Spark plugs for gas engines: what to consider when choosing


I dug up an article about spark plugs for gas equipment www.zr.ru/a/236580 well written, a lot of new information. I myself ride a Brisk LPG LR15YS Silve. Who drives what?

Comments 23

I also put Brisk Silver

yes it seems normal. While they are working...

what is the mileage approximately?)

When I was choosing candles for myself, I simply forgot about working on gas! (When I bought DENSO VK-20, I came to the gas manufacturer, he said that they are the best for gas, only the gap for gas is better to make 0.8 mm, explaining that gas consumption will be less! I checked it myself, the consumption did not change with a gap of 1.1 mm and 0.8 mm... If it gets warmer, the gap will return to 1.1 mm.

Candles for HBO! There are NO such candles... this is nonsense... lies and scam! A candle is absolutely the same as setting fire in a cylinder...

The temperature in the cylinder is not sufficient for self-cleaning. Ideally, you need to lower the heat value a little. for example, on UZAM instead of A20 you need A17

Candles for HBO! There are NO such candles... this is nonsense... lies and scam! A candle is absolutely the same as setting fire in a cylinder...

I fiercely upvote! Naked marketing!

Candles for HBO! There are NO such candles... this is nonsense... lies and scam! A candle is absolutely the same as setting fire in a cylinder...

under gas it is necessary to reduce the gap; if it is increased, it starts to shoot, then the wires burn on myself, I checked it more than once

May those who are carried away by the question of choosing candles forgive me. I myself did not expect such negligence from myself, but the circumstances turned out that way. Immediately after purchase, the car ran on engine capital for about a month and a half. At the same time, everything that caught my eye was ordered (blocks, traction, filters, belts, summer tires with rims, LPG, gas tank) but for some reason they forgot about the spark plugs, and at the time the engine was ready they simply weren’t available, they were installed stupid in size and approximately in parameters (NGK - 80r/piece instead

500r/pcs for original iridium ones). The installation of HBO was already planned in advance and the car immediately moved there. Mileage since then

15t.km, six months. The spark plugs have not been changed (and I don’t plan to yet). Consumption is lower than many similar ones. A couple of times in the fall I went away for a week and left the car at the airport, and upon arrival I started it without any questions. It always sits outside under the windows, and has never been naughty to start during the winter. I’m already thinking about replacing them with the same ones...

And in winter it’s minus how much. We had this cold bench press in the Trans-Urals for 2 weeks – it was -36. the historical minimum was broken 100 years ago. So I strained myself with these candles. It got so bad that the electronic throttle valve froze and the pump refused to pump. After the warm boxes it passed. The only + and - this is that the car turned on the emergency mode, held 2000 thousand revolutions and did not react to the throttle, namely - the fact that only through diagnostics can you clear the error

The frost, of course, is not severe (and it wasn’t 20), but with constant changes from + to -, which is more significant for humidity on parts.

May those who are carried away by the question of choosing candles forgive me. I myself did not expect such negligence from myself, but the circumstances turned out that way. Immediately after purchase, the car ran on engine capital for about a month and a half. At the same time, everything that caught my eye was ordered (blocks, traction, filters, belts, summer tires with rims, LPG, gas tank) but for some reason they forgot about the spark plugs, and at the time the engine was ready they simply weren’t available, they were installed stupid in size and approximately in parameters (NGK - 80r/piece instead

500r/pcs for original iridium ones). The installation of HBO was already planned in advance and the car immediately moved there. Mileage since then

15t.km, six months. The spark plugs have not been changed (and I don’t plan to yet). Consumption is lower than many similar ones. A couple of times in the fall I went away for a week and left the car at the airport, and upon arrival I started it without any questions. It always sits outside under the windows, and has never been naughty to start during the winter. I’m already thinking about replacing them with the same ones...

what kind do you have, write more precisely the model

ngk. To be honest, I installed different ones and didn’t feel any difference. And if the frost on the streets is -30 and the candles are flooded and killed, the only difference is how much money you gave. I also installed denso, ngk, beru, brisk, a17

Gas candles - will there be an effect?

