Spark plug

The spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of the engine with the help of electrical spark generated between its electrodes. The discharge is generated with its electrodes by creating high voltage electric sparks. The temperature of the spark can be up to several thousands of Kelvin, which ensures the immediate burning of the air-fuel mixture.

Types

Depending on the material of the central electrode:

• • • • • Copper electrode:
          • • Typical performance up to15,000 – 20,000 km
        • Nickel electrode
          • • Typical performance up to 30,000 km
        • Silver electrode
          • • It has excellent thermal conductivity.
            • Typical performance up to 30,000 km
        • Iridium electrode
          • It reduces the fuel consumption and the emission of harmful substances
          • Typical performance up to 60,000 – 120,000 km
        • Platina electrode
          • • It is resistant to corrosion and wear.
            • Such spark plugs ensure the optimum combustion of air-fuel mixture.
            • Typical performance up to 100,000 km

Depending on the thermal value:

Warm (low thermal value)

• • • • • • • Installed with long insulation.
            • It is capable of reaching the self-cleaning temperature, as well as the ignition temperature quickly.
            • It is recommended for moderately loaded engines.
        • Cold (high thermal value)
          • • It has short insulation.
            • Highly resistant to overheating.
            • Longer time is necessary to reach the self-cleaning process.
            • It is recommended for extensively loaded engines.

In addition to that, the products may be made with different electrode designs and quantities.

E.g., the central electrode may include a V-shaped notch, while the lateral electrode may have a U-shaped clearance.

• • • • • The use of 2 or 3 lateral electrodes allows a free space directly above the central electrode, thus facilitating the ignition.
        • This results in increasing life span of parts, and in optimized operation of parts.

Signs of faults

Even one faulty spark plug may lead to lack of ignition most of the time. (Primarily when starting in cold.)

• • • Increasing fuel consumption and decreasing engine performance.
    • The engine is hard to start in cold weather. The engine runs unevenly.
    • The engine monitoring lamp might light on the dashboard. 

Reasons of faults (appearance of deposits)

A low quality petrol might cause deposit on the spark plugs.

• • • If the cylinder head packing is worn, then coolant may get into the combustion chamber, which mas also cause deposits.
    • The failure of cooling system may cause overheating in the spark plugs.
    • Soot deposit may occur if engine oil gets into the combustion chamber.
    • The reason could be a worn piston ring or a valve guide, dry and shrunken valve stem seals and faulty turbo charger.
    • Neglecting the recommended replacement period.

Replacing the air filters

The air filter has to be replaced immediately if it becomes dirty, blocked or faulty. The replacement is fast and simple generally.

• • • Check the location of the filter in the manual of the vehicle. Always comply with the instruction of the vehicle manufacturer.