The controversy surrounding spark plugs has now subsided noticeably. There are several reasons, it seems to us: the range of candles in stores is wider than ever, the quality of fuel in the country has improved somewhat, and the vehicle fleet has become younger and more “foreign-made.” Nevertheless, the editors continue to receive questions. Some are interested in general information - why, for example, are multi-electrode spark plugs still needed? Others are concerned about purely personal problems: look at the photo of the spark plug and diagnose the engine... Below are the answers to a dozen similar questions.
What are the advantages of multi-electrode spark plugs? Is it true that they have more sparks than “ordinary” ones?
spark plug
The number of side electrodes can vary greatly from model to model.
There are also candles in which the usual side electrode, hanging over the central one, coexists with a pair of “neighbors” located at the edges. The number of side electrodes can vary greatly from model to model. There are also candles in which the usual side electrode, hanging over the central one, coexists with a pair of “neighbors” located at the edges.
Let’s immediately dispel the persistent myth about “multi-spark” candles: they do not exist in nature. There can be as many side electrodes as you like, but there is always one spark discharge. Sellers often demonstrate the “multi-spark” mode at stands, where they create the impression of a simultaneous discharge in the form of a luminous ring, but this is just an optical illusion, like in the movies.
Manufacturers and prices of analogues
It is not always possible to find a standard set of spark plugs for the VAZ-2170 in the nearest stores. Therefore, you can install four new parts, in accordance with the number of cylinders under the hood. The choice of elements, thanks to other manufacturers, has become more diverse:
- Bosch (manufactured in: Russia) au17dvrm. Price – about 250 rubles per set;
- Denso (Japan) w20epr. Price – 140 rubles per piece;
- Brisk (Czech Republic) lr15yc. Four pieces – 300 rubles;
- NGK (Japan) bcpr6es. One piece – 150 rubles;
- NGK (Japan) bcpr6es price per unit – 200 rubles;
- Bosch (Germany) fr7dcu. One piece – 100 rubles;
- Lecar Kit – 230-250 rubles;
- Valeo 246871. One piece – 170-180 rubles;
- Beru (Germany) 14R-7DU. One piece – 140-150 rubles;
- Champion (England) RN9YC. One piece – 230-250 rubles.
spark plug
The discharge constantly seems to jump from the central electrode to one side electrode, then to the other, but this happens one by one, and not simultaneously.
Of course, there will be no glowing ring during singles. The discharge constantly seems to jump from the central electrode to one side electrode, then to the other, but this happens one by one, and not simultaneously. Of course, there will be no glowing ring during singles.
spark plug
Ten years ago, one of the authors brought a whole bunch of unusual candles from the Czech Tabor - including Premium.
Within a month, my colleagues stole everything - it’s interesting... Especially this very “Premium” - it creates a spark consisting of three short discharges that jump in a new place every time. But the spark plug, of course, did not become multi-spark because of this. Ten years ago, one of the authors brought a whole bunch of unusual candles from the Czech Tabor - including Premium. Within a month, my colleagues stole everything - it’s interesting... Especially this very “Premium” - it creates a spark consisting of three short discharges that jump in a new place every time. But the spark plug, of course, did not become multi-spark because of this.
As for the advantages of multi-electrode spark plugs, they exist. The first is resource: by distributing the load between the side electrodes, the rate of their erosion is reduced. By the way, this is why they are often installed in engines with difficult access to spark plugs. The second is the presence of a so-called “open spark”, in which the flame front does not get stuck in the interelectrode space, but goes into the combustion chamber. The combustion rate increases, which slightly increases the engine power and improves its efficiency. The third advantage is the relatively small number of fakes of such candles.
Flaws? Relatively high price plus the inability to set the desired interelectrode gap...
Why do we need various kinds of “jewels” such as iridium electrodes?
Basic faults
The time has come to explain why it is worth carrying a certain supply of candles with you for the Priora. Don’t even store them in the garage or at home, but put them under the trunk lid so you don’t have to worry about anything when a critical situation occurs. When the “spark” doesn’t go after a hard day at work, you definitely won’t be eager to walk to the nearest auto parts store.
You can determine the malfunction of the Priora spark plugs by the following signs:
- Starting the engine is difficult (that is, the starter rotates, the fuel-air mixture is supplied inside the chamber, but there is still no spark; the engine will start if you turn the starter for a long time).
- Fuel consumption has increased (there may be several reasons for this phenomenon, but if at least one more reason from the list appears, it is worth inspecting the ignition unit).