Installing gas equipment (LPG) reduces fuel costs, but seriously changes the operating mode of the engine. Many drivers who have installed gas equipment in their car are wondering whether they need any special spark plugs for gas, and if so, which ones? After reading the article, you will learn how and why the operating mode of the engine changes, what processes occur in the combustion chamber and how spark plugs affect them. This will help you choose spark plugs that will make the engine work better and will not reduce its service life.

What happens in the cylinders

The car's power unit operates on an air-fuel mixture, in which the fuel-to-air ratio ranges from 1:13 to 1:20. To give the car strong acceleration, you have to over-enrich the mixture. During uniform movement in a straight line, the engine runs at the leanest possible mixture. These operations are performed by an injector or carburetor.

Changing the fuel/air ratio changes the main characteristics of the mixture:

  • spark sensitivity;
  • tendency to detonation;
  • combustion speed and temperature;
  • amount of exhaust gases.

The rate of fuel combustion, as well as the amount of energy released, is affected by:

  • compression;
  • composition of the air-fuel mixture;
  • engine temperature;
  • operating mode of the power unit;
  • ignition voltage;
  • ignition timing angle (IDA);
  • gap between spark plug electrodes;
  • glow number of the candle.

How fuel burns

Fuel combustion occurs differently in a cold engine than in a hot one. The fuel-air mixture in a cold power unit flares up slowly, so it is necessary to re-enrich it, because the ignition spark that breaks the gap between the electrodes turns out to be too weak. Even the injector cannot properly atomize fuel in a cold combustion chamber, so part of the fuel settles on the walls of the piston and cylinders. Therefore, in cold engine mode, much depends on the intensity of the spark, which is determined by the voltage, the shape of the electrodes and the gap.

The constant presence of the spark plug in the high temperature zone leads to such heating of the electrodes that it causes glow ignition. In this case, the mixture ignites not from a spark that breaks the gap between the electrodes, but from contact with a hot spark plug.

Therefore, for high-temperature engines operating under enormous load, it is necessary to use spark plugs with a high heat rating, which effectively transfer heat to the cylinder head (cylinder head), which is why they are called cold. For engines (carburetor and injector) operating under light load, warm spark plugs with a low heat rating are used. They quickly heat up to operating temperature (700–800 degrees) and ensure efficient ignition of the air-fuel mixture in a cold engine. If the heat value is too high, then it does not heat up to operating temperature, as a result of which carbon deposits appear on the electrodes, further aggravating the situation.

The higher the octane number of gasoline, the better it tolerates compression in the cylinders (resistance to detonation). Therefore, for engines with a compression ratio of over 9.5, it is necessary to use gasoline with an octane rating of at least 95. This combination allows the engine to produce maximum power. The higher the octane number, the greater the temperature and energy that is released during the combustion process, which in turn affects the performance of the candle. Therefore, the use of hot plugs in engines with a compression ratio of over 9.5 will lead to a significant drop in power due to glow ignition. In addition, as a result of insufficient compression, the gap between the spark plugs and valve plates begins to become covered with soot, which impairs engine performance. Contrary to popular belief, carbon deposits on spark plugs and valves are formed not only due to an incorrectly set pressure ratio or an over-enriched mixture, but also due to an insufficient degree of compression or a drop in compression.

When to change spark plugs to gas

Content

When changing the spark plug

. how to find the moment?

when to change spark plugs

? Different motorists give different answers to this question. When to replace spark plugs in a car. Some believe this should be done every 30,000 kilometers, while others say all services and services are necessary.

Why change spark plugs?

Some categories of car enthusiasts believe that they need to do as much as 100 thousand kilometers per shift. In this article I will try to give a detailed answer to the question if it is necessary to change spark plugs

ignition, because it depends on the functioning of the main part of the car, and this is very important for both the driver and the engine.
A malfunction can damage the fuel system, in which case much more fuel will be consumed.
This is why it is important to know when to replace your spark plugs. How often they change the spark plug depends on the safety of the gasoline engine. Electrodes that regularly perform their functions should not be covered with a plate to deliver an electrical discharge with sufficient voltage. If the circuit is faulty and could cause contamination and malfunction, the part must be replaced.

