When the time comes to replace an engine’s spark plugs, it’s important to understand how they work so that the best spark plugs can be selected and improve the vehicle’s performance. Spark plugs are found in virtually all internal-combustion engines.
Spark plugs vary greatly in price and quality. Some are designed to improve performance while others are designed for a long life. Some will provide easier starting, especially important on hand crank lawn equipment, while others can prevent rapid fouling. Prices can range from $2 to well over $100 each. The good spark plugs for your application can depend on many different factors.
The metal used to create the center electrode can have a big impact on the performance of the plug. Many times manufacturers will use small amounts of precious metals to improve the life as well as the firing ability of a plug. These metals are often expensive, so cheaper designs may only use enough to make the claim of the particular type of electrode. Some metals are selected for long life, while others are selected for a superior ability to conduct electricity.
Platinumis one of the most common metals used in high performance or long life plugs. Platinum has a high melting point that can prevent wear of the electrodes. Platinum can also be used on fine wire tips. The amount of platinum used in the plug can greatly influence its price. The best spark plugs will have more platinum than is found in a $2 platinum plug.
Iridium, another precious metal offers six times the hardness and eight times the strength of platinum. It melts at a temperature that is 1200 degrees higher than platinum and is a better conductor of electricity. Use of iridium allows the manufacturer to create a very fine-wire center electrode. Use of iridium helps to create smaller center electrodes in an ultra-long life plug. The problem with pure iridium is that it oxidizes at high temperatures and it is expensive. Most manufacturers choose to create alloys with other precious metals, including Yttria, Platinum or Rhodium. These alloys can combine the strengths of all the metals included. Once again, the cost can be an indicator of the amount of iridium included in the electrode. Lower cost iridium plugs are not likely to last as long or perform as well as plugs having higher iridium content.
Yttrium oxide is another rare metal oxide that is often used for television screens and in superconductors. It can be used to create performance plugs that have a very long life. The material is resistant to both wear and further oxidation. It can extend the plug’s durability without making sacrifices in conductivity.
The metal used to construct the electrode is not the only consideration in determining the best product. Other considerations can be the material of which the resistor is constructed and even the type of thread on the body of the plug. In high-performance applications, the resistor can make or break a plug’s appropriateness for the engine. In addition, rolled threads that are formed by the mold rather than cut after the initial manufacture are often preferred as they are less likely to seize in the block.
It has been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In a similar manner, the best spark plugs will often be determined by the plans and desires of the consumer.
Info Source: Car Accessories
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