Spark plugs: types, sizes, differences

Today, a large number of types of spark plugs are produced. The products of each manufacturer have their own characteristics. We already wrote about many of them on our website Vodi.su when we considered their labeling.

The main parameters by which the types of candles are distinguished:

• number of electrodes - single or multi-electrode;
• the material from which the central electrode is made is yttrium, tungsten, platinum, iridium, palladium;
• glow number - "cold" or "hot candles.

There are also differences in shape, in the size of the gap between the side and central electrode, in small design features.

Standard candle

This is the most common and most accessible type. The resource of her work is not too great, the electrode is made of heat-resistant metal, so over time, traces of erosion appear on it. Fortunately, the prices are very low, so replacing them will not cost too much.

In principle, all candles of domestic production, for example, the Ufa plant, can be attributed to the standard ones - A11, A17DV, which goes for a "penny". It is advisable to check their quality without leaving the cash register, because the percentage of defects can be quite high. Nevertheless, if you choose good and high-quality products, they will work out their resource without problems.

Do not forget also that the service life is very much affected by the condition of the engine. They can form deposits of different colors, which indicates improper engine operation, for example, the formation of a lean or rich air-fuel mixture.

Multi-electrode candles

In such candles there are several side electrodes - from two to four, due to which the service life is significantly increased.

Engineers came up with the idea of ​​using multiple ground electrodes, because one electrode gets very hot during operation, which significantly reduces its service life. If several electrodes are involved, then they work as if in turn, respectively, there is no overheating.

It is also interesting that the engineers of the Swedish automotive company SAAB suggested using a pointed and elongated part on the piston itself instead of the side electrode. That is, a candle is obtained without a side electrode at all.

The advantages of such a solution are many:

• a spark will appear at the right time when the piston approaches top dead center;
• fuel will burn almost without residue;
• lean mixtures can be used;
• significant savings and minimization of harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

While these are still plans for the future, multi-electrode spark plugs are used on racing cars, which indicates their quality. True, and the price is higher. Nevertheless, single-electrode ones are gradually being improved, so it’s difficult to say unequivocally which ones are better.

Iridium and platinum spark plugs

They first appeared in 1997, they were released by DENSO.

Distinctive features:

• the central electrode made of iridium or platinum has a thickness of only 0,4-0,7 mm;
• the side electrode is pointed and profiled in a special way.

Their main advantage is a long service life, which can reach 200 thousand kilometers or 5-6 years of car operation.

True, in order for them to fully work out their resource, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer's instructions:

• use fuel with an octane rating not lower than that specified in the manual;
• make the installation strictly according to the rules - tighten the candle until a certain point, if you make a mistake, then the whole result will be completely leveled.

To make it easier to screw such candles into the cylinder head, manufacturers put special stops that prevent them from being tightened more than necessary.

The only negative point is the high cost. It is also worth noting that iridium has a longer service life than platinum, and therefore its price is higher.

As a rule, Japanese automakers recommend using this particular type of candle for their cars. This primarily applies to the Toyota Camry and Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Candles with a central electrode made of other materials also last much longer than standard ones, but they are not widely available on the market.

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