All you need to know: SPARK PLUGS!
Jan 16, 2006, 12:44 PM
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All you need to know: SPARK PLUGS!
General Info + more:
http://www.centuryperformance.com/spark.asp
Reading Spark Plugs, lots of pictures:
http://www.dansmc.com/Spark_Plugs/Sp...s_catalog.html
Installing/Reinstalling Spark Plugs:
The first is to remove spark plugs from aluminum cylinder heads only when the engine is cool. Since aluminum and steel expand and contract at different rates, removing spark plugs from an aluminum cylinder head while hot can actually cause thread and cylinder head damage. Before installing the spark plugs, make sure the threads are clean and in good condition. If in doubt, run a thread chaser through the plug opening in the cylinder head. Most plug manufacturers recommend that you do not use an anti-seize compound, since one has already been applied to the plugs at the factory. Next, install the spark plugs finger tight and, it using a taper seat spark plug, use a ratchet to rotate 1/16 of a turn. If using a gasket seat type spark plug, after installing finger tight, turn 1/4 to 5/8 of a turn. If this procedure is followed, spark plugs will not back out nor will they seize in the cylinder head.
Spark Plug metal comparison chart:
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/cm/cm120032.htm
Spark Plugs: What's Next After Platinum?, Larry Carley, Counterman, December 2000
Difference between hot plug and cold plug:
NGK Iridium Spark Plugs Feature
More Durability and a Higher Melting Point Than Platinum
Better Center Electrode Anti-Oxidation and Anti-Erosion
Improved Ignition
Superior Anti-Fouling
Lower Required Voltage
New Metal Shell Plating Process for Better Anti-Corrosion
How long should my spark plugs last?That is dependant on the application and condition of the engine. High revving engines, driven hard, (eg motorcycles) will wear plugs much more quickly than a large engined car which is used for cruising. Standard copper plugs usually have an estimated service life of 10,000 to 20,000 miles depending upon design and application, Denso recommend changing their Iridium Power plugs before the maximum 30,000 miles, NGK's Iridium IX may last up to 60,000 miles in a standard use car engine. Double platinum types may last 60,000 miles or more and some NGK and Denso OEM Iridium types may last up to 120,000 miles. The plugs optimum performance level is passed a long time before these intervals so we would recommend changing plugs regularly as a matter of course. An engine, ignition or carburation/injection fault or poor adjustment may cause premature wear and/or failure. Tuned engines, engines driven hard, poor quality fuel amongst other factors can all dramatically reduce service life.
Why do some spark plugs have multiple ground electrodes? This is an attempt by the manufacturers to increase the service life of the spark plug. The ground electrodes can wear down rapidly in some engines. Tiny particles of metal are removed from the ground electrode each time the plug fires hence they gradually wear away. There is a misconception that a multi ground plug will produce mutiple sparks - this is not true, only the nearest electrode to the centre (i.e. currenty the longest) will spark, as that becomes worn, another electrode will become the longest and replace it as the sparking electrode.
Do my multi ground electrode plugs outperform single ground plugs?
In most cases, no. The additional electrodes disturb the flow of gases around the spark plug tip and performance may even be reduced. In addition, for high performance applications the additional metal within the combustion chamber will retain more heat and may be more prone to detonation/pre ignition.
Should I regap my Iridium spark plugs?In most circumstances, no. The nature of Iridium spark plugs means that they are able to utilise a larger gap setting while actually requiring less voltage and straining the ignition system less. If you *have* to regap Iridium spark plugs (e.g if misfire occurs due to gap being too large) then do so with extreme care. Do not use a slide type gapping tool or put pressure on the brittle centre electrode in any way as it may become damaged.
How do I regap my spark plugs?To open the gap, carefully use a pair of fine nosed pliers or a specialist gapping tool (not slide type for Iridium or other fine wire types) to bend the ground electrode outwards, away from the centre electrode. Take care not to contact the porcelain insulator or the centre electrode as they can be easily damaged. Use a feeler guage to check for the correct gap size - it should be a light sliding fit. To close the gap, tap the ground electrode gently on a hard surface and then open the gap to the required setting using the method described above.
http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk/pages/technical/spark_plugs_faq.htm
Plug Problems:
-Shadowing:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug4...adowing&mfid=0
-Fouling:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug4...Fouling&mfid=0
-Bridging:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug4...ridging&mfid=0
-Pre-Ignition:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug4...gnition&mfid=0
-Flashover:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug4...ashover&mfid=0
-Quenching:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug4...enching&mfid=0
---------
Added by Blacksheepdj:
Page from sparkplugs.com offering part numbers and fairly good prices on 4G94 (all 2.0 Lancer) plugs
http://sparkplugs.com/results_app.as...1&AAIA=1382127
And if you'd like to upgrade your 4G94 spark plug wires, order these. Much cheaper than Magnacor.
http://sparkplugs.com/more_info.asp?...374454&pid=939
http://www.centuryperformance.com/spark.asp
Reading Spark Plugs, lots of pictures:
http://www.dansmc.com/Spark_Plugs/Sp...s_catalog.html
Installing/Reinstalling Spark Plugs:
The first is to remove spark plugs from aluminum cylinder heads only when the engine is cool. Since aluminum and steel expand and contract at different rates, removing spark plugs from an aluminum cylinder head while hot can actually cause thread and cylinder head damage. Before installing the spark plugs, make sure the threads are clean and in good condition. If in doubt, run a thread chaser through the plug opening in the cylinder head. Most plug manufacturers recommend that you do not use an anti-seize compound, since one has already been applied to the plugs at the factory. Next, install the spark plugs finger tight and, it using a taper seat spark plug, use a ratchet to rotate 1/16 of a turn. If using a gasket seat type spark plug, after installing finger tight, turn 1/4 to 5/8 of a turn. If this procedure is followed, spark plugs will not back out nor will they seize in the cylinder head.
