Need help identifying genuine Denso 90919-02230 coil packs from fakes (1 Viewer)

[VijayW]

Hi Folks,

Seeking help from users who can help identify fake “Denso – Made in Japan” stamped coil packs. It seems to me that manufacturers in China are making these, complete with the Toyota barcode label. I bought some of these 90919-02230, but can return for refund thanks to PayPal.

Unfortunately, I am the second owner of my Land Cruiser ’99, and there are no original Denso coils left in it for me to compare. Plus I need info on recently manufactured genuine Denso 90919-02230 coils (not the current replacement part # 90080-19027, though, in case there are differences in appearance).

Here are some distinguishing aspects I am seeking help on:
(1). Do all genuine Denso 90919-02230 coils have flared ends (rubber boots) as contrasted in the article:
Spotting fake Denso ignition coils for COPs - EvolutionM - Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution Community
and does the bottom edge of rubber boot have any stampings?

(2). Is the screw hole lining on genuine Denso 90919-02230 coils Silver-colored or Brass-colored?

(3). Does the connector have a mold number imprint inside, as in the following photo (which was actually taken from a different model Denso coil)

Many thanks in advance for helpful information.

View attachment 1596047

 

[rroverbkk]

Didn't check part numbers but what I grabbed from my trunk just now in passing.

There is stamping the bottom edge of he rubber boot in my case it says K31.

Still in plastic packaging I haven't used his one yet.

Bought from Amazon I believe or eBay, maybe 50-60 bucks I can't remember....

 

[nissanh]

A new Toyota OEM coil is about $32 on ebay.
I got 3 used OEM coils from a wracked tundra and nothing to complain. With Denso TT platinum plugs, I now have a better gas mileage about 3-4 MPG increment at 70 MPH

 

[abuck99]

A new Toyota OEM coil is about $32 on ebay.

No way its authentic at that price.


@VijayW

On the Denso site this is the image for the 673-1303

Which looks same as the Denso coil I purchased on Amazon a few months back (673-1303). Mine is the same as Rrovers pictured above. Also it has Denso Made in Japan embossed on the side of the coil.

If you dont trust Amazon or Ebay, you can buy from one of the authorized distributor here:
Denso 673-1303 Ignition Coil $63.20

or from your local parts store:
AutoZone
Napa
Advance
Car quest
Oreiliys

 

[nissanh]

When I was looking for coils I saw several OEM new toyota coils at $30 -40 range.
Here is a one for $50
TOYOTA Lexus OEM 9008019027 Tundra SC430 GX470 Direct Ignition Coil 90080-19027 | eBay

 

[abuck99]

When I was looking for coils I saw several OEM new toyota coils at $30 -40 range.
Here is a one for $50
TOYOTA Lexus OEM 9008019027 Tundra SC430 GX470 Direct Ignition Coil 90080-19027 | eBay

You may beleive its genuine, but I wouldnt trust the authenticity. One of the cheapest online Toyota dealer prices is $77 (33%off) for 90089-19027. List is $116.31. OEM parts at 57% discount doesnt pass the smell test.

 

[VijayW]

When I was looking for coils I saw several OEM new toyota coils at $30 -40 range.
Here is a one for $50
TOYOTA Lexus OEM 9008019027 Tundra SC430 GX470 Direct Ignition Coil 90080-19027 | eBay

As abuck99 also said, those cheap "Toyota - Denso" eBay coils are counterfeits - at least that's what I am discovering now. eBay is flooded with these counterfeits; too bad that eBay is not working to purge those items and sellers.

Counterfeit auto parts manufacturing seems to be a big industry in China; check out this news article:
FCAI: Chinese police bust $1M counterfeit Toyota parts ring; components include airbags

In my case, the coils were described as genuine Denso parts Made in Japan. When the package arrived (shipped from the US) it contained individual packages that were labeled as Made in China. When I questioned the seller, I was told to open the packages, and the right items will be there. I opened one (of the 8), and found upon close examination that the item is not a genuine Denso part while it has Toyota - Denso stampings and printed labels "Made in Japan." The eBay seller is violating probably Chinese as well as US Customs regulations by importing an item labeled as Made in Japan in an opaque pouch labeled Made in China.

FBI's IPR Counterfeit Auto Parts Public Service Announcement PDF file which is downloadable at
https://www.iprcenter.gov/reports/public-service-announcements/counterfeit-auto-parts/at_download/file
asks to Consult an Original Equipment Manufacturer representative or a reputable mechanic for advice on identifying the counterfeit parts. This is where someone here who works for Toyota would be of great help in identifying the fakes. Tomorrow I will post pictures of my parts and packaging.

 

[ranma21]

Ebay coil claimed to be oem coil from China are fake counterfeit coils. Buy from auto part store, dealer or denso authorized part store to ensure you get Genuine Denso coil.

 

[Evan Kapel]

I know its a cliché, but you get what you pay for.

 

[DJCloz]

A new Toyota OEM coil is about $32 on ebay.
I got 3 used OEM coils from a wracked tundra and nothing to complain. With Denso TT platinum plugs, I now have a better gas mileage about 3-4 MPG increment at 70 MPH

I just may need To swap out my plugs

 

[VijayW]

I know its a cliché, but you get what you pay for.

