How often to change spark plugs? Extended service life
Any driver is interested in the question: how long can a standard spark plug last on average? There is no definite answer, since the service life depends on many factors. In addition, the candle can remain working, but the gap between the electrodes increases. Accordingly, the spark will be too weak and will not be able to ignite the fuel-air mixture. As a result, the motor will "troit", that is, there will be problems in the operation of one or more cylinders. This is a clear sign that something needs to change.
On our Vodi.su portal, we once wrote articles about the marking of candles and about their correct choice. In today's material, we will deal with the question of their service life.
Life time
Recall that at the moment there is a large selection of candles. First of all, they differ in the material of manufacture:
- heat-resistant metal (copper, chromium, nickel);
- iridium;
- platinum;
- bimetallic - the main and working parts are made of different metals or alloys.
They are also distinguished by the number of electrodes and the method of ignition of the mixture: two- or multi-electrode. There are also torch and plasma-prechamber candles, in which ignition occurs due to the appearance of a spark from a cone resonator. They are considered the best and most innovative, although there are motorists who will say that this is not at all true.
Thus, the service life depends on the material of manufacture and the method of sparking. Platinum and iridium multi-electrode candles, according to manufacturers, do not need to be replaced over 100 thousand km. run. In any service station, they will tell you that even such advanced candles need to be changed after 20 thousand. If you have the cheapest candles from the Ufa plant, then they travel no more than 10 thousand km.
"Symptoms" of worn spark plugs
The best way to diagnose is a visual inspection. The presence of soot on the skirt and insulator indicates problems. Which ones? On our website Vodi.su there is an article on soot, which can have different shades: brown, red, black. But in order to unscrew the candles from the cylinder block of a modern car, you have to spend time tinkering with a candle wrench. And it’s not a fact that you then tighten the candles correctly. Therefore, motorists pay attention to the signs given by the engine:
- failures in work, the car twitches at low speeds, stalls in neutral gear - the spark jumps unevenly in individual pistons;
- increased fuel consumption - due to a weak spark, the mixture does not completely burn out;
- drop in power and compression.
Of course, a modern car is a complex system and these signs can also indicate other breakdowns and malfunctions, such as problems with the injection pump, the ignition system, or a clogged air filter.
If you decide to unscrew the candles and carefully examine them, then the following facts indicate the need for replacement:
- increased gap - depending on the type, it should be no more than a few millimeters (recall that the gap is indicated in the marking);
- the presence of soot;
- the presence of cracks in the ceramic insulator;
- the formation of a "skirt" of brown color.
Pay attention to this point: if the soot is the same on all candles, this may indicate an incorrectly set ignition. If its color is different or there is carbon deposits on only one of the candles, then it needs to be replaced. Although, if the mileage is high, then you can change the entire kit.
Why do spark plugs fail prematurely?
The main reason for rapid wear is the various additives in the fuel. First of all, it is sulfur, due to which the side electrodes are covered with a brown coating after a few thousand kilometers. If the sulfur content in the fuel (both gasoline and diesel) is above 0,1 percent, then the life of the plugs is halved. Due to slag deposits on the electrodes, the sparking process worsens and the gap increases.
Often, gasoline contains anti-knock additives, which increase the octane number. But at the same time, their too high content leads to the formation of lead deposits on the inner walls of the cylinder, valves and spark plugs.
Drivers also face such phenomena as a breakdown of a candle to ground, breakdowns inside an insulator. This is, again, due to the formation of carbon deposits containing metal particles. The topic is quite complex, it is described in detail in the technical literature. Due to such breakdowns, a discharge does not occur, respectively, the fuel-air mixture does not ignite in one of the cylinders.
If the candles "fly" too often, this is an occasion to go for a full engine diagnostics. Engine wear affects the operation of all its systems, including ignition. Experts can list a lot of reasons: problems with the ignition coil, distributor, valve stem seals. Moreover, in each case, the reasons may be very different.
Choosing the right candles
In principle, the easiest way to choose them correctly is the selection by marking. You can install better quality candles, such as iridium or platinum, torch or laser. Consider also the glow number, gap and overall dimensions.
The spark plug will be able to work out the entire period declared by the manufacturer only in ideal conditions. We don't have those. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that you will have to change them earlier.
Loading…
