Internal combustion engines have undergone major developments in recent years, especially the Otto cycle engines, that is, gasoline engines, flex fuel and CNG. These engines have several applications, being the best known in automobiles and motorcycles, as well as generators and agricultural machinery, beyond work and leisure, such as nautical applications and small engines. Even with all the technology used in the most diverse Otto cycle engines, the ignition system remains with a very special function, which is to provide the energy that will start the fuel burning reaction. To assist drivers, and NGK, ignition specialist brand, clarifies the main doubts about the components. "It's critical to understand that the ignition system doesn't just affect engine performance, but it can also reduce the life of other vehicle parts.. The more technological the models, greater may be the demand on these components. That is why, NGK recommends checking as per the assembler's specification, every 10 thousand kilometers or annually in the case of automobiles, or 6 months or 3 thousand kilometers in the case of motorcycles. For specific applications, we must always follow the equipment manufacturer's recommendation", explains Hiromori Mori, NGK Technical Assistance Consultant.
1. Poor quality fuel interferes with spark plug life. Truth. Adulterated or poor quality fuels can cause carbonization (in the case of gasoline) or spark plug contamination, leading to difficulties in the match, engine failures and power loss.
2. Long stored fuels affect spark plugs? Sim, mainly for specific applications, including collection vehicles or intermittent use, like nautical engines, that are unused in winter, must be very careful with the "aging" of the fuel, especially gasoline, which forms gums and varnishes that make it difficult to burn and contaminate spark plugs.
3. Iridium candles and platinum improve engine performance. Truth. Many car and motorcycle users install special spark plugs in their vehicles to improve performance. NGK offers two models of special spark plugs in the aftermarket: the Iridium IX and G-Power lines. Because they have electrodes produced with noble metals such as iridium and platinum, they allow the reduction of the spark plug electrode diameter when compared to nickel (conventional sail material). This allows you to generate a spark with more energy to start combustion, resulting in better burning efficiency of the air/fuel mixture and better vehicle performance.
4. Problems starting on cold days are not related to the sails. Myth. Although vehicles have evolved a lot in cold start systems, even without the famous "gasoline tank", worn spark plugs or failures in other components of the ignition system (cables and coils) can make it difficult to start on cold days. That is why, it is important that drivers periodically check components.
5. Spark plugs have a long service life and do not require preventive maintenance. Myth. Every "spark", the spark plug has a slight wear on the electrodes, increasing the distance between them and requiring greater working voltage throughout the ignition system. The consequence of this is the deterioration of candles., cables and coils.
6. Worn spark plugs shorten the life of other components. Truth. Excessively worn spark plugs can reduce the life of other components such as cables., coils and catalysts. The coil and cables, for example, can be overloaded, triggering the "Flash over", which is when the electrical current flows through the outside of the spark plug.. To avoid problems, the recommendation is that, at the time of checking the candles, also inspect the coils and cables.
7. Iridium candles can only be used on premium vehicles.. Myth. Previously only present in premium vehicles, the special candles can already be found in the most diverse categories nowadays. As velas G-Power e Iridium IX, and NGK, have a wide range of applications, covering a large part of the fleet circulating in the country and enabling the use of this technology by different types of vehicles. See the applications on the website
www.ngkntk.com.br or through the SAC 0800-19-7112.
8. Cars with Start/Stop demand more from spark plugs. Truth. Vehicles that have the technology have batteries, alternators and starters developed especially for these models, to support the high number of matches. Worn or contaminated spark plugs can cause difficulties in starting, making the system uncomfortable for drivers, without the match being smooth. That is why, it is essential that drivers prioritize part inspection during reviews.
9. The state of the spark plugs does not interfere with the functioning of the turbo. Myth. Turbo engines work with higher pressures in the combustion chamber. This increase in pressure makes it difficult for the spark plug to spark., increasing its wear. That is why, this set of components deserves special attention in turbo engines. To avoid failures, NGK advises the user to respect and be aware of the spark plug replacement and inspection recommendations determined by the assemblers.
10. Just a visual analysis is enough in inspecting the components. Myth. The revision of the ignition system must include a first visual check, where it is possible to detect cracks, cracks, oxidation or infiltration of oil and coolant in the combustion chamber. Yet, a second step may be needed using specific equipment., such as measuring spark plug resistance and insulation, as well as measuring the voltage in the secondary ignition system.
11. Preventive maintenance helps to save. Truth. Using worn spark plugs can increase fuel consumption, in addition to damaging other parts by overloading the entire ignition system. Under these conditions, the life of cables and coils will be reduced. Whenever a component failure is identified, it is important to inspect the entire system. Always remembering that small misfires are not always noticed by users, may be reflected in an increase in fuel consumption.
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