Spark Plugs
Record Breaker
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,211
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From: Lebanon, PA
RE: Spark Plugs
I finally got around to changing the plugs on mine on Friday and, wow, what a difference. Fuel economy seems to have gone up a mile or two (will verify tonight when I fill up and can hand calculate the MPGs) and the truck runs much, much smoother. Amazing change for $10.50 and an hour or so of work.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
RE: Spark Plugs
Does anyone index their plugs? Is there any real performance increase from doing so?
For those who don't know what spark plug indexing is (I didn't and had to look it up):
Generally speaking, the idea of indexing is to position the spark plug so that its gap is facing the center of the cylinder, angled slightly toward the exhaust valve—the most common arrangement. (Some engines work better with other gap locations.) This is important because, as the piston approaches TDC, the air/fuel charge is being compressed. The charge or "mixture" is being forced toward the area of the spark plug—and normally, the exhaust valve. The true speed of this force inside the combustion chamber is extremely fast. Some experts speculate that it surpasses supersonic speeds.
Because of this, the spark generated from the plug should be in a "position" to create the best possible flame front. Looking at a typical side-gap spark plug, you'll note that the electrode can actually block the flame process. On the other hand, if the electrode gap faces the on-rushing air/fuel charge, it stands a much better chance of igniting a flame front.
For those who don't know what spark plug indexing is (I didn't and had to look it up):
Generally speaking, the idea of indexing is to position the spark plug so that its gap is facing the center of the cylinder, angled slightly toward the exhaust valve—the most common arrangement. (Some engines work better with other gap locations.) This is important because, as the piston approaches TDC, the air/fuel charge is being compressed. The charge or "mixture" is being forced toward the area of the spark plug—and normally, the exhaust valve. The true speed of this force inside the combustion chamber is extremely fast. Some experts speculate that it surpasses supersonic speeds.
Because of this, the spark generated from the plug should be in a "position" to create the best possible flame front. Looking at a typical side-gap spark plug, you'll note that the electrode can actually block the flame process. On the other hand, if the electrode gap faces the on-rushing air/fuel charge, it stands a much better chance of igniting a flame front.
All Star
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 987
Likes: 0
From: Dirty Jerzey
RE: Spark Plugs
ORIGINAL: ChadJK
Does anyone index their plugs? Is there any real performance increase from doing so?
For those who don't know what spark plug indexing is (I didn't and had to look it up):
Generally speaking, the idea of indexing is to position the spark plug so that its gap is facing the center of the cylinder, angled slightly toward the exhaust valve—the most common arrangement. (Some engines work better with other gap locations.) This is important because, as the piston approaches TDC, the air/fuel charge is being compressed. The charge or "mixture" is being forced toward the area of the spark plug—and normally, the exhaust valve. The true speed of this force inside the combustion chamber is extremely fast. Some experts speculate that it surpasses supersonic speeds.
Because of this, the spark generated from the plug should be in a "position" to create the best possible flame front. Looking at a typical side-gap spark plug, you'll note that the electrode can actually block the flame process. On the other hand, if the electrode gap faces the on-rushing air/fuel charge, it stands a much better chance of igniting a flame front.
Does anyone index their plugs? Is there any real performance increase from doing so?
For those who don't know what spark plug indexing is (I didn't and had to look it up):
Generally speaking, the idea of indexing is to position the spark plug so that its gap is facing the center of the cylinder, angled slightly toward the exhaust valve—the most common arrangement. (Some engines work better with other gap locations.) This is important because, as the piston approaches TDC, the air/fuel charge is being compressed. The charge or "mixture" is being forced toward the area of the spark plug—and normally, the exhaust valve. The true speed of this force inside the combustion chamber is extremely fast. Some experts speculate that it surpasses supersonic speeds.
Because of this, the spark generated from the plug should be in a "position" to create the best possible flame front. Looking at a typical side-gap spark plug, you'll note that the electrode can actually block the flame process. On the other hand, if the electrode gap faces the on-rushing air/fuel charge, it stands a much better chance of igniting a flame front.
Man, those plugs are in there deep. [sm=insomnia.gif]
Professional
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Spark Plugs
i have a question why do the service advisor at dodge swear that the autolites doesnt run good with our engine bc the computer is tuned with the champion spark plugs or something like that what this dude said. but everyone who has them saying they're great