Spark plug question

[PlywoodPascal]

I need to change the spark plugs on my car.
Which make have the most sparks?
I want them to last as long as possible before they run out again.

[Mr Ben]

Marks probably have the most sparks.

I'd probably just replace with the OEM spec plugs, unless your running a highly modified variant of your chosen automobile.

[TwinKam]

Make sure they're in sealed boxes, and don't open them until you're ready to fit...

[richhead]

you can always top them up with an angle grinder

[wildoliver]

When you fit them make sure the electrode at the bottom is pointing at the valves. Otherwise you lose power. A little mark on the insulator with a Sharpie will help.

But to get the angle right don't loosen them, just keep tightening till it's in the right position. A scaff bar on your socket wrench might help.

[richhead]

wildoliver said:

When you fit them make sure the electrode at the bottom is pointing at the valves. Otherwise you lose power. A little mark on the insulator with a Sharpie will help.

But to get the angle right don't loosen them, just keep tightening till it's in the right position. A scaff bar on your socket wrench might help.

Or better than using a sharpie, a pencil line all the way down the ceramic bit works best

[AW111]

wildoliver said:

When you fit them make sure the electrode at the bottom is pointing at the valves. Otherwise you lose power. A little mark on the insulator with a Sharpie will help.

But to get the angle right don't loosen them, just keep tightening till it's in the right position. A scaff bar on your socket wrench might help.

You jest, but my outboard motor is supposed to have clocked spark plugs.
The workshop knows how to do it - I don't get involved.
I do hope scaffolding pipe is not used

[wildoliver]

AW111 said:

wildoliver said:

When you fit them make sure the electrode at the bottom is pointing at the valves. Otherwise you lose power. A little mark on the insulator with a Sharpie will help.

But to get the angle right don't loosen them, just keep tightening till it's in the right position. A scaff bar on your socket wrench might help.

You jest, but my outboard motor is supposed to have clocked spark plugs.
The workshop knows how to do it - I don't get involved.
I do hope scaffolding pipe is not used

350nm torque.

[richhead]

AW111 said:

wildoliver said:

When you fit them make sure the electrode at the bottom is pointing at the valves. Otherwise you lose power. A little mark on the insulator with a Sharpie will help.

But to get the angle right don't loosen them, just keep tightening till it's in the right position. A scaff bar on your socket wrench might help.

You jest, but my outboard motor is supposed to have clocked spark plugs.
The workshop knows how to do it - I don't get involved.
I do hope scaffolding pipe is not used

Ive worked on engines that require this, shims are used if needed

[helix402]

An angle grinder is a great source of sparks. However there is a risk of you cutting yourself with one. A much safer option is a pack of sparklers. You just need a fire proof box to catch and safely store the sparks.
Another top source of sparks are metal knee sliders worn by all the best riders. Again just catch the sparks in a spark proof box as you corner low and fast like a pro. Be careful though as you will only have one hand on the handlebars. (Risk of serious death or injury)
I think you can make cool sparks with magnesium too. If you make an electrical short circuit, for example by bringing the positive and negative battery terminals together, this might make some pretty sparks too. (Caution-risk of explosion)

[wildoliver]

richhead said:

AW111 said:

wildoliver said:

When you fit them make sure the electrode at the bottom is pointing at the valves. Otherwise you lose power. A little mark on the insulator with a Sharpie will help.

But to get the angle right don't loosen them, just keep tightening till it's in the right position. A scaff bar on your socket wrench might help.

You jest, but my outboard motor is supposed to have clocked spark plugs.
The workshop knows how to do it - I don't get involved.
I do hope scaffolding pipe is not used

Ive worked on engines that require this, shims are used if needed

Please don't bring your sensible suggestions. Besides a rubber o ring is much better than a whole box of different shims, you can just tighten to the required angle and done.

[thebraketester]

Don't forget to snap off the piece of metal which protects the sharp point before installing

[richhead]

wildoliver said:

richhead said:

AW111 said:

wildoliver said:

When you fit them make sure the electrode at the bottom is pointing at the valves. Otherwise you lose power. A little mark on the insulator with a Sharpie will help.

But to get the angle right don't loosen them, just keep tightening till it's in the right position. A scaff bar on your socket wrench might help.

You jest, but my outboard motor is supposed to have clocked spark plugs.
The workshop knows how to do it - I don't get involved.
I do hope scaffolding pipe is not used

Ive worked on engines that require this, shims are used if needed

Please don't bring your sensible suggestions. Besides a rubber o ring is much better than a whole box of different shims, you can just tighten to the required angle and done.

I unreservadly appologise, and bow to your greater knowlage.

[SturdyHSV]

thebraketester said:

Don't forget to snap off the piece of metal which protects the sharp point before installing

This.

The little arm is there to protect the pointy flint core during shipping. You need to snap this off so that the steel piston can strike it cleanly and thus generate the spark.