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Spark Plugs

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SAJANA WIJETHUNGE
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41 views5 pages

Spark Plugs

Uploaded by

SAJANA WIJETHUNGE
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SPARK PLUGS

Sajana Wijethunge
Sajanafpw@gmail.com
1. TASK OF SPARK PLUGS

To engine to work, explosions must be made. For an explosion to happen inside the engine there are
three things that are needed, they are Air, Fuel, and Ignition. Inside the engine air/fuel mixture comes to
the combustion chamber and it needs to be ignited to generate power, that’s where spark plug comes
in. When the air/fuel mix is compressed, the spark plug ignites the mixture making an explosion inside
the cylinder. Spark plugs create an arc of electricity across central and side electrodes. There is little gap
between the electrodes. Simply the spark plugs task is to ignite the compressed sir/fuel mix. The plug is
connected to the high voltage generated by an ignition coil. As the high voltage flows through the plug,
electricity jump from central electrode to the side electrode. As the current of electrons surges across
the gap, it raises the temperature of the spark channel to 60,000 K. The heat in the spark plug causes the
air/fuel mix to ignite.

2. CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN


A spark plug comes with a insulator and the central conductor. Part of the spark plug stick out in the
combustion chamber that is where the spark happen. Therefore must also seal the combustion chamber
against high pressures and temperatures without breaking or deteriorating over long periods. There are
many types of speak plugs, it can be categorized by size, thread or nut, sealing type and by the gap. The
electrodes in a spark plug typically made out of high-nickel alloys, the insulator is generally made of
aluminum oxide ceramic and the shell is made of steel wire.
3. TYPES OF SPARK PLUGS

The classification of spark plugs is done on the basis of

 The material used in their construction


 Operating temperatures

1. Copper spark plugs

Copper spark plugs have a copper core and nickel alloy on the end of the electrode the part that
generates a spark. Copper and nickel have low melting points compared to other materials. Which
means edge of these electrodes wears quickly and it increase the gap.

2. Platinum spark plugs

In its construction spark plug use platinum. The center electrode is made up of platinum. Platinum is a
very expensive material which makes these spark plugs expensive. Platinum increase the overall
strength and durability of the plug. These spark plugs are more resistant to carbon buildup. Platinum
have a high melting point (3,218 *F), can be driven 30 – 40 thousand miles without a problem.

3. Iridium spark plugs

Iridium is harder than platinum and has an even higher melting point (4,442º F). These have a smaller
electrode tip diameter, which increases the spark efficiency and to a better engine function. The only
down side of these spark plugs is their high price.

4. Silver spark plugs

These spark plugs are made up of silver. They offer high performance and excellent thermal
conductivity. They were generally used in the European high performance vintage cars and motorcycle
engines. Their only drawback is shorter lifespan and low durability.

The spark plugs also can be specified by the amount of ground electrode. The more ground electrodes
generally provide longer life.
4. HOW TO IDENTIFY BAD SPARK PLUGS

For optimum performance and efficient engine operation the spark plugs should be clean with no
damage to the electrodes. A spark plug that has covered with a substance like oil, fuel or carbon or one
that is blistered from running too hot can affect your operation of the engine.

Hard starts – If you have a trouble with starting, if it is not a dead battery or an empty gas tank, bad
spark plugs could be the problem. Your engine won’t start if the spark plugs can’t produce the spark to
start the combustion process.

Rough idling - When the spark plugs aren’t working as they should, the engine sounds rough and
unstable. You might also feel the vehicle vibrating and failing to keep idling.

Reduced gas mileage - If the spark plugs aren’t performing properly, it can have a negative impact on
your gas mileage. A sudden drop in fuel economy could be a sign of a bad spark plug.

Lack of performance - If the vehicle doesn’t accelerate fast enough, bad spark plugs could be the
problem.
5. HOW TO SPARK PLUG REPLACE

 Locate the spark plugs in the car- when you lift up the bonnet you will be able to see a bundle
of wires going in to the engine. The spark plug are located at the end of those wires, under the
plug covers. You should number the corresponding leads to the cylinder so as not to confuse
which lead goes where when replacing with new plugs.
 Cool down the engine – if you have been running the vehicle you should let the engine cool off
before removing the spark plugs.
 Remove the spark plugs – to remove the spark plugs you are going to need a ratchet, an
extension, spark plug socket and a feeler gauge. Unplug the spark plug wires carefully. Fit the
socket wrench and use the ratchet to remove the spark plug from the engine slowly.
 Measure the gap of the spark plug – measure the gap with the feeler gauge, see if it is within
the spec. if not check the plug is good enough to reuse, if it is try to change the gap by tapping
gently on the plug on a flat surface with the gauge in, until the gap changes to the correct
clearance. If the plug is not in good condition for reuse you will have to replace them
 Reinstall the plugs – reinstall the new spark plugs with the tools. Only hand tight the spark plug.
Put anti-seize lubricant on the plug threads. Plug in the spark plug wires back.

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