>

You can understand why need to change spark plugs Purpose of this part. ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Arson is caused by a spark that appears between the electrodes. The voltage is very high, several thousand or even tens of thousands of volts. It appears between the electrodes and passes through the wire into the combustible mixture. Should I change the spark plugs when switching? Should I change the spark plugs when? An important feature is the gap between the electrodes. the larger it is, the stronger the ignition zone, and this affects engine efficiency, fuel economy, and smooth operation of the cylinders.

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A very unpleasant moment that can compromise the integrity of the engine is detonation of the mixture in the combustion chamber due to a break in the supply of sparks. This detonation creates a shock wave that places very high stresses on the piston, connecting rod and crankshaft. As a result of burning the entire mixture in the combustion chamber, a loud metallic sound immediately appears, engine power decreases, and thick black smoke appears in the exhaust. When should spark plugs be blown? If they cannot be recovered, they must be removed regardless of their useful life.

Signs of spark plug wear

Signs of wear are sometimes very noticeable, since this device is used to directly operate the engine and ignite the combustible mixture. Therefore, it is clear when to change the spark plugs

ignition.
If the car starts while driving, the starter does not work immediately and it takes several idle turns to start the car, if the fuel consumption increases and the engine performance decreases, there comes a time when the spark plug
.

Spark plugs for gas. What's better?

Candles

ignition.
When is the right time to replace spark plugs? After buying a car, a question arises. when to change spark plugs. according to their actual wear or recommended. Replacement and diagnostics on the stand. Which candle
is better for HBO? Regular iridium? As defined.

Special gas candles?

Iridium, silver and other advanced spark plugs

. cunning marketing or the need to pump in propane.

Troubleshooting and the period after the number of changing spark plugs . There are several ways. If your car won't start or won't start right away, it's important to determine what might be causing it. The malfunction leads to engine failure if, while the engine is running, a gap or gap occurs in the uniform feed cycle, and not only reduces its performance. The volume of evaporation during fuel combustion increases, unrefined fuel enters the exhaust system, which causes overheating and overload of the catalytic converter. It goes without saying that this cannot but affect the state of the entire system, and then it must be changed. spark plug

, if it is decided to cause breaks or pauses.

READ Opel Astra H Starter Doesn't Turn

If the engine breaks down, the release of unburned fuel can also cause the catalytic converter to malfunction and the engine may stagnate. The catalyst is not cheap, and only replacing it can correct the situation.

Why change the spark plug for no apparent reason. they affect direct fuel consumption. The second place in gas efficiency is in the next Japanese candle. If soot forms, a more flammable mixture will be used with less efficiency. There may also be problems with starting the engine, especially when it is cold outside or after a long period of inactivity, such as in the morning.

Life of candles

This also depends on the brand, and you can find out more about when you need to change its spark plug. This is possible from the instructions.

The frequency of replacing spark plugs depends on when they were last changed. If the date cannot be determined, their status must be checked. From the appearance you can see how much the spark plug is changing

will have to again. Carbon deposits form during short trips during which the engine does not warm up completely, especially in winter. To clean the spark plug from soot without removing it, I can recommend warming up the engine to operating temperature so that the electrodes clean themselves.

Replacing spark plugs depends on both the amount of traffic and the material from which they are made. There is one caveat. 30 thousand kilometers. These are classic options, as well as platinum and iridium spark plugs can withstand 90 thousand.

