What happens if you use the wrong size spark plug?
Each type of spark plug has a different internal resistor depending on the vehicle and the engine specifications. Fitment of a spark plug with a different resistor to that recommended by the manufacturer can result in poor engine performance and permanent damage to components in the vehicles electrical system.
Does gap between spark plug electrodes increase?
As the gap between the electrodes of the spark plug increases voltage required for sparking increases.
What does a smaller spark plug gap do?
A smaller gap will yield a short, intense spark and will usually make the engine real responsive. A wide gap creates a longer spark arc but without sufficient “juice” from your ignition system, (including amps), it can be weak and yellow in color.
Can the wrong spark plug damage the engine?
Broken electrodes If the electrodes are broken off or flattened, it is likely that the wrong spark plugs are installed. A spark plug that is too long can cause extensive damage to your engine while a short spark plug can cause poor gas mileage and spark plug fouling.
What are the ground electrodes for spark plugs?
Developed for engines that tend towards increased carbon depositing as a result of their design, hybrid spark plugs have a standard ground electrode as well as two smaller ground electrodes on each side.
What should the gap be between spark plugs?
First of all, it depends on the type of engine. For carburetor motors with contact ignition, for example, the gap varies from 1 to 1.3 mm, and for non-contact – 0.7-0.8 mm. For engines with automatic injection, manufacturers recommend the distance between the electrodes in the range of 0.5-0.6 mm. Why check the clearance?
Why are spark plugs made out of nickel?
Reducing the electrode size on a standard nickel plug would result in a drastically shortened life span, so smaller electrodes require exotic metals such as platinum or iridium to maintain (and at times surpass), the longevity of a traditional spark plug.
How often should single electrode spark plugs be checked?
The fact is that during the operation of the engine, the electrodes burn out. As a result of this, the distance between them increases. Because of this, it is recommended that single-electrode candles be checked at least after 10-15 thousand km, multi-electrode candles – after 20-30 thousand km.