Spark plugs FAQ
Last Updated on July 22, 2024 by Mutiara
Q: Are Platinum or Iridium spark plugs the best?
A: No. Platinum and Iridium are some of the worst metal conductors. The main reason for using Iridium is for applications that use Nitrous and turbocharging and develop extreme heat. The reason why Platinum spark plugs are used is for longevity only. They can last up to 100,000 miles. If you are looking for longevity, use them. If you are looking for performance, choose copper or silver.
Q: Is copper a good conductor?
A: Yes, but not the best. Silver is the best. Also, the electrodes of spark plugs with so called “copper electrodes” are not solid copper, they are copper core. This means, an electrode made out of a poor conducting material, usually nickel-alloy, with a copper core. This only benefits heat dissipation, not performance.
Q: Is a split electrode or a fine wire electrode better?
A: It depends on the application. Since the ionization voltage of spark plugs with split electrodes or fine wire electrodes is lower, they are perfect for older vehicles with weak ignition systems. But since spark voltage is lower, they are not desired for performance applications. In addition, electrical energy travels on the outside of a conductor and not through the middle as commonly assumed, and since a large diameter center electrode offers a larger surface area, spark carrying ability is increased when the center electrode has a large diameter. To put it simply, you can’t fit a big spark through a tiny electrode.
Q: Why do car manufacturers recommend resistor spark plugs?
A: One reason is actually emissions. Since the resistor is an obstacle it forces the spark voltage to be higher, assuring combustion in a lean mixture. Also resistor plugs are MUCH cheaper to produce. You will never find resistor plugs in serious race cars, yet these cars use some of the most sophisticated engine management and data acquisition systems. But these cars have no EMI problems. Why? The spark happens inside the combustion chamber where he is completely shielded by the metal cylinder head. No EMI can escape the combustion chamber.
Q: So non-resistor spark plugs are better for performance?
A: Yes. If you are looking for performance you want to use non-resistor spark plugs. A resistor is exactly what the word implies. When the spark crosses the point of resistance some of the spark energy is lost. A resistor is like an electronic obstacle and could be the cause for a weak spark. Non-resistor spark plugs deliver a more powerful spark.
Q: Why is heat range so important?
A: If a spark plug doesn’t have the correct heat range for the engine, engine failure can occur. A spark plug that is too cold won’t reach optimum operating temperature and could experience carbon build-up or oil-fouling. A spark plug that is too hot can overheat and melt the electrode.
Q: Won’t a “hotter” spark plug make a hotter spark?
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A: No. A hotter, or colder spark plug refers only to the ability of the spark plug to dissipate heat. A colder spark plug dissipates heat faster than a hotter spark plug.