READ Why Candles Flood on VAZ 2114

Another factor that determines when you need to change your spark plugs is. the actual condition of the engine and the quality of gasoline in it. Gas after installation, but when the track is completed I will change the spark plugs soon. The first sign that the ignition system is already outdated and should be replaced soon is the appearance of cracks on the ceramic part, i.e. on an insulator. How to understand that it is time to change spark plugs. Video. when to replace spark plugs with spark plugs. Another type of damage is when the insulator separates from the metal part. Combustion products enter the gap, this is immediately noticeable by the “skirt” that appears at the junction. Before we made candles with our children (often this happens at Easter), it was a question of “where to get or what to make a wick for a candle from?” In this case, the engine will not work at full power, and the appearance of a “skirt” serves as a signal for driver because of how much plugs again. It is best to remove the old kit immediately so that such complications do not occur in other components of the kit, even if they look good.

Following the advice of experts, I recommend that motorists adhere to the deadline that determines when to return the spark plug

. If for classics this is 15-20 thousand kilometers with active use of cars, then for platinum and iridium. 100 thousand kilometers. This period is independent of appearance and condition, that is, if after everything appears to be in good working order, replacement still needs to be done.

Video “About spark plugs”

The video shows what color a spark plug should have for a normally running engine.

What is the difference between gasoline and gas

Here are the main differences between gasoline and liquefied natural gas (LNG):

  • octane number: gasoline 95–98, gas 105–115;
  • boiling point: gasoline from 33 degrees, LNG minus 42 degrees;
  • engine compression ratio: gasoline 9.0–10.0 gas 10.5–12.

The characteristics of gas (propane and butane) are very different from gasoline. A high octane number does not allow you to simply connect an LPG to an engine designed to work with 80 or 92 gasoline, because such fuel will quickly damage the engine. If the compression ratio is greatly mismatched with the fuel, the temperature and combustion rate of the fuel will change. In addition, the injector sprays propane more efficiently than gasoline. A high octane number requires an increase in the compression ratio to at least 10.5, otherwise the engine will overheat in high power mode.

When operating on LNG, carbon deposits do not form on valves and spark plugs, even if the compression ratio is insufficient, which is a serious advantage of gas.

There is a known case when an LPG (propane) injector was connected to a working Gazelle with a ZMZ 406 engine without even adjusting the ignition. After 40 thousand kilometers, one of the cylinder head valves burned out due to severe overheating. There is also a known case when a rebuilt carburetor ZMZ-402 under 92 (and not an injector, but a carburetor), installed on an old Volga, ran on gas for 250 thousand kilometers until the next repair. Because the driver was attentive to the preparation of the engine. I increased the compression ratio by grinding the cylinder head, set the correct ignition and installed the coldest spark plugs.

Do you need special spark plugs for LNG?

Many motorists come to the store with a request - I need special gas spark plugs for the injector and do not understand that no one produces such products. Candles are divided not by brand or type of fuel, but by heat rating. If you have a 98 gasoline engine, no carbon deposits form on the valves, compression is normal, and you drive without extreme loads, then you do not need any special spark plugs. It is enough to use the coldest ones recommended in the manual. If you use medium spark plugs (heat number from 11 to 17), then you need to check them once every 2-3 months, but no later than after 10 thousand kilometers. It is necessary to check whether carbon deposits have appeared and whether the gap corresponds to the specified value. This will help determine if they are suitable for the engine and driving conditions, or if you need to use cooler plugs.

If you are going to drive fast, but the engine compression ratio is below 11, then you need to install the coldest available spark plugs. It is advisable to select a heat rating of at least 23 and check the gap and carbon deposits every 2-3 thousand kilometers. If you have completely switched to CNG and are not going to drive on gasoline, then soot does not appear on the spark plug, and the slightly changed gap between the electrodes does not threaten the engine. If an engine with a compression ratio of over 9.5 constantly runs on CNG, then most of the problems that await engines that consume gasoline and gas do not arise. After all, a spark plug that is too cold is covered with soot, and a spark plug that is too hot will change the gap depending on the temperature. All this negatively affects the operation of the engine.

This is interesting: Carburetor cleaning fluid

If you care about your gasoline engine and decide to convert it to gas/petrol, take it to a grinder to have it sand the cylinder head to increase the compression ratio, and then adjust the cylinder head. In this case, installing cold candles will give maximum effect. If this is not done, then no special spark plugs for gas will be able to preserve the life of the engine.

