Spark plugs — factory spec and gap disputes

Tags: #spark-plugs · #torch · #oem · #conflict

Part of the spark-plug series — overview: Spark plugs — options, prices, reliability. See also OEM spark plug specifications and Torch spark plugs — codes, listings, gap rules.

OEM spec and naming convention. OEM spark plug is RTIP type with a 13-point gap, i.e. 1.3mm factory gap¹². TORCH-brand part naming: the final digit(s) of the code indicate the gap in tenths of a millimeter (e.g. "13" = 1.3mm, "11" = 1.1mm); the middle letter/digit indicates heat rating³⁴. Sources in this batch disagree on the direction: one states a higher middle number means less heat-resistant (suited to higher-load engines)³⁴, while another states a higher middle number means the plug is more resistant to heat and runs cooler⁵ — treat the heat-rating direction as unconfirmed pending a manufacturer datasheet check. TORCH QH6RTIP-13 matches the factory spec exactly⁶⁷. Dimensions per an OZON listing: 16mm diameter, 26mm length, 14mm reach⁸.

Gap adjustment debate. One user reported closing the gap from the factory 1.3mm down to 1.15mm and observing better performance and lower fuel consumption⁹¹⁰. This is not universally verified — it was reported by a single user and is presented here as an individual data point, not a confirmed recommendation.

Gap re-confirmed at 0.6mm in a separate report. One report states factory-installed plugs are set to a 0.6mm gap (differing from the 1.3mm figure reported elsewhere in this card — treat as a possible unit/measurement discrepancy between sources, not resolved here). Gap can be adjusted with a feeler gauge and screwdriver; some owners report improved performance after verifying/adjusting the gap. In one case, iridium plugs (more expensive) failed at just 7,000-8,000 km, and the owner reverted to standard plugs¹¹¹²¹³.

QH6RTIP suffix code — a conflicting claim: heat range vs. gap. A separate report states that for factory-spec QH6RTIP plugs, the numeric suffix (e.g. -9, -13) encodes heat range — a lower suffix number meaning a hotter plug, a higher suffix number a cooler one^14151617. Conflict: this contradicts the TORCH gap-code convention documented earlier on this card, where the same style of suffix (e.g. "13" = 1.3mm) was said to encode the electrode gap in tenths of a millimeter rather than heat range. Not resolved within this data batch — the suffix may mean different things across TORCH's various plug families.

NGK ILTR5A-13G on the CA4GD1 engine — gap debate restated with a specific engine code. NGK ILTR5A-13G is confirmed as a working alternative to the OEM QH6RTIP plug on the CA4GD1 engine (the X80's engine code). Plugs come from the factory gapped to roughly 1.3mm; the printed OEM spec calls for 0.7-0.8mm. Community consensus is that the factory 1.3mm gap works fine without re-gapping. The NGK plug's heat range (5) differs slightly from the OEM spec (6), but this reportedly functions well on this naturally-aspirated (non-turbo) engine. Conflict (echoes the OEM-manual-vs-field-gap dispute already on this card): the OEM manual specifies 0.7-0.8mm and warns against adjusting iridium plug gaps at all, yet field experience shows 1.3mm working without issue, and one user (40157) states 0.6-1.1mm is an acceptable range for iridium plugs specifically^1819202122.

OEM QH6RTIP gap — a third figure: 1.1mm per manufacturer datasheet. Adding a third data point to the ongoing gap-spec confusion on this card: the official QH6RTIP datasheet reportedly specifies a 1.1mm factory gap, contradicting the printed owner's-manual figure of 0.7-0.8mm. The manual likely contains an error, or is using a different measurement reference/methodology²³.

Gap specification for the 2.0L engine restated — 1.0-1.3mm, not 0.7-0.8mm. For the FAW X80 2.0L AT (2019 model), the correct spark-plug gap is 1.0-1.3mm — the commonly-cited 0.7-0.8mm figure is stated to apply only to carbureted engines, not this fuel-injected platform. Original factory Torch plugs are gapped at 0.9mm. Community reports converge on 1.1mm working well, with some aftermarket alternatives (NGK ILTR5A-13G, ILTR6A-13G) arriving pre-gapped at 1.3mm. Conflict: official Chinese factory documentation (spec sheet for model CA4GD1, plug type QH6RTIP) lists 0.7-0.8mm, with an alternative ILTR6J8 at 0.8mm — directly contradicting the 1.0-1.3mm community consensus for fuel-injected engines; some users separately report 0.8-0.9mm from original parts. The documentation itself appears to cause confusion around which gap figures apply to this engine^242526272829.

