Bosch spark plugs: marking decoding, service life
Content
Authentication of "Bosch Double Platinum" can be done at home or in a store by placing the device in a pressure chamber. With increased atmospheric pressure, conditions similar to being inside a car are created. Sparks should form when the voltage increases to at least 20 kV.
Bosch spark plugs have long been one of the most popular in the automotive market. Their only drawback is not the most budget price, which is fully justified by the quality of the products.
Bosch spark plugs: device
Spark plugs play an important role in the operation of the car: they ignite the combustible mixture that ensures the smooth operation of the engine. Candles consist of a central conductor, as well as a body made of metal with a welded electrode and an insulator. When the piston is compressed and goes to the top point, an igniting spark is released between the center and the side electrode. The process takes place under a voltage of more than 20000 V, which is provided by the ignition system: it receives 12000 V from the car battery, and then increases them to 25000-35000 V so that the candle functions normally. A special position sensor captures the time when the voltage increases to the required level.
Bosch spark plugs
The most common are three types of spark plugs, which differ in composition and device:
- With two electrodes;
- With three or more electrodes;
- Made from precious metals.
Deciphering the marking of Bosch brand spark plugs
The first letter in the number indicates the diameter, thread and type of sealing washer, which can be either flat or cone shaped:
- D-18*1,5;
- F — 14*1,5;
- H - 14 * 1,25;
- M - 18 * 1,5;
- W - 14 * 1,25.
The second letter speaks about the characteristics of candles:
- L - with a semi-surface slot for the formation of a spark;
- M - for sports cars;
- R - with a resistor capable of suppressing interference;
- S - for vehicles with low power engines.
The following symbols indicate the number of ground electrodes:
- "-" - one;
- D - two;
- T - three;
- Q is four.
The letter indicates the type of metal from which the electrode is made:
- C - copper;
- P - platinum;
- S - silver;
- E - nickel-yttrium.
- I - iridium.
Before purchasing spark plugs, you can check their labeling, but this data is usually not required: the packaging indicates information about the machines for which they are suitable.
Selection of Bosch spark plugs by vehicle
As a rule, components are selected according to the types of cars indicated on the box. However, searching for candles in an auto shop can be time-consuming, as they are usually presented in a large number in the window. You can select the Bosch Double Platinum candle for your car according to the tables on the Internet, and then come to the store knowing the specific name.
Checking Bosch spark plugs for authenticity
There are many fakes of well-known companies in the automotive market that try to pass off their products as originals. It is better to buy any equipment for the car in large stores that have product certificates.
Authentication of "Bosch Double Platinum" can be done at home or in a store by placing the device in a pressure chamber. With increased atmospheric pressure, conditions similar to being inside a car are created. Sparks should form when the voltage increases to at least 20 kV.
Also in the pressure chamber, you can check the tightness of the candle. To do this, gas leakage is measured for at least 25-40 seconds, it should not be more than 5 cm3.
Overview of Bosch spark plugs
Bosch Spark Plugs: Interchangeability
Even if it seems to the motorist that replacing the spark plugs will improve engine performance, equipment that is not listed in the vehicle manual should not be installed. In extreme cases, for example, if the purchase of the necessary candles is not possible, the main conditions should be considered:
- The twisting structure should be of similar dimensions. This includes all its parameters - the length of the threaded part, its pitch and diameter, the dimensions of the hexagon. As a rule, they are closely related to the engine model. For example, if the hexagon differs only by a few millimeters, it will be impossible to install it. Smaller equipment will probably work, but it will reduce the life of the entire system. It may require repair or a complete replacement of the engine.
- An equally important parameter is the distance between the electrodes, which is usually indicated in the car's operating manual, or in the marking. It should not be more than 2 mm and less than 0,5 mm, however, there are candles where it can be adjusted.
It is worthwhile to study the reviews of the product on the Internet in advance. As a rule, motorists are willing to talk about their experience, which can save newcomers from buying fake goods.
Bosch Double Platinum spark plug: service life
Spark plugs, provided that the rest of the vehicle system is working, should function for 30000 km for classic, and 20000 km for electronic ignition systems. However, in practice, the service life of the equipment is much longer. By maintaining the engine in good condition and buying fuel of normal quality, the candles can work smoothly for 50000 km or more. In Russia, ferrocene additives are widely used, which increase the octane number of "scorched" gasoline. They contain metals that accumulate on the plugs and break the insulation, causing them to fail faster. To increase their service life, it is important to refuel the car at licensed gas stations, choosing fuel from the medium and high price segments.
