Using Platinum or Iridium spark plugs with larger gaps
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Using Platinum or Iridium spark plugs with larger gaps
For the sake of the discussion lets consider a F23A1 engine with spark plug gap requirement of .044" max.
Newer Platinum and Iridium plugs claim lower voltage requirement (because of very small and tapered tip area) and hardness (gap stays consistent over age and use).
At the time when engines in our cars were designed (7,8,..10 or more years ago) the initial oem recommended gap was probably determined taking into account the strength of the distributor (voltage capacity), stock wire resistance, and the voltage requirement of the plug and also the degradation of the gap of the spark plug <u>of the plugs available at that time</u>.
Now with these new plugs and gaps that remain same(does not increase) over a long time and also require less voltage to operate I wonder if that would allow using a larger gap - like .050 or .052 (whatever is the next step up from .044) - for the sake of a better burn.
Theoritically it sounds good - maybe too good to be true. Has anyone tried it yet ? Any red alerts in trying this ?
Modified by AnAccordIsForever at 7:59 PM 6/22/2006
Newer Platinum and Iridium plugs claim lower voltage requirement (because of very small and tapered tip area) and hardness (gap stays consistent over age and use).
At the time when engines in our cars were designed (7,8,..10 or more years ago) the initial oem recommended gap was probably determined taking into account the strength of the distributor (voltage capacity), stock wire resistance, and the voltage requirement of the plug and also the degradation of the gap of the spark plug <u>of the plugs available at that time</u>.
Now with these new plugs and gaps that remain same(does not increase) over a long time and also require less voltage to operate I wonder if that would allow using a larger gap - like .050 or .052 (whatever is the next step up from .044) - for the sake of a better burn.
Theoritically it sounds good - maybe too good to be true. Has anyone tried it yet ? Any red alerts in trying this ?
Modified by AnAccordIsForever at 7:59 PM 6/22/2006
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Re: Using Platinum or Iridium spark plugs with larger gaps (AnAccordIsForever)
On paper what you're saying makes perfect sense...
But you should ask just how much do the iridiums actually lower the voltage requirement for the spark to jump the gap (versus regular copper core plugs in a similar environment). I REALLY doubt that there is much of a difference. BUT, I do like your point about how older plugs tend to have an increase in gap as they wear - perhaps you could get away with a slight increase of gap because of that alone.
Sadly I think the only REAL way to test out any potential gains is on the dyno. OR, you could also compare your gas mileage.
But you should ask just how much do the iridiums actually lower the voltage requirement for the spark to jump the gap (versus regular copper core plugs in a similar environment). I REALLY doubt that there is much of a difference. BUT, I do like your point about how older plugs tend to have an increase in gap as they wear - perhaps you could get away with a slight increase of gap because of that alone.
Sadly I think the only REAL way to test out any potential gains is on the dyno. OR, you could also compare your gas mileage.
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Re: Using Platinum or Iridium spark plugs with larger gaps (AnAccordIsForever)
You only need to change the gap size if you are turboing your car.. otherwise go w/ the stock size. Interesting theory though.
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Re: Using Platinum or Iridium spark plugs with larger gaps (MrTodd)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MrTodd »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
But you should ask just how much do the iridiums actually lower the voltage requirement for the spark to jump the gap</TD></TR></TABLE>
This is what I found on Denso's website -
Seems like 15-20% less.
But you should ask just how much do the iridiums actually lower the voltage requirement for the spark to jump the gap</TD></TR></TABLE>
This is what I found on Denso's website -
Seems like 15-20% less.
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Re: Using Platinum or Iridium spark plugs with larger gaps (AnAccordIsForever)
Well dang it they(ngk) dont make Iridium with a gap larger than .044" in that size.
There is .052 in platinum but I dont know if the 'lower voltage requirement' applies to platinum or not, and even if it does then by how much i.e. enough to compensate for the increase in gap ?
There is .052 in platinum but I dont know if the 'lower voltage requirement' applies to platinum or not, and even if it does then by how much i.e. enough to compensate for the increase in gap ?
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