spark plugs....

[MASTER Brian]

Does it make any difference where you buy your plugs? I was talking to a guy the other day who works on smaller outboards, under 80hp, and he told me one of the dealers told him for years that the plugs he bought at Walmart aren't the same as what the dealer gets. Even though same brand and part #.

Is there any truth to this??? He said he noticed a difference in the plugs started getting at the dealer vs. walmart. I've been buying my plugs at O'reiley's. I did notice some plugs were more silver in color and some were more gold. Same brand and same part #.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: spark plugs....

I'd have to believe they are the same. I've never had any problems with the ones I buy at Walmart...

 

[F_R]

Re: spark plugs....

If they are same brand and same number they should be the same. Difference in color could be different rustproofing, or even stainless steel in some cases. But that should change the number too. Now there is a remote chance somebody is selling countereit plugs. But i can't believe Wal-Mart would get caught up in that racket. They are VERY strict with their vendors.

 

[jtexas]

Re: spark plugs....

no doubt a lot of products are made & packaged for discounters...but you'd hope companies like champion wouldn't risk their reputation on inferior products...guess appearance could vary from one production run to the next...I'm just guessing here...

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: spark plugs....

no doubt a lot of products are made & packaged for discounters...but you'd hope companies like champion wouldn't risk their reputation on inferior products...guess appearance could vary from one production run to the next...I'm just guessing here...

That's what I figured was a different run and I also agree I can't see them making an inferior product and risking reputation. I was just curious if there was possibly any truth. Sounds to me like someone was trying to get someone else to pay more $$ for their plugs.

 

[Pony]

Re: spark plugs....

But i can't believe Wal-Mart would get caught up in that racket. They are VERY strict with their vendors.

They are strict with the prices that they pay the vendor, not about the quality of the product. You have to take that statement with a big grain of salt.

I agree with others who have said champion wouldnt risk their reputation..........not to mention the cost that would be invovled in producing two seperate qualities of the same plug.

 

[bigtwin]

Re: spark plugs....

Why cut quality when you can just close down the plant and move it to China?!?! We Americans don't need manufacturing jobs that provide a livable wage and benefits. We need to shop at walmart so we can spend less because we make less.... It's a race to the bottom isn't it, and I wish it was only about spark plugs.

 

[F_R]

Re: spark plugs....

"They are strict with the prices that they pay the vendor, not about the quality of the product. You have to take that statement with a big grain of salt."
WalMart is very strict in the selection of vendors in the sense of financial stability, insurance, etc,etc. It isn't easy to become a Wal Mart vendor. Especially if you are a counterfeiter that is going to cause WalMart to face a lawsuit. That is what I meant.

 

[jtexas]

Re: spark plugs....

Why cut quality when you can just close down the plant and move it to China?!?!

Same difference.

My new retirement plan:
learn to say "Welcome to Walmart" in three languages.

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: spark plugs....

Wow, this doesn't seem to be heading in a fun direction. :%