How does the spark plug heat range affect the engine?

How does the spark plug heat range affect the engine?

The heat range of a spark plug has only a minute effect on combustion chamber and overall engine temperature. A cold plug will not materially cool down an engine’s running temperature. (Too hot of a plug may, however, indirectly lead to a runaway pre-ignition condition that can increase engine temperature.)

What does the heat range on a spark plug mean?

The spark plug heat range only indicates the rate that the spark plug dissipates its firing end heat to the engine. A hotter heat range spark plug has an insulator design with a longer heat flow path to the metal shell of the plug. As a result, more heat stays in the ceramic firing end and less is dissipated to the engine.

When did the Nissan Z24 engine come out?

This engine has longer connecting rods and shorter compression-height pistons than the carbureted Z22S engine. The Z24 was 2.4 L (2,389 cc) produced from 1983 through August 1989. A throttle-body fuel injection version (Z24i) was also produced, beginning in April 1985.

Can a spark plug be too cold or too hot?

If the heat range is too cold, the spark plug will be unable to properly self-clean by burning off carbon deposits. If it the heat range is too hot, your engine could experience detonation, pre-ignition, or power loss. Most spark plug manufacturers recommend that the tip temperature remain between 500° C and 850° C.

How many cylinders does a Nissan Z engine have?

The Nissan Z engine is a series of automobile and light truck engines that was engineered by Nissan Machinery, manufactured by the Nissan Motor Company from 1979 through August 1989. All Z engines had 4 cylinders, a total of 8 valves and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC).

The spark plug heat range only indicates the rate that the spark plug dissipates its firing end heat to the engine. A hotter heat range spark plug has an insulator design with a longer heat flow path to the metal shell of the plug. As a result, more heat stays in the ceramic firing end and less is dissipated to the engine.

If the heat range is too cold, the spark plug will be unable to properly self-clean by burning off carbon deposits. If it the heat range is too hot, your engine could experience detonation, pre-ignition, or power loss. Most spark plug manufacturers recommend that the tip temperature remain between 500° C and 850° C.

Why do spark plugs need a high tip temperature?

As a result, less heat stays in the ceramic firing end and more is dissipated to the engine. For a spark plug to function properly, it must have a tip temperature high enough to burn off carbon deposits (self-cleaning) and avoid fouling, while remaining low enough to avoid overheating the ceramic firing end and pre-ignition.

What are the factors in choosing a spark plug?

These factors include spark plug seat design, thread length and diameter, and reach. One of the most important—and most misunderstood—factors in choosing aftermarket spark plugs is the heat range. What is Heat Range?