- The proportion of carbon monoxide coming out of the exhaust system has increased.
- The engine power has decreased (this is especially noticeable during acceleration - there is no usual “traction” and good acceleration).
- The engine is misfiring, which means one of the cylinders is not working - simply because “its” spark plug did not give a spark, the mixture did not ignite.
- Usually the spark plug is changed every 15,000 km (for many this is one year of driving with their favorite car), but they can be “flooded”. This is a more serious problem that will take a little longer to deal with.
spark plug
A service life of 90–100 thousand km is common for such spark plugs.
A service life of 90–100 thousand km is common for such spark plugs.
Because the service life of iridium, platinum and other “thoroughbred” spark plugs is several times higher than that of “mongrel” spark plugs... At the same time, refractory electrode materials make it possible to increase the field strength in the interelectrode space, while simultaneously clearing the way for the flame front. And a more powerful spark discharge, among other things, contributes to good self-cleaning of the spark plug.
Why don't pre-chamber candles take root?
prechamber spark plug
Variations on prechamber themes.
Although, to be pedantic, such a term is completely inapplicable to candles. Variations on prechamber themes. Although, to be pedantic, such a term is completely inapplicable to candles.
What takes root is something that has obvious advantages. In particular, a kind of “micropre-chamber” - recesses in the electrodes of individual branded spark plugs - help stabilize the discharge at the edges of such recesses. Such recesses can be on both the side (Denso) and central (NGK) electrodes. There is a certain technical effect.
As for “full-fledged” pre-chamber spark plugs, they are often used in the engines of Formula 1 sports cars. The fact is that such engines operate at high speeds, at which problems with ventilation simply do not arise. But at minimum idle speed, and even at low loads, the mixture in the cylinders moves much less intensely, and therefore the inner chamber of the spark plug actually suffocates. This is exactly what is observed, as a rule, when trying to stupidly install something pseudo-sports on your engine.
What gap should be in the spark plugs?
Symptoms of wear and tear
When should you change spark plugs? People often turn to official centers for replacement services. But even before visiting there, it is important to find out that the time for replacement has already come. Prerequisites for this may include:
- the appearance of vibrations and jerking while driving,
- unstable engine behavior.
Before your diagnostic visit, you can analyze the product yourself . This can be done if they are easy to remove. How long do spark plugs last?
Signals for replacement may be their appearance and other characteristics.
Gap Study
This procedure takes place first. All candles are specially marked. This marking reflects the type of part and the gap parameter. This is the very last number. It is indicated in millimeters. If the actual gap exceeds the specified value, the device must be urgently replaced.
Presence of soot
Ideally, it is desirable that soot is completely absent. When there are no disturbances in the combustion process, the electrodes clean themselves. When there is black or white carbon deposits on the device, this is a sign of improper ignition. But the quality of the part does not matter here. If there are large differences in the color of the soot and the general appearance, then you should refer to the manufacturer’s documentation, which reflects the frequency of replacing spark plugs. Of course, it must be replaced.
«>
plasma - spark plug
Is it plasma or not plasma?
Is it plasma or not plasma?
We don’t know... The question depends solely on terminology, because any spark discharge can be called cold plasma. Therefore, attempts by individual manufacturers to call their candles plasma are a consequence of illiteracy, as well as a desire to play on the inexperience of consumers. All candles are either plasma or not: the corresponding terminology simply does not exist. But calling only home-made candles plasma, without honoring your colleagues in the shop with the same, is simply incorrect.
Why are candles getting thinner and thinner? Even the key size used to be 21 mm, but now it is 14.
spark plug
Yes, before the candles were clearly thicker.
Yes, before the candles were clearly thicker.
Plugs with M14x1.25 thread and large hexagon were used on engines with two valves per cylinder. In this case, the candle most often approached the combustion chamber from the side and there was plenty of space to place it. On modern engines with four or even five valves, the only place to place a spark plug is in the center of the combustion chamber. The spark plug is screwed into the cylinder head through the spark plug well, which “steals” space from the valves and cooling system jacket. That is why we have to make increasingly thinner candles and wells of small diameter.
The spark plug removed from the engine is covered with a layer of oil. What is the reason?
When to replace?
Spark plug wear is affected not only by mileage, but also by other factors. The quality of the fuel, the oil being poured, the quality of the spark plug itself, and even the way the motorist drives or starts his car - if used incorrectly, wear of the spark plug can occur quite quickly.