Conclusion

Now you know which type of spark plugs is best suited for gas, and you are also familiar with the measures that will extend the life of the engine. By following the recommendations in this article, you will avoid reducing the service life of the engine and extend its mileage.

Spark plugs for gas engines: what to consider when choosing

Let's start with the fact that recently, against the backdrop of constantly rising prices for gasoline and diesel fuel, the installation of gas equipment on a car with a gasoline engine has become a truly widespread phenomenon. This option allows you to get the maximum benefit, since switching a gasoline car to cheaper gas makes it possible to significantly reduce fuel costs.

It should also be added that diesel models, even taking into account their high efficiency, are more expensive than gasoline ones, and are also not without a number of their own problems. As for electric cars, such cars are still in the minority. It turns out that in fact the only available alternative is the ability to convert the car to run on gas.

More precisely, we are talking about motor oil for gas engines, as well as spark plugs. If everything is more or less clear with engine oil, then difficulties may arise with candles. Next we will talk about why to change spark plugs for gas equipment, as well as what needs to be taken into account and how to choose the right spark plugs for a gas engine.

Read in this article

What will running on gas lead to without replacing spark plugs?

As described above, spark plugs for gas and gasoline have not only a number of differences and advantages, but also quite different prices. But can running a gas-powered engine without replacing the spark plugs lead to serious damage?

If you do not change the spark plugs after installing the LPG, then this will not cause serious problems. It's just that spark plugs will be replaced much more often. And if the car is expensive and spark plugs are not cheap, then such a replacement can soon cost a pretty penny.

It is best not to skimp on such engine elements and focus on good budget options that will have a long service life, will not reduce engine power and will not increase new fuel consumption. Typically, a gas installation is installed on a car to reduce fuel costs, but if the service life of the spark plugs is reduced, then such savings simply will not happen.

Why are “gas” spark plugs needed when switching from gasoline to gas?

As a rule, after installing gas equipment on a car, qualified specialists separately recommend immediately replacing the spark plugs. To replace, you should use special spark plugs for gas engines, which are slightly different from conventional ones.

The need for such a replacement is dictated by the fact that ordinary candles are designed to ignite a mixture that consists of gasoline and air. Conventionally, this mixture is more “dense”. At the same time, during the combustion of this mixture, a certain temperature arises.

It turns out that if you use ordinary “gasoline” spark plugs when running on gas, the service life of such spark plugs is greatly reduced, that is, they quickly fail. Also, taking into account the lack of efficiency, the general processes of combustion of the gas-air mixture in the cylinders are disrupted, which leads to a decrease in the power of the internal combustion engine and negative consequences for the engine.

Taking into account these features, spark plugs for gas engines have a slightly reduced gap between the electrodes compared to traditional counterparts for engines that run exclusively on gasoline. However, this is not all, since constant operation at elevated temperatures means that gas spark plugs must be more resistant to such heat. At the same time, their service life must comply with generally accepted standards.

The central electrode is made of iridium, a platinum coating is soldered onto the side electrodes, and a copper rod at the base of the side electrodes allows excess heat to be effectively removed. The design of spark plugs for gas engines can also be modified (the body is covered with an additional protective layer, etc.)

Spark plugs "gas-gasoline"

If you are going to use gas candles on a gasoline engine for which LPG is not installed, then neither they nor the engine will be harmed. As you know, a good temperature reserve for candles is perhaps the main guarantee of their durability. They will easily last 100 thousand kilometers or more, and the maximum you will take them off for is to calcinate them in order to clean them from soot formed by unburned gasoline. The same can be said about the diesel engine.

On hybrid engines - gasoline with gas or a gas mixture, diesel with the same gas-fuel fuel - spark plugs designed for a gas engine are also a universal solution. Their work depends little on how many times and how often you switch from gasoline to gas and back. Finally, little will change in the case when the engine operates consuming exclusively gas or a gas mixture - it is the gas plugs that will endure, as they say, everything.

