|
Q: How does a spark plug work?
A: A spark plug directs electrical
energy into a spark
between its electrodes, which ignites the air-fuel mixture and
dissipates heat inside the combustion chamber of an internal
combustion engine. When this happens, the piston gets pushed
down, the crankshaft turns, and the engine runs. The spark is
created by channeling high voltage electricity through the
electrode of the spark plug.
Q: Why do spark plugs need to be
changed?
A: Excessive wear to the spark plugs
may cause misfires and could cause the spark plug to stop
working altogether. As the spark plugs wear, misfires can
occur and cause more fuel to be used. Replacing your plugs
promotes fuel efficiency and protects your engine from
potential damage.
Q: How often do spark plugs need to
be changed?
A: We suggest that you follow the
recommendations in your vehicle’s owner manual.
Q: How do I remove my spark plugs?
A: Please follow the instructions
listed in your vehicle service manual, or consult a reputable
mechanic. Professional liabilities prevent us from providing
instructions on how to remove and install your spark plugs
because we are a spark plug manufacturer and not an automobile
service facility.
Q: How important is torque to plug
installation?
A: If a plug is not fully seated on the
cylinder head, it will not transfer heat effectively and may
leak combustion gases. Poor heat transfer can raise cylinder
temperatures dramatically, causing detonation and plug or
engine damage. Over-tightened plugs can also cause damage to
the plug and to the engine head threads. Damage to the plug’s
seals or the insulator can slow heat transfer and cause
pre-ignition and detonation. Making sure to use the proper
torque wrench will help to avoid these types of problems.
Always install spark plugs in a cool engine, as hot metal
expands and may limit the ability to tighten. Additionally, it
helps to clean the threads in the head and on the plug.
Q: Will SplitFire Spark Plugs work
with a "high performance" ignition system?
A: Yes. SplitFire Spark Plugs will work
with any type of ignition system.
Q: What is the difference between
the Copper Classic and Platinum Classic Spark Plugs?
A: The Platinum Classic has similar
features to the Copper Classic but the center electrode has a
platinum tip, which improves corrosion and erosion resistance
and provides longer life and smoother performance. Because it
has a platinum technology, this product has an extended
warranty.
Q: What is the heat range?
A: Heat Range has to do with the Spark
Plug’s ability to dissipate heat from the combustion chamber.
Different plugs are required for different engines due to the
different variables (such as operating load, cooling, and
engine speed) that come from different engines. Using the
wrong plug in a vehicle could result in pre-ignition, fouling
or misfiring. Some engines require cooler plugs and others
will require a plug that retains more heat. A spark plug with
a longer “nose” creates a greater distance for the heat to
travel before being absorbed, which makes the plug hotter than
a plug with a shorter nose. The materials and construction of
the center electrode and porcelain insulator will also affect
the temperature of the plug. The engine temperature does not
affect the plug’s heat range. However, the engine temperature
will affect the operating temperature of the spark plug.
The operating temperature of the tip of the spark plug is very
important. If the temperature is too low, fouling can occur.
If the temperature is too high, the ceramic insulator may
blister and the electrodes may melt. This in turn, is likely
to cause engine damage from pre-ignition and detonation. The
proper temperature is hot enough to burn off accumulated
deposits, without being so hot to cause damage.
The operating temperature of the tip of the spark plug is
determined by many engine variables. These include the
air/fuel mixture, ignition timing, compression ratio/forced
induction, engine speed and load, as well as the weather.
Q: I have made modifications to my
engine. What heat range plug should I use? How about a shorter
or longer reach spark plug?
A: There are so many different engine
modification possibilities that we are not able to tell you
which specific spark plug to use. Follow the plug
specifications recommended by your engine builder or consult
the component(s) supplier/manufacturer(s) for their
recommendations.
Q: What is pre-ignition?
A: Pre-ignition occurs when the
fuel/air mixture ignites prior to the set ignition
timing-mark. Hot spots in the combustion chamber may cause
this to happen. Hot spots occur due to high compression, low
octane fuel, a spark plug that is too hot, lean air/fuel
mixture, carbon in the combustion chamber, or insufficient
engine cooling. When pre-ignition occurs, the electrodes of
the spark plug can melt, and the valves and pistons may get
burned through. Pre-ignition usually leads to detonation.
Q: What is detonation?
A: Detonation is an uncontrolled
explosion after the spark event occurs. When the
detonation flame strikes the top of the piston, stopping it
from moving up or down, it remains in place and creates a
rattling sound in the cylinder. This is what people refer to
as a “ping” or “knocking”. Detonation can burn the end of the
spark plug and ultimately cause engine damage. Typical causes
of detonation are pre-ignition, too low octane fuel or advance
timing. If
“knocking” occurs, it is important to take care of it before
serious engine damage results.
Q: What does it mean if your plug
misfires?
A: If the plug is unable to ignite the
cylinder charge during the moment of the power stroke, a
misfire has occurred. This can happen because of a fouled
plug, too much gap for the compression ratio, incorrect
ignition timing, a defective coil, leaking plug wires, or weak
ignition module. Misfiring results in less fuel efficiency,
poor drivability and may cause engine damage.
Q: What does it mean when someone
says a spark plug has "fouled"?
A: This means that fuel, oil, or
combustion deposits have accumulated on the tip of the plug,
creating a situation in which the spark plug no longer creates
a spark, and instead allows the electrical current to ground
in the engine.
Q: Are SplitFire Spark Plugs
pre-gapped?
A: No. One SplitFire Spark Plug can fit
various engines with each requiring different gap settings.
Always use factory recommended gaps unless the engine has been
modified. To gap SplitFire Spark Plugs, use a flat or round
wire gauge. If adjustment is needed, use a gapping tool to
bend the ground electrode; never pry against the center
insulator to open the gap.
Q: Do I need to change my timing
when I put SplitFire Spark plugs in my engine?
A: No. Use the factory specifications.
If you have made modifications to your engine, you should
consult the component manufacturer's specifications.
Q: Is there any truth to the claim
that any brand of replacement spark plug may not be used in a
vehicle during the warranty period?
A: No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act and general principles of the Federal Trade Commission
Act, a manufacturer may not require the use of any brand of
spark plug unless the manufacturer provides the item free of
charge under the terms of the warranty. If you are told that
you must use original equipment spark plugs in order to remain
under warranty, you should request the spark plug to be
provided free of charge. Otherwise, they are in violation of
the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
Q: I have a SplitFire, split-V
product. Do you have more information about this product?
A: The SplitFire split-V product has been discontinued.
However, we do have some information to help with troubleshooting.
Please click here.
|
