All about NGK spark plugs: types, which lead to overheating of the gasoline or diesel engine, decoding of markings, service life
Spark plugs NGK is a well-known product of the Japanese company of the same name, which was founded in the distant 1919 year. The specified manufacturer specializes in production of the whole list of high-quality accessories and other elements for various types of internal combustion engines..
As for the candles, mass production of products with different sizes and other characteristics has been established, thanks to which it is possible to choose a suitable option for almost any car and other types of vehicles. You can use the original printed or electronic catalog of NGK for selection, Candles online at the same time to choose is not much work. The main thing, it is necessary to have a stock of certain knowledge.
You can also use online services, which implement a more simplified automatic selection of spark plugs by car brand (NGK candles and products of other manufacturers in this case are usually selected by the manufacturer of the vehicle, car model and VIN code).
Note, that in some cases selection of candles only on model of a car can appear not absolutely exact. For this reason, it is highly desirable to know before buying a candle NGK article, and what the marking of NGK candles means. In this article we will consider, what types of NGK candles are and what is the interpretation of the labeling of NGK candles. We'll also talk about that, what is the average service life of NGK spark plugs and let's touch on that, how the forgery of NGK candles is determined.
Characteristics of spark plugs NGK: differences in type
Let's start with that, that each candle maker offers the consumer unique features, which can be achieved in the production process. NGK is no exception. Although the device of products of this kind has long been a well-thought-out and actually complete solution (does not imply fundamental differences), manufacturers regularly improve various characteristics.
Such improvements are made possible by making minor improvements to the overall design, and is the result of the use of new materials. In combination with the high-tech manufacturing process and subsequent test checks, the percentage of defects in each individual batch is significantly reduced., the resource of NGK spark plugs from each series increases.
As for the types of candles themselves, the company offers 7 types of products. Each type has different unique characteristics and features. Example, NGK spark plugs from the V-Line are a popular and affordable solution. Such products are able to ensure smooth operation of the internal combustion engine, even in conditions of highly depleted working mixture.
Stable formation of a spark allows to achieve timely and high-grade ignition of a fuel charge in the combustion chamber. At the same time the maximum reliability on various operating modes of the engine is reached (ease of launch, riding at low revs, maximum loads, transient mode, etc.).
- Simple single-electrode candles NGK differ in stability during work thanks to a special V-shaped notch on the central electrode. This solution allows you to distribute the potential closer to the periphery.
In this area, usually, the highest concentration of fuel vapors is noted. As a result, a powerful spark allows you to achieve efficient and full ignition of the charge throughout the life of the candle (close 30 thousand. km.)
- Also among the different types of NGK candles are options with multiple electrodes. Multi-electrode spark plugs are a more modern solution, differ in the increased reliability. Several side electrodes provide stable sparking even in this case, when one of them failed.
At the same time, the ignition quality of the depleted mixture improves, the candle works stably in different modes. According to the number of side electrodes on the spark plug, they can be from 2 to 4. The elements are located around the central electrode at equal distances from each other.
We also recommend reading the article about it, which candles are better, NGK or DENSO. In this article you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of these brands.
The advantages of this type of product include less susceptibility to pollution, as well as a significant increase in service life (close 50 thousand. km). More, high quality has become a reason for some developments. Example, three-electrode spark plugs NJK were developed specifically for the motors of the German auto giant VAG.
- Candles with a central cone-shaped electrode and special solders also deserve special attention in the general catalog., which are made on the inner surface of the side electrode. These solders are alloys, based on rare earth metals (platinum, iridium).
Such metals can significantly increase the life of candles (on the average to 3 times in comparison with usual one-electrode, as well as on 30-40% in comparison with multielectrode). Due to the long service life (close 80-100 thousand. km) and reliability iridium spark plugs NGK are enviable popularity among motorists.
Designation of NGK candles: marking
As mentioned above, Deciphering NGK candles helps to avoid mistakes and inaccuracies in the selection process. It is well known, that the manufacturer sells products in branded packaging. As for labeling, on the body of each candle you can find special codes.
Such markings on NGK candles greatly simplify the whole selection process. Knowledge of labeling allows you to accurately determine, which option from the range of NGK products will be the most suitable for the main parameters. Label codes are displayed in the NGK catalog, then the selection is performed using printed tables, online services, etc.. P. so, the issue of marking spark plugs is best considered on ready-made examples.
As can be seen from the examples, the most important parameters can be considered the type of spark plug and physical size, features of a carving / a candle key, hardening number indicator (so-called "hot" and "cold" candles) and the size of the gap between the electrodes. Also do not forget about it, that additional characters may be added to the base marking, indicating the individual characteristics of a particular type of candle.
Let's add, that for selection of spark plugs of NGK online on the car it is optimal to use the official site of NGK. The site contains links to original catalogs, covering the full range of the company's products.
