Gasoline internal combustion engines today are high-tech units with a large number of components and mechanisms, whose work is dynamically adjusted by ECM. Due to the active use of electronics, the combustion process of the fuel-air mixture in the engine is controlled, which allows to achieve high power and increase efficiency at the same time reducing the working volume of the power unit. E-government also allows you to achieve maximum fuel economy and reduce the level of toxic substances in exhaust gases.
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The ignition system of the engine provides timely ignition of a mix of fuel and air in the combustion chamber by means of a spark from a spark plug. It turns out, the stability of the engine directly depends on the normal and correct operation of the spark plugs. It must also be taken into account, that candles are not universal, that is for each type of the engine to select spark plugs it is necessary on car brand.
Features and parameters for the selection of spark plugs
Let's start with that, that improperly selected spark plugs can cause increased fuel consumption, reduction of engine power, deterioration of acceleration dynamics. In some cases, symptoms of inflammation and other problems may occur, as the process of ignition of the mixture with non-compliant with this type of internal combustion engine spark plugs becomes different from normal, which adversely affects the overall condition of the motor, stability of engine operation and motor resource of the power unit.
As you know, the spark plug is designed to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. Ignition occurs from an electric spark, which is formed between the electrodes of the candle during the passage of high voltage current through it.
Spark plugs are made for different types of engines taking into account a number of features, the main of which is considered:
- spark plug materials;
- droplet number of spark plugs;
These parameters are basic for engine manufacturers, which recommend one or another type of spark plugs in relation to a particular model and brand of car. The most important characteristic when selecting spark plugs by brand and model of car is the physical size of the spark plug, as well as a droplet number. The glow number should be understood as the efficiency of heat transfer of the spark plug.
The normal operating temperature of the spark plugs is from 500 to 700 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, no deposits form on the electrodes and other elements of the candle, since the excess enters the combustion chamber of the engine oil completely burns out on the insulator and electrodes. In other words, the process of self-cleaning of a spark plug is realized, which is necessary for the normal operation of the device during the planned service life.
Given the glow number of candles are divided into so-called "cold" and "hot". In simple words, the droplet number of spark plugs is a parameter, which involves heating the candle for a certain time to such a temperature, when the fuel-air mixture ignites spontaneously. In some cases, the motor runs for some time after that, as the ignition was turned off. This phenomenon is called "dieseling" and can also be caused by improperly selected candles.
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In other words, at KZ (drip ignition) ignition of the mixture will not occur from the spark of ignition at a specific time, and from contact with heated spark plugs. In the case of quenching ignition, the combustion process of the mixture becomes uncontrolled and has devastating consequences for the engine., partially resembling a detonation or causing a "diesel" effect.
How to choose the right spark plugs for the brand of car
The following requirements must be taken into account for the correct selection of spark plugs according to the car brand and engine model:
- spark plugs should fit;
- the droplet number must correspond to the specific type of engine;
- the product must be original and of the highest quality;
At the outset, you should study the labeling of the spark plugs recommended by the engine manufacturer for a specific engine. This marking contains important information about the size of the spark plug, thermal cone device, etc.. At this stage, it is strongly recommended to follow the instructions for the vehicle and the officially submitted technical documentation. The documents must indicate the recommended spark plugs and suitable replacement analogues. The technical manual for the car may even indicate a separate brand of recommended spark plugs.
Another available way is to select spark plugs according to the sample. The owner will be quite careful to unscrew the spark plug that has already worked in the engine, then examine the markings. Next, the index in any car shop is selected from a list of interchangeable counterparts. pay attention, this method can be considered true only in the case 100% confidence in that, that in the engine at first there are recommended spark plugs. If there is no such confidence, and there is no manual for the car, then read on.
Independent selection of spark plugs
At the initial stage of self-selection, close attention should be paid to the geometric dimensions of the candles. If the candle is too small in size, then screw in such a spark plug will not work or the electrodes of the spark plug will not reach the combustion chamber. If the candle is more than recommended, then there is a risk of the electrodes hitting the piston, resulting in a serious engine malfunction. Remember, only after selection of the spark plug on the size it is possible to pass to a choice of a glow number.
