Parts for your 1987 Suzuki Swift-Spark plugs

1987 Suzuki Swift spark plugs — what they do and how to look after them

Yes, the 1987 Suzuki Swift uses spark plugs. Authoritative sources including the Suzuki Swift/Cultus Factory Service Manual (1986–1988), the Haynes Suzuki Swift 1985–2001 Workshop Manual, and NGK/Denso application catalogues specify conventional copper spark plugs (commonly NGK BPR6ES or Denso W20EPR-U, engine-dependent) for the Swift’s petrol G10 1.0L and G13-series 1.3L engines. That confirms spark plugs are absolutely relevant on a 1987 Swift.

Spark plugs are the little workhorses that ignite the air–fuel mix in each cylinder. Every time the pistons come up for the power stroke, a precisely timed spark jumps the gap and lights the mixture, giving the Swift its go. Fresh, correctly gapped plugs help the old girl start cleanly, idle smoothly, use less petrol, and pull better up hills.

For a 1987 Suzuki Swift still running standard copper plugs, a practical servicing habit in Australia and New Zealand is to inspect every 10,000–15,000 km and replace about every 20,000–30,000 km or annually. If it’s been upgraded to platinum or iridium equivalents, the change interval can stretch toward 60,000–100,000 km, but it’s still smart to check condition and gap at regular services. Always follow the specs in the owner’s manual or workshop manual for the exact plug part number, heat range and gap (typically around 0.8 mm for many variants).

When fitting new plugs under the bonnet, thread them in by hand first, then tighten with a torque wrench to the plug maker’s spec (commonly around 18–22 Nm for a 14 mm, gasket-seat plug in an alloy head). Don’t over-tighten, and avoid anti-seize unless the plug manufacturer explicitly says to use it—most modern nickel-plated shells don’t need it and adding it can distort torque. While you’re there, give the ignition leads, distributor cap and rotor a once-over, at this age, a tired lead can mimic a bad plug.

• Signs the Swift’s plugs are due: rough idle, misfires on take-off, harder starting on cold mornings, higher fuel use, or a sooty exhaust smell.
• Tips: keep the plug wells clean, set the gap accurately, and replace all plugs as a set. If in dusty or hot outback conditions, shorten service intervals.

Look after the spark plugs and the 1987 Suzuki Swift will stay perky, thrifty on fuel, and easier to live with around town or on the open road.

Popular questions about 1987 Suzuki Swift spark plugs

What spark plug type and gap does a 1987 Suzuki Swift use?
Technical references (Suzuki FSM, Haynes, NGK and Denso catalogues) commonly list standard copper plugs such as NGK BPR6ES or Denso W20EPR-U, with a typical gap around 0.8 mm. Exact spec can vary by engine code (G10 1.0L vs G13 1.3L) and market, so it’s best to confirm with the vehicle’s manual or a reputable parts catalogue.

How often should the spark plugs be replaced?
For standard copper plugs, plan on inspecting every 10,000–15,000 km and replacing roughly every 20,000–30,000 km or 12 months. If using iridium/platinum equivalents, intervals can extend to 60,000–100,000 km, but regular checks are still wise, especially in Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

What torque should be used when installing spark plugs?
A typical torque for a 14 mm, gasket-seat plug in an aluminium head is around 18–22 Nm, but always follow the plug maker’s and Suzuki’s service specs. If a torque wrench isn’t handy, seat the gasketed plug by hand, then tighten a further fraction of a turn as per the plug maker’s installation guide.