That's generally true, Evan. But good honest sellers tell you what you're getting; such as this set of choices from Rock Auto:
1999 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 4.7L V8 Ignition Coil | RockAuto

Counterfeiting is a crime; that's the situation with branded fakes.

 

[VijayW]

Thnaks to all who have commented so far. Here are some photos of the counterfeit item that I received. I have labeled the photos:
Sealed Pouch marked Made in China_6894.jpg
Toyota Bag_6909.jpg
Toyota Label_6911.jpg
Coil with Toyota Denso Made in Japan stamp_6914.jpg
Rubber boot-end not flared, not mold-stamped_6916.jpg
Following 3 photos will in be in another message after this.
No mold stamp near connector pins_6918.jpg
Shiny Aluminum bolt hole lining_6901.jpg
Resin in UV Light (365- 400nm) showing pour pattern_6905.jpg

It will be tremendous helpful if folks here (esp from Toyota/Denso) can confirm that this is a counterfeit, or put me in touch with interested parties at corporate Toyota/Denso, so that I have strong proof when I get in touch with US Customs and/or FBI. Someone has to work to put these counterfeiters where they belong.

There are several online guides that help to spot fake Denso Spark Plugs, such as:
How To Spot Fake Denso Iridium Power Spark Plugs 2017
http://www.globaldenso.com/en/products/aftermarket/plug/catalog/asia/pdf/P043.pdf
but I couldn't find such documents on spotting fake Denso Ignition Coil Packs, except
Spotting fake Denso ignition coils for COPs - EvolutionM - Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution Community

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help on this.

 

[VijayW]

The 3 photos that didn't fit the previous message are here:
No mold stamp near connector pins_6918.jpg
Shiny Aluminum bolt hole lining_6901.jpg
Resin in UV Light (365- 400nm) showing pour pattern_6905.jpg

 

[Ayune]

Thank you for this sleuthing. I'll be checking the "genuine" coils I recently bought off eBay and posting my findings too.

 

[abuck99]

The official Denso replacement has sticker with the part number on the square insulator top.

It would be helpful to see an example of a new in the box Toyota coil purchased from the dealer, not ebay.

I know that @2001LC had an experience with an ebay seller claiming genuine coils and I recall he sent them back. Maybe he’ll chime in.

 

[apdxyk]

Beware of the sellers claiming 'bulk packaging' or 'dealer overstock', those may sell you a used pull with 300k+ miles on it that was freshened up by installing new rubber/silicone boots.
Some of the boot pictures and part numbers are here

 

[Ayune]

The two coils I purchased off eBay from seller "autoparts-5000" for $38/ea appear to be counterfeit based on:

- no flaring at end of boot
- no markings on end of boot
- no mold stamp within the connector housing
- rough filing marks on either side of the silver insert
- missing molded rib underneath connector housing
I've requested a refund, we'll see how it goes...

Bags and stickers look legit:

No mold mark inside connector:

Scratches on top & bottom of insert from post-molding filing:

Last number of PN is crooked, oddly-shaped "0", from shoddy mold modification:

No flare on end of boot (not sure if authentic ones are actually flared or not):

 

[Ayune]

More pics...

No molded markings on end of boot:

No molded web underneath connector housing. This may be the easiest way to tell a fake from a distance.

Authentic pics from web all show molded web under connector housing, like this:

 

[2001LC]

I bought a set on ebay after speaking to the seller. I made clear I was concerned about being bootlegs and would inspect very closely. That if they checked out I'd buy a lot of sets from him and recommended to others. I was very hopefully I'd found a source for 1/2 price coil.
Bottom line; I did return and received a refund as soon as postal barcode was scanned by my mailman. These guys don't want you complaining to ebay, so they make it easy.

@Ayune looks like you've got the same ones.

First, I notice was the stuffing to reduce shock in the box had labels with some print I suspected was Chinese. Emailed a picture to a friend that had factories in China and he confirmed it was chinese shipping labels.

Second, notice the comma has no space after it. Barcode is full of breaks in the lines. My red had smears yours may have imperfection. These are very questionable signs.

I took to the parts counter at Toyota and we compared. My guy brought out some he had on hand. I've seen two types of packaging with real Denso. The one's from Japan were a blue box with some red. The USA made, each Denso coil was individually bubble wrapped without a box. Notice the perfect print on the label and space after the comma.

Third, I think it was Andrew that notice something at spring inside the boot where spark plug makes contact looked strange.
Also the plastic (of genuine coil at Dealer) the top was much shinier, looked like better quality.

We also noticed the one at the Dealer had more markings like this 6

We do have different coil for different years of the 2UZ in the series 100, I had thought all 100 series used the same parts number but they don't. Additionally Toyota/Lexus have had part number changes. So we will find difference depending on part # and when and where was made.

I'll keep buying from Dealer, that way I know what I'm getting. With ebay coils I just found too many little clues that I didn't feel comfortable with.

 

[Ayune]

It also looks like the metal screw bushing sits proud of the plastic surface on genuine coils, where on counterfeits it is filed or ground down flush. Probably because the metal bushing that they insert into the mold before filling is simply cut tubing and has rough edges. The genuine bushing looks machined and well finished as it sits proud.