But gasoline spark plugs can no longer be used on gas - backward compatibility no longer works here. A candle designed for a temperature of 450, and not 600 degrees, simply will not be able to work for a long time - from frequent overheating, the insulator will collapse, the metal rods will burn out, and organic and inorganic deposits will often form on both. The engine will not start - or it will start, but will become unstable (“triple”), because spark cutting and spark ignition will no longer be satisfactory. In general, all the parameters of such a spark plug will deteriorate sharply, and starting and driving is an extra headache for the car owner.

Try not to skimp on candles - if possible, find the best candles designed specifically for gas if you use HBO. Otherwise, while continuing to drive on gasoline or diesel fuel (depending on the (sub)type of fuel), you can save money by abandoning spark plugs specifically for a gas engine.

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Selection of spark plugs for an engine with gas equipment

Taking into account the above, it becomes clear that the spark plugs need to be changed after switching to gas fuel. This will allow you to achieve the required service life of these elements, as well as eliminate problems associated with the complete combustion of the charge in the cylinders.

So, let's look at the most popular spark plugs for gas engines, as well as their pros and cons. At the very beginning, it is worth paying attention to the fact that today there are many spark plugs on sale that are positioned as solutions for engines with LPG. At the same time, a large selection not only does not make it easier, but also somewhat complicates the task of finding the most optimal solutions.

  • If we turn to the experience of car enthusiasts themselves, as well as analyze the recommendations of experts, Japanese spark plugs stand out separately. In the case of HBO, the position of Denso IW20 deserves special attention.
  • Japanese products again took second place in the list of the best candles for HBO. Now we will talk about NGK Laser Line 2, which have shown themselves to be worthy on engines that use gas.

Their main difference from their competitor is their twice the cost (from 110 USD per set). This is due to the fact that the active use of iridium and platinum has made it possible to increase their service life to 200 thousand kilometers.

  • Now let's move on to more affordable options. Among such products are Bosch WR7DP spark plugs, which are specially designed for gas engines.
  • Also among the more affordable spark plugs for gas engines, Brisk LR1YS should be highlighted. This product is a good solution in terms of price/quality ratio and is available at many points of sale. The cost of the set is about 13-15 USD. The spark plugs are specially designed to work on gas and do a good job.

However, this is where the advantages end, since a significant reduction in fuel consumption and a significantly increased service life should not be expected.

  • The list of the most budget-friendly solutions also highlights individual items. For example, Plazmo for Super GAZ spark plugs are a Ukrainian development for engines with LPG. At the same time, along with its low cost (about $5 for 4 pieces), this product has an acceptable service life (up to 100-120 thousand km).

It is quite obvious that the use of such spark plugs will not reduce gas consumption and will not add engine power, but you should not be afraid of significant carbon formation, misfires, engine misfiring, starting problems, etc. Considering the affordable price and sufficient resource, this is a very good option.

  • Also included in the list of the most affordable solutions for engines with gas equipment are Beru 14R-7DU spark plugs. In fact, this product is a regular mid-level spark plug for gasoline internal combustion engines. However, they can also be used for gas engines.

As practical operation shows, if the driver actively uses both gas and gasoline, these spark plugs are suitable in this case, since they are not particularly sensitive to changes in the type of fuel.

It is also worth noting that among representatives of the lower price segment of gas spark plugs you can find many solutions, but in practice, even ordinary “gasoline” analogues of average quality can be better than special gas, but the cheapest spark plugs.

First of all, the service life of the spark plugs, the stability of their operation on gas, the heat rating, etc. are important. For this reason, before purchasing one or another option, you should not only select spark plugs for a car with LPG, but also carefully study the characteristics, features, parameters, etc.

DENSO Iridium TT spark plugs: the optimal solution for vehicles using natural gas engine fuel

December 01, 2021 | article

With the constant tightening of legislative standards regulating the volume of emissions of harmful substances in exhaust gases and rising prices for gasoline and diesel fuel, gas motor fuel is gaining more and more popularity - and not only in Russia. At the same time, the demand for spare parts and consumables suitable for gas engines is growing correspondingly, among which spark plugs occupy a special place. DENSO's Iridium TT spark plugs are one of the aftermarket's most comprehensive offerings for natural gas vehicles.