From this variety you need to choose a gasoline engine or an engine, which runs on gas. Then you need to enter the make and model of the car, then the table will be displayed, which indicates all the modifications and technical characteristics of the internal combustion engine. On the basis of the table the further exact selection of candles is carried out.
NGK candles: how to distinguish fake
As you know, the wide popularity and reputation of a quality brand often makes such a manufacturer the object of unfair competition, and also leads to the production of a large number of low-grade counterfeits. As for spark plugs, the percentage of non-original counterfeit products in this segment is very high, especially in the CIS markets.
Until a few years ago, such counterfeits were much easier to detect. The non-original product was clearly indicated:
- low quality packaging;
- no protective holographic stickers;
- blurred / crooked fonts on the packaging and labeling of the candle;
- suspiciously low price and a number of other signs;
The candles themselves were also handmade, cracks were visible at the edges of the electrodes, slices and borders could be curved, the markings on the candles differed in the quality and type of font, dangling sealing washers, etc.. P.
- In the case of NGK, counterfeiting was quickly identified in that direction, which had an electrode. In the original, the electrode is located strictly perpendicular to the contact, and also has a smooth and uniform thickness of the rod in relation to the entire length. The fake NGK candles immediately attracted attention, that the thickness of the electrode rod had differences, stood out for the curvature of its direction of contact.
- As for printing, the original NGKs have quality clear inscriptions and drawings at the top of the package. The fake has inscriptions at the bottom, the contours of the drawings of different colors have offsets relative to each other. Also, the box itself can be assembled crookedly, which leads to the displacement of inscriptions and drawings from the center of the faces.
- The central electrode on counterfeit products does not have a cylindrical shape, may stand crooked, it shows small defects. As for the side electrode, in the original it is set exactly, while the counterfeit stands with a deviation from the center, beveled edge.
We also recommend reading the article about it, how to choose spark plugs for the car. In this article you will learn about the features of the selection of spark plugs.
- There are also differences in the insulator. In the original, the insulator is smooth and glossy, while in counterfeits it is rough. Another forgery may have on the insulator characteristic protrusions along the length of the insulator. Such protrusions appear on the insulator as a result of inaccuracies in its formation. The inscription on the insulator also differs from the original. If the original NGK it is smooth and clear, fake candles have offset, faded or uneven font.
- Also on a non-original copy, usually, missing candle batch code on the hexagon border. Also, the thread in the original has a perfectly flat surface, turns are all clear, without defects. Forgery is characterized by chips and defects on the threaded faces.
- The sealing ring of the candle also deserves attention, which is not removed from this product, at the same time from a forgery such ring is easily twisted.
pay attention, if you look at NGK candles today, the counterfeit and the original can be very similar in appearance. The current situation is as follows, what, usually, consumers (even with some experience) at detailed studying and careful inspection hardly distinguish an original product from a copy or do not see differences at all.
The reason is, that markedly improved the quality of printing and the manufacture of counterfeit products. Moreover, on such spark plugs the engine can run quietly without obvious errors and problems not one thousand or even tens of thousands of kilometers.
However, this does not mean, that the forgery came very close in quality and efficiency to the original. Research and tests, conducted in the laboratory with the help of special equipment, clearly demonstrate the perniciousness of the use of such spark plugs for the internal combustion engine and the driver's wallet.
Given the above, it is strongly recommended to buy spark plugs NGK and other well-known brands (DENSO, BOSH and t. d.) only at authorized points of sale. It is also advisable to follow updates and changes, which, for obvious reasons, are specially and periodically implemented by the manufacturers themselves to protect their products.
Usually, such innovations are mentioned separately in official sources. Manufacturers and official dealers draw the attention of consumers to the emergence of additional protection (example, change the packaging design, distinctive features on the product itself, etc.. d.). A check of the batch number on the package through the official website may also be available for inspection.
Let's summarize
As practical operation shows, original and correctly selected for a particular engine spark plugs NGK are highly reliable, stability of work and are able under certain conditions to get the entire stated service life.
It is also important to follow certain rules when installing spark plugs on the engine. First, the candles are screwed by hand, avoiding distortions. After that the candle key is used, and during twisting it is necessary to observe the moment of tightening of spark plugs NGK taking into account features of this or that engine.
Still need to understand, that the total resource of spark plugs strongly affects the quality of fuel, general condition of the power unit, features of operation of internal combustion engines. If the motor is faulty, in the combustion chamber or in the spark plug wells gets engine oil is oiling the spark plugs.
In terms, when the engine overheats, low compression in the cylinders, there are problems with the power system, ignition, etc.. P., even the most expensive and reliable spark plugs can work intermittently and fail much faster than the stated time.
