What is the purpose of gap in the spark plug?
When replacing spark plugs, ensuring that the plugs have the proper gap is critical to engine performance. The gap is the distance between the center and side electrodes, set so arcing occurs at the proper voltage that ignites the fuel and generates the combustion that makes the engine run.
Why is it important to Gap a spark plug?
A properly gapped spark plug is necessary for a properly functioning engine. The gap size affects the spark plug’s firing temperature, which has a direct relationship to the combustion of fuel and air in the engine. Opening the gaps provides a larger spark, useful for some customized engines in maximizing the efficiency.
Why is gas pressure important in a spark gap?
The voltage of the trigger electrode can be changed quickly because the capacitance between it and the other electrodes is small. In a triggered spark gap, gas pressure is optimized to minimize jitter while also avoiding unintentional triggering.
What is the gap between the spark plug and the grounding electrode?
Spark plug gap refers to the gap between the spark plug center electrode and the grounding electrode. The gap spacing of general spark plugs is between 0.6 and 1.3 mm.
What causes a spark plug to discharge more easily?
Even for the same spark plug gap, if there are edges on the electrode, discharge occurs more easily. Older spark plugs have electrodes that have rounded, so discharge becomes more difficult and misfire more likely.
A properly gapped spark plug is necessary for a properly functioning engine. The gap size affects the spark plug’s firing temperature, which has a direct relationship to the combustion of fuel and air in the engine. Opening the gaps provides a larger spark, useful for some customized engines in maximizing the efficiency.
What is the pressure between the spark plug gap and ground electrode?
between the spark plug gap (center electrode and ground electrode). 2) Pressure in the combustion chamber at time of spark discharge – Depends on compression and aspiration of the engine. High compression engines and engines with forced induction have higher combustion chamber pressures at time of spark discharge.
What happens when a spark plug is too wide?
If the gap is too wide the ignition system components are required to work harder to jump across the extended gap leading to spark plug, ignition coil, and control module failures. It’s also possible the spark could be “blown out” in highly turbulent combustion chambers.
The voltage of the trigger electrode can be changed quickly because the capacitance between it and the other electrodes is small. In a triggered spark gap, gas pressure is optimized to minimize jitter while also avoiding unintentional triggering.