- For example, if you do not warm up the car at idle speed sufficiently, then carbon deposits will readily appear on the spark plugs.
- This is especially true when traveling short distances. By warming up the engine at idle speed for ten minutes, you clean the spark plugs.
Low-quality counterfeit fuel instead of fuel contributes to the appearance of deposits on the electrodes, which subsequently cannot fully transmit electric current. This reduces the power of your car.
However, the average mileage at which a regular spark plug is replaced is 20-30 thousand kilometers, but if you have spark plugs with platinum or iridium coating, then this figure reaches 100 thousand kilometers.
But to find out exactly the schedule for replacing spark plugs specifically for your car, you need to look at the owner's manual. There you can read in detail about the recommendations and rules for using candles.
spark plug
Severely worn valve bushings, non-functional oil seals - and this is the result...
Severely worn valve bushings, non-functional oil seals - and this is the result...
Oily spark plugs can be a sign of relatively easy-to-fix problems, such as too high engine oil levels or clogged crankcase ventilation ducts. But it may be caused by much more serious problems, such as worn piston rings, broken valve guides and faulty valve seals.
It was with great difficulty that I managed to unscrew the spark plug, but the new spark plug cannot be screwed in all the way. What to do?
spark plug
Too much oil is burning in the cylinder: here are some of the combustion products...
Too much oil is burning in the cylinder: here are some of the combustion products...
It is obvious that the previous spark plug was not wrapped in the cylinder head. Therefore, part of the thread in the head is covered with soot and does not allow screwing in a new spark plug. In such a situation, it is best to use a file along the threaded part of the old spark plug to make grooves. This will turn the candle into something like a tap. Next, after applying a thin layer of grease to the candle thread, we screw it into the hole, periodically “pulling it back” until we go through the entire thread. We wipe the spark plug hole with a lint-free rag and screw in a new spark plug. It is advisable to use a special high-temperature lubricant or simply rub the thread with graphite.
The spark plug insulator has acquired an incomprehensible reddish color, although there is practically no soot. What is this?
How many cars are on the road at one time?
You wake up early. You're a little nervous. You have a big presentation at school today, but you have to iron out a few last-minute details with your fellow students before class starts.
After getting ready, you leave the house and drive in the car on the way to school. You should have enough time to meet with your classmates to complete the presentation.
Suddenly you are at a dead end. What's the matter? You look around and realize that you are stuck in traffic. Oh no! Not today of all days...why are none of the cars around you moving? You scan the horizon for flashing lights, but all you see are cars in every direction.
Have you ever encountered a traffic jam at the most inopportune moment? Whether you're late for school or missing the first few minutes of a movie, no one likes being stuck in traffic when you have somewhere to be. Although we don't think about it most of the time, we suddenly become aware of how many cars are on the road when we are surrounded!
If you've ever been stuck in bad traffic, you may have wondered exactly how many cars are on the road at any given time. While this is an interesting question for WONDER, it is unfortunately impossible to answer. There are too many cars in the world today!
Back in the early 20,900th century, Henry Ford probably never imagined what his assembly line production system would mean to the world. Although he hoped to make the automobile accessible to the average American, he probably never dreamed that the world would reach the point it has today.
With car ownership rapidly growing in countries like China and India, the global car population has finally crossed the one billion mark in recent years. Can you figure it out? Today there are more than a billion cars in our world.
Of course, there are only a certain percentage of those cars that are on the road at any given time. The rest of the time they are hidden in driveways and garages, waiting for the next time they hit the open road.
When it comes to cars, the United States and China are ahead. Today there are more than 80 million cars in China. That's a lot, but it pales in comparison to the number of cars in the United States. Experts estimate that there are over 250 million cars in the US!
Some experts believe that by 2050 there could be 2.5 billion cars in the world. If this happens, traffic jams will likely be worse than ever! The world has already experienced massive traffic jams.
For example, commuters in Beijing, China, were recently trapped for hours on the 50-lane G4 Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway. Coming at the end of a busy tourist holiday, the traffic jam was caused by a new checkpoint that required the sudden merging of 50 lanes of traffic to 20 lanes!
And this is not even the worst traffic jam Beijing has ever seen! In August 2010, large trucks carrying construction materials on the Beijing-Tibet Expressway caused a 62-mile traffic jam that lasted 12 days! Can you imagine being stuck in traffic for almost two weeks?
,