Original factory spec restated — Torch QH6RTIP, 1.1mm gap, discontinued. The original OEM plug is stated to be Torch QH6RTIP, gap 1.1mm, iridium electrode with a platinum braze/pad — confirmed via a photo of manufacturer-catalog specs. This exact plug is no longer manufactured/purchasable; what is currently sold under similar codes lacks the platinum pad and commonly ships at a 1.3mm gap instead³⁰³¹. Ordering the OEM part number 3707010-37K directly is reported likely to yield an unbranded/no-name plug rather than a genuine one. Two specific replacement options were named: Miles ALSP067 — an iridium-electrode, platinum-pad plug matching the original's electrode construction — and, for a budget option, LinkGlobal LQH5RIU13, a 4-plug set priced under 1,000 RUB (RU market, May 2026)³¹. Conflict — optimal gap range: a separate message in the same exchange states the optimal gap for the X80 is 0.8-1.1mm depending on engine (2.0L vs 2.3L) and plug type, with a reply noting this may be a typo relative to the pre-facelift manual (which the replier believes states 1.1mm without the typo) — i.e. a possible 0.8 vs 1.1mm transcription error in circulation, on top of the broader gap-figure conflicts already documented on this card³²³³. Separately, one contributor gives a general ignition-type gap rule (not X80-specific): distributor ("трамблёр") ignition wants the smallest gap (0.5-0.6mm), electronic ignition somewhat larger (0.7-0.8mm), and coil-pack ignition (like the X80's) largest (1.1mm+) — offered as a rule of thumb with likely exceptions³⁴.

Gap specification — restated as still unresolved, with a "doesn't matter on modern engines" dissent. The printed manual figure is again cited as 0.8mm; dealers in Saint Petersburg reportedly gave the same 0.8mm figure initially, then said they weren't sure. One member calls the printed 0.8mm figure a likely typo ("146% a typo")³⁵³⁶. Garage-mechanic opinion relayed in this thread: the tight 0.7-0.8mm-class gap only matters on old carbureted engines (e.g. Zhiguli/Lada), where mechanics used to bend electrodes to hit it precisely; on modern engines, a ~2mm difference in gap is considered irrelevant by these mechanics, loosely calling any gap "fine." One member's blunt recommendation, sidestepping the gap debate entirely: buy Denso and it'll be fine³⁷³⁸. This restates, rather than resolves, the gap conflicts already documented above on this card.

Torch part-number pair — QH6RIU11 (1.1mm gap) vs. QH5RIU13 (1.3mm gap). For the X80, two specific Torch part numbers are distinguished: QH6RIU11 ships with a preset 1.1mm gap, while QH5RIU13 ships with a preset 1.3mm gap — matching the factory/original gap. Community recommendation leans toward QH6RIU11 (1.1mm) as the compatible Torch option for the X80^39404142.

Spark plug gap adjustment — 1.1mm as shipped vs. 1.15-1.3mm target, using a gap tool. Torch QH6RIU11 iridium plugs ship with a preset 1.1mm gap, while the factory/original X80 gap is 1.3mm. Some owners use a gap-adjustment template/tool (шаблон) to reset the gap to 1.15-1.3mm before installation, since gap affects ignition timing and should be verified rather than assumed correct out of the box^434445464742.

Stock spark plug article number restated: QH6RIU11. An independent, later source restates the stock spark plug article number for the FAW X80 as QH6RIU11 — consistent with the QH6RIU-11 part already extensively documented on this card⁴⁸.

Media

OZON listing for TORCH QH6RTIP-13 spark plugs (4-pack) with dimension diagram: 16mm diameter, 26mm length, 14mm reach

NGK spark plug photo showing factory gap ~1.3mm

NGK spark plug photo showing installed condition

Technical specification document (Chinese, translated) for model CA4GD1, spark plug type QH6RTIP with listed 0.7-0.8mm gap, alternative ILTR6J8 0.8mm, and iridium-coated alternatives

Related pages

• Torch spark plugs — codes, listings, gap rules
• Spark plugs — Torch, Miles and Ford cross-refs
• Spark plugs — options, prices, reliability
• Spark plugs — NGK, Denso and budget options
• Spark plug specifications and cross-references

Sources

This page is compiled from 48 community messages. Every fact carries a numbered reference to its original author and message.

Last updated: 2026-10-29