Spark plugs.....how much!

[fastasfox]

Four year's back when I first recommissioned my old Mariner 75hp clamshell, I purchased a set of three plugs for about £20 ...... now they are £25 each has the world gone nuts?
Anyone know the reason for the hike and have you switched to a cheaper none spec plug as an alternative?

[User name]

My default position is to blame the self-inflicted wound of Brexit for everything becoming so expensive.

How old is your outboard? Is it the ones with the flat faced plugs (BUZH or something like that)?
It's probably due to being a lesser used plug these days. It's perfectly ok to use other brand alternatives, but I'd stick to the well rated brands.

[Nasher]

I know it's been difficult to find some plugs for a few years now, and yes they've increased in cost significantly.

My local Ducati dealer was telling me a few months back that it's something to do with the conductor material down the middle, but a local motor factor told me that it's down to the likes of NGK scaling back production due to the decrease in demand from OEMs as plugs not only last longer but there is no long term future in them because we'll all be driving EVs.
Both are probably B00l0cks, and I expect the MF uses that excuse for anything he can't source.

[fastasfox]

Originally Posted by User name

My default position is to blame the self-inflicted wound of Brexit for everything becoming so expensive.

How old is your outboard? Is it the ones with the flat faced plugs (BUZH or something like that)?
It's probably due to being a lesser used plug these days. It's perfectly ok to use other brand alternatives, but I'd stick to the well rated brands.

I'm looking ahead with regards a service kit for an outboard I have arranged to buy in Scotland.....It's a Mercury 75hp optimax 2006.

But I recently purchased new plugs for my old clamshell that went bang.

The plugs are the flat type that don't have the extra conductor sticking out at the bottom.

I don't know if it's just a UK thing but I have noticed that any given opportunity to rip punters off and we as a nation are world bloody class......A single packet of crisps in a motorway service station are £1.80 and I know because I worked for PepsiCo (Walkers) that each bag costs 1.4p to produce....all in. Makes my Pi#@ boil.

[fastasfox]

Originally Posted by Nasher

I know it's been difficult to find some plugs for a few years now, and yes they've increased in cost significantly.

My local Ducati dealer was telling me a few months back that it's something to do with the conductor material down the middle, but a local motor factor told me that it's down to the likes of NGK scaling back production due to the decrease in demand from OEMs as plugs not only last longer but there is no long term future in them because we'll all be driving EVs.
Both are probably B00l0cks, and I expect the MF uses that excuse for anything he can't source.

That's my suspicion too.

[Matt]

I've had to completely change the plugs I use in my hardboat - the originals I had fitted don't even exist any more! It was only 5 years ago!

[fastasfox]

Originally Posted by Matt

I've had to completely change the plugs I use in my hardboat - the originals I had fitted don't even exist any more! It was only 5 years ago!

And what did you have to pay for them?

[Matt]

£29.74 for 8 NGKs.

But that was a bargain. Just did 4 plugs on my mini and they were twice the price for 4.