Short Spark Plug

short spark plug

What Goes Into Your Ignition System?

For many people, the ignition of their vehicle is something that's pretty easy to take for granted – put the key in, turn it and the engine starts as if by magic. But the components that bring your engine to life work in unison and require each to be functioning properly in order to produce a start…like a finely-tuned machine, one might say. Here's a quick rundown on the basics of your ignition system and one of its most important and easy-to-replace components.

Your ignition system generates and delivers the spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture inside the engine. This spark must be delivered long enough and at the exact moment for the engine to function properly. Most modern cars and trucks utilize a distributorless ignition system for its increased efficiency and lower maintenance requirements in comparison to electronic ignition systems. Distributorless ignition systems, such as Subaru ignition systems and those like them, control ignition timing and firing order through the use of the engine control module, which collects information through the crankshaft sensor as well as the camshaft position sensor in some cases. The spark it produces is referred to as the "ignition."

The ignition results from a number of components working in unison, including the ignition coil, distributor, distributor cap, rotor, plug wires and spark plugs. While the distributor and other components can go bad from time to time, the one component to keep your eye on is the spark plugs.

Spark plugs are screwed into the cylinder head, with the end of the plug located at the top of the cylinder (where all the action is happening). At the precise moment that the intake valves allow the proper mixture of fuel vapor and air into the cylinder, the spark plug generates a hot, blue spark that ignites the mixture and creates combustion within the engine. Spark plugs – like F150 spark plugs, Mustang spark plugs and BMW spark plugs – are basically a high-voltage bridge for electricity.

The level of torque currently being produced by the engine has a direct impact on the operating temperature of the spark plugs. And to work effectively, spark plugs – like Chevy spark plugs, Ford spark plugs, and Camaro spark plugs – have to be clean and free of dirt and corrosion. If the tip of the spark plug is too hot, it can cause pre-ignition that will result in detonation and possible damage. On the other hand, if the tip of the spark plug is too cold, you may experience a loss of spark energy or even the actual shorting-out of the spark current, leaving you dead in the water.

A number of elements can impact the lifespan of your spark plugs, such as the condition of your engine, the grade of fuel you use or even certain driving habits. But the good news is: they're inexpensive and easy to replace.

About the Author

Ignition systems would leave your vehicle sitting lifeless were it not for the spark plugs. At AutoAnything.com they're extremely affordable; it's a good practice to always have a few spares on hand.

1993 Mazda MX6 GT review from UK and Ireland
What things have gone wrong with the car? Antenna mast broke after 4 years; replaced. Spark plug cables need to be replaced every 30,000 Kms, as they tend to short and cause misfiring.

short spark plug

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