Powersports Spark Plugs

To make the combustion process happen, the fuel/air mixture inside your engine must be ignited in a specific moment of time. This is done with the help of spark plugs that sit at the top of the cylinder head. High current generated by the ignition coil is guided through the right spark plug at the right moment of time, creating a spark that jumps a small gap from the tip to the electrode and ignites the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. The quantity of spark plugs usually corresponds to the quantity of cylinders in your engine.

Spark plugs perform two essential functions in your engine. First of all, they are used to provide sparks to burn the fuel-air mixture, allowing the combustion process to take place. The second function of spark plugs is to remove heat from the combustion chamber and transfer it to the cooling system. This function is often underestimated, however, it is very important for the right ignition timing and safe operation of your engine. The heat range of a spark plug determines its ability to dissipate heat and should be taken into consideration when choosing the spark plugs for your vehicle.

All spark plugs have the same basic construction and principle of operation. It consists of two electrodes, a central electrode that is connected to an ignition wire that transfers high current to the spark plug, while the second electrode is grounded to the cylinder. Both electrodes are made with nickel alloys or some other precious metals like iridium or platinum. The central electrode is encased in porcelain and acts as an insulator. The ends of the electrodes that go inside the engine make a small gap between them, where the sparks are generated when high current jumps the gap.

There are two major types of spark plugs, including cold and hot ones. Hot spark plugs have a longer insulator tip, which allows for keeping their temperature high enough to destroy carbon deposits that collect on the electrodes and prevent spark creation. Such spark plugs have the longest service intervals and are usually found in many powersports vehicles. Unlike hot spark plugs, their cold counterparts have a rather short insulator tip, which allows for removing heat from the combustion chamber faster. Cold spark plugs are used in most high-performance and high-compression engines, preventing pre-ignition, knocking and other unwanted engine symptoms.

Modern-day spark plugs have a long lifespan. The majority of them can last up to 20,000 miles, whereas, high-performance iridium and platinum plugs can run 60,000 miles and even longer. However, extreme operating conditions, incorrect ignition timing, and some other factors may shorten the life of the spark plugs. Worn-out spark plugs may cause your engine to run roughly, as well as reduce its performance and increase fuel consumption. That’s why, if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to check your spark plugs. The malfunctioning spark plugs must be replaced as soon as possible to prevent engine damage.