pictures. We'll see what they come back with.

mbnarney

I got my plugs from the auto parts store about a month ago. No sleeves. Unless there is a significant price difference i hit the parts counter. No guarantee it's not a knock off but I think it reduces the chance. 

aero3113

I haven’t heard back from AC Delco customer support. I’m going to move forward and install these. 

rasbury

I'd guess if you control the shipping of them, the sleeves and labor can be saved. Shipping from a distributor however would have me verifying the gap at least before installation.

aero3113

Customer service never got back to me. You would think they would want to investigate this. These plugs were installed and started the engine fine and ran at idle. We’ll see how they are next season.

Ian

Customer service is leaning more towards being a popular oxymoron nowadays. If it’s not a droid that doesn't understand plain English (“Say yes or no”, “no”, “I am sorry, I didn’t understand” ) the apparent live person has a 50/50 chance of being helpful.