answersLogoWhite

0

The term spark plug heat range refers to the speed with which the plug can transfer heat from the combustion chamber to the engine head. Whether the plug is to be installed in a boat, lawnmower or racecar, it has been found the optimum combustion chamber temperature for gasoline engines is between 500°C-850°C. When it is within that range it is cool enough to avoid pre-ignition and plug tip overheating (which can cause engine damage), while still hot enough to burn off combustion deposits which cause fouling.

The spark plug can help maintain the optimum combustion chamber temperature. The primary method used to do this is by altering the internal length of the core nose, in addition, the alloy compositions in the electrodes can be changed. This means you may not be able to visually tell a difference between heat ranges. When a spark plug is referred to as a "cold plug", it is one that transfers heat rapidly from the firing tip into the engine head, which keeps the firing tip cooler. A "hot plug" has a much slower rate of heat transfer, which keeps the firing tip hotter.

An unaltered engine will run within the optimum operating range straight from the manufacturer, but if you make modifications such as a turbo, supercharger, increase compression, timing changes, use of alternate racing fuels, or sustained use of nitrous oxide, these can alter the plug tip temperature and may necessitate a colder plug. A rule of thumb is, one heat range colder per modification or one heat range colder for every 75-100hp you increase. In identical spark plug types, the difference from one full heat range to the next is the ability to remove 70°C to 100°C from the combustion chamber.

The heat range numbers used by spark plug manufacturers are not universal, by that we mean, a 10 heat range in Champion is not the same as a 10 heat range in NGK. Some manufacturers numbering systems are opposite the other, for domestic manufacturers(Champion, Autolite), the higher the number, the hotter the plug. For NGK, the higher the number, the colder the plug.

Do not make spark plug changes at the same time as another engine modification such as injection, carburetion or timing changes as in the event of poor results, it can lead to misleading and inaccurate conclusions (an exception would be when the alternate plugs came as part of a single pre-calibrated upgrade kit). When making spark plug heat range changes, it is better to err on the side of too cold a plug. The worst thing that can happen from too cold a plug is a fouled spark plug, too hot a spark plug can cause severe engine damage

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the difference between an J19LM and J17LM plug?

The 17 is a colder plug with a heat range of 7. The 19 is hotter with heat range of 9. The higher heat range is preferable for colder climates. While the 17 is for warmer areas.


What temperature range is considered medium heat for cooking?

Medium heat for cooking is typically considered to be in the range of 300-375 degrees Fahrenheit.


What temperature range corresponds to medium high heat?

Medium high heat typically corresponds to a temperature range of 375-450 degrees Fahrenheit.


Would a different heat range plug help your hemi run better?

Yes, a different heat range plug will definitely help your hemi run better.


What is the temperature range or setting typically associated with "low heat" on a stove?

The temperature range typically associated with "low heat" on a stove is around 200 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.


What is the medium heat range on an electric oven?

200-250


What is the wavelength of heat waves?

Heat waves do not have a specific wavelength as they are a form of infrared radiation that spans a range of wavelengths. In general, the wavelengths of infrared radiation that are associated with heat waves fall within the range of around 750 nanometers to 1 millimeter.


Is range a verb?

Yes, "Range" can be a verb. "The wild mustangs would range from the Rocky Mountains to the Missouri River." "Range" can also be a noun. "Mom put some water on the range to heat up."


What is heat by electromagnetic waves called?

The transfer of heat by electromagnetic radiation is called thermal radiation. It is usually carried out by electromagnetic waves in an energy range just below the visible spectrum, which is the infrared range.


What is range of wire wound resistors?

There is no set range for these types of resistors. The biggest thing to keep in mind is the heat that is generated by the resistance and the applied voltage. The device should be large enough to dissipate this heat.


Why is the annual range of temperature more in interior of landmasses?

Compared to the sea land masses heat up quickly and loose their heat quickly. So you get a wide temperature range. The sea heats up slowly and looses heat slowly so maritime climates have less temperature extremes.


What is the range of heat on planet Venus?

it is 900 degrees Fahrenheit and 480 degrees celsius