As already mentioned, the droplet number determines the thermal modes of operation of the spark plug. A higher value of the glow number indicates that, that the candle is "cold". Such spark plugs can operate in high temperatures and are suitable for boosted and sports engines. Installing "hot" spark plugs on these motors will mean, that the device overheats quickly, there will be an effect of incandescent ignition, etc.. You should also not put "cold" candles with a low glow number on conventional engines, design features which do not involve the use of such spark plugs. In this case, the candles are not cleaned, the motor can run intermittently, etc..
Only having convinced of conformity of spark plugs to the recommended sizes and glow number it is possible to pass to a choice taking into account features of a design of a spark plug. There are various manufacturers of spark plugs on the market, among the most famous noted firms: Beru, Bosch, Champion, Denso, NGK.
For simplicity, the general variety of spark plugs today can be divided into three main types:
- usual classics with one electrode;
- spark plugs with multiple electrodes;
- Iridium and platinum spark plugs;
Simple spark plugs have a ceramic body, in which the central electrode is located. In the lower part there is a metal thread and a side electrode. Candles of this type are the most affordable, but have a short service life (to 15 thousand. Km.) And the least qualitative ignition of the mixture in the combustion chamber. At the same time blown from different manufacturers may have certain design differences in the form of copper electrodes, as well as various shapes of the side electrode for improved sparking.
Multi-electrode candles differ from conventional themes, that around the central electrode are made to 4 side electrodes. The main advantage is the extended service life and stable formation of a spark. If one electrode fails or becomes dirty, the spark begins to form on the other electrode. Also spark plugs of this type have an additional advantage in comparison with a single-electrode design. In conventional spark plugs, the side electrode slightly overlaps the torch formed during the ignition of fuel in the cylinder., while spark plugs with multiple electrodes ignite the torch strictly in the center of the spark. This means, that the fuel charge in the second case is better ignited and burns more fully. The result is an increase in engine power, reduced exhaust toxicity and fuel consumption. Multi-electrode spark plugs do not differ much in price from conventional counterparts, have a longer service life and allow the motor to run more stably.
Iridium and platinum spark plugs with thin electrodes (tips) are the latest developments, who came to the masses from motorsport. It was noticed on sports cars, that thin central and side electrodes allow to increase engine power. This is due to the increased spark, which is formed at the pointed ends of the electrodes. The disadvantage of thin electrodes is their accelerated wear in high temperatures.
For this reason, the task of the developers was to make spark plugs with thin electrodes, which could have increased resistance to wear. As a result, the electrodes were made of rare earth elements, which are platinum and iridium. Iridium and platinum spark plugs combine durability, high ability to self-cleaning and the highest quality sparking. Various manufacturers offer candles with multiple side electrodes, bury the central electrode deep into the housing, combine platinum and iridium, reduce the thickness of the electrodes, etc.. According to the manufacturer, iridium or platinum candles can serve from 40 to 50 thousand. Km, increase engine power and save up to 5% fuel. There are also positions, which are designed for service life up to 100 thousand. Km. The main disadvantage is the relatively high cost of such spark plugs, which often has a minimum threshold of 50 у.о.. for the simplest set.
Tips and tricks
It should be considered separately, that the manual for the car contains a list of spark plugs, which the manufacturer recommended at the time of production of the vehicle. Over time, the situation may change and the list of suitable parameters for candles is often expanded. To simplify the selection, there are special tables of interchangeable spark plugs, which must be available from sellers or presented on the websites of online stores.
Must be added, that special services are additionally implemented on the Internet, which allow you to quickly select spark plugs by brand and model of car online. For selection it is necessary to specify the car model, VIN code and engine capacity. Most often, the services will offer several appropriate options for the specified vehicle model.
With the seeming simplicity of the selection of spark plugs by car brand, make sure before buying, that on the package with new elements the list of models is separately specified, on which the use of these candles is allowed. We also advise you to pay attention to the reputation of the seller (especially when buying in online stores). The point is, that is on the market today ??a large number of low-grade fakes.
Carefully inspect the set of purchased spark plugs, and pay attention to the packaging. The spark plugs themselves must not have chips on the insulator, electrode damage and other defects. If you buy a new set in car shops or outlets, check the possibility of checking the performance of spark plugs on a special test bench. Such equipment must be available from a reputable dealer.
Finally, let's add, that the selection of spark plugs for cars with HBO requires a separate approach. At a choice it is necessary to consult with experts-installers of the gas equipment on the car, and ask the candle seller to pay close attention to this issue.