Spark Plug metal comparison chart:
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/cm/cm120032.htm
Spark Plugs: What's Next After Platinum?, Larry Carley, Counterman, December 2000
Difference between hot plug and cold plug:
NGK Iridium Spark Plugs Feature
More Durability and a Higher Melting Point Than Platinum
Better Center Electrode Anti-Oxidation and Anti-Erosion
Improved Ignition
Superior Anti-Fouling
Lower Required Voltage
New Metal Shell Plating Process for Better Anti-Corrosion
How long should my spark plugs last?That is dependant on the application and condition of the engine. High revving engines, driven hard, (eg motorcycles) will wear plugs much more quickly than a large engined car which is used for cruising. Standard copper plugs usually have an estimated service life of 10,000 to 20,000 miles depending upon design and application, Denso recommend changing their Iridium Power plugs before the maximum 30,000 miles, NGK's Iridium IX may last up to 60,000 miles in a standard use car engine. Double platinum types may last 60,000 miles or more and some NGK and Denso OEM Iridium types may last up to 120,000 miles. The plugs optimum performance level is passed a long time before these intervals so we would recommend changing plugs regularly as a matter of course. An engine, ignition or carburation/injection fault or poor adjustment may cause premature wear and/or failure. Tuned engines, engines driven hard, poor quality fuel amongst other factors can all dramatically reduce service life.
Why do some spark plugs have multiple ground electrodes? This is an attempt by the manufacturers to increase the service life of the spark plug. The ground electrodes can wear down rapidly in some engines. Tiny particles of metal are removed from the ground electrode each time the plug fires hence they gradually wear away. There is a misconception that a multi ground plug will produce mutiple sparks - this is not true, only the nearest electrode to the centre (i.e. currenty the longest) will spark, as that becomes worn, another electrode will become the longest and replace it as the sparking electrode.
Do my multi ground electrode plugs outperform single ground plugs?
In most cases, no. The additional electrodes disturb the flow of gases around the spark plug tip and performance may even be reduced. In addition, for high performance applications the additional metal within the combustion chamber will retain more heat and may be more prone to detonation/pre ignition.
Should I regap my Iridium spark plugs?In most circumstances, no. The nature of Iridium spark plugs means that they are able to utilise a larger gap setting while actually requiring less voltage and straining the ignition system less. If you *have* to regap Iridium spark plugs (e.g if misfire occurs due to gap being too large) then do so with extreme care. Do not use a slide type gapping tool or put pressure on the brittle centre electrode in any way as it may become damaged.
How do I regap my spark plugs?To open the gap, carefully use a pair of fine nosed pliers or a specialist gapping tool (not slide type for Iridium or other fine wire types) to bend the ground electrode outwards, away from the centre electrode. Take care not to contact the porcelain insulator or the centre electrode as they can be easily damaged. Use a feeler guage to check for the correct gap size - it should be a light sliding fit. To close the gap, tap the ground electrode gently on a hard surface and then open the gap to the required setting using the method described above.
http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk/pages/technical/spark_plugs_faq.htm
Plug Problems:
-Shadowing:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug4...adowing&mfid=0
-Fouling:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug4...Fouling&mfid=0
-Bridging:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug4...ridging&mfid=0
-Pre-Ignition:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug4...gnition&mfid=0
-Flashover:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug4...ashover&mfid=0
-Quenching:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug4...enching&mfid=0
---------
Added by Blacksheepdj:
Page from sparkplugs.com offering part numbers and fairly good prices on 4G94 (all 2.0 Lancer) plugs
http://sparkplugs.com/results_app.as...1&AAIA=1382127
And if you'd like to upgrade your 4G94 spark plug wires, order these. Much cheaper than Magnacor.
http://sparkplugs.com/more_info.asp?...374454&pid=939
Last edited by Blacksheepdj; Feb 11, 2006 at 08:32 AM.
Jan 19, 2006, 01:36 AM
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this helps so much!! i work at a motorcycle shop and people always ask why a Br8eg plus is hotter than a br10eg plus. what makes them so different? ive just went by the book to tell people what they need, but some inside on the sparkplugs would put me ahead of the game in the shop. thanks
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Feb 21, 2006, 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by gregivq
^Whatever your manual says. Colder plugs are for highly modified vehicles. Platinum, Iridium plugs sometimes cause problems.
I had a friend who used to help me with my car tell me to run 1 step colder plugs so I could get better top end for the track. He was just graduating motor cycle school at the time. The one thing he did say though was that if I ran the colder plugs everyday that my gas mileage would suck so it was mainly a track thing.
What is the benefit of running the colder plugs?
WADAD
Feb 26, 2006, 04:38 PM
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Don't run the Bosh 4+. I put them in my Lancer and felt the difference in a bad way. Switched them out for Denso Iridium's and they worked alot better. All the extra grouds on the 4+ just got in the way.