In Russia, the number of vehicles running on liquefied and compressed natural gas (LNG and CNG, respectively) is growing. The process of “gasification” of motor transport is actively stimulated by the state. For example, from July 2021, the Government of the Russian Federation, together with PJSC Gazprom, launched an updated program to subsidize the transition to gas fuel for passenger and commercial vehicles.

Such changes stimulate demand for related automotive components and consumables. One of the most sought after products is spark plugs that are able to function properly under the specific conditions of internal combustion engines using natural gas as fuel. As one of the world leaders in automotive ignition technology, DENSO's product portfolio includes Iridium TT spark plugs, which are best suited to operate under the conditions created in the engine cylinders during gas combustion.

Starting problem

Understanding the specifics of the combustion process in internal combustion engines using natural gas is extremely important to understand the key requirements that spark plugs used in such engines must meet. Among the most important features, it is worth noting the difficult ignition of the gas-air mixture, the higher combustion temperature of the gas compared to gasoline and diesel fuel, and the longer duration of the complete combustion process.

Difficulties with ignition of a mixture of gas and air, being the source of the start-up problem, are associated with the state of aggregation of LNG and CNG. To ionize the gas (the process of spark formation), a higher voltage is required to be supplied to the electrodes. In addition, gas has a lower density compared to liquid, which means that when a gas-air mixture is supplied to the engine cylinder, there are fewer fuel and air molecules in the immediate vicinity of the spark plug electrodes, which also complicates ignition. Therefore, to start an engine using gas engine fuel, a spark of greater power is required. In this case, increasing the voltage cannot be an effective solution, since this increases the load on the spark plug and ignition coil and thereby reduces their service life.

Today, the most effective way to increase spark generation power is to use the thinnest possible electrodes in the spark plug design. This is why DENSO spark plugs with Twin Tip (TT) technology are the best choice for CNG and CNG engines. The central electrode of these spark plugs with a diameter of only 0.4 mm, paired with an ultra-thin tip of the side electrode, creates a high-power spark discharge that reliably ignites the gas-air mixture.

The problem of high temperature and gas burning time

The combustion process of gas engine fuel itself is accompanied by the release of a significant amount of heat - more than during the combustion of gasoline. At the same time, the completeness of combustion and burning time are also higher. The increase in temperature in the combustion chamber of an engine running on gas engine fuel is especially noticeable in the area immediately surrounding the spark plug electrodes. Temperature fluctuations in the combustion chamber of such an engine are also more significant than in the combustion chamber of a gasoline engine. Increased temperatures, as well as significant changes in temperature, place much higher demands on the materials from which the spark plug electrodes are made. Practice shows that standard spark plugs with electrodes made of nickel alloys under such conditions demonstrate a 20–30% reduction in service life compared to the service life of the same spark plugs in engines using traditional fuels.

The most effective solution for ensuring a long service life of spark plugs when operating in gas engines is the use of electrodes made of noble metals, since the latter have a high melting point and excellent oxidation resistance. DENSO Iridium TT spark plugs use iridium, the most refractory natural metal, to produce the center electrode. Thanks to this solution, the ultra-thin central electrode is able to effectively withstand the effects of high temperatures in the combustion chamber of a gas engine. At the same time, the ultra-thin tip of the side electrode of Iridium TT spark plugs is made of platinum, a metal that is only slightly inferior to iridium in heat resistance.

DENSO IridiumTT in gas engines: high efficiency and long service life

The two ultra-fine electrodes in Iridium TT spark plugs significantly increase the density of the electrical discharge, which creates a powerful flame front. High spark generation efficiency guarantees reliable ignition of gas engine fuel and also reduces the likelihood of misfires. This contributes to smooth and powerful operation of LNG and CNG engines; this does not create excessive stress on other components of the ignition system.

Thus, due to the absence of the need to supply higher voltage, as well as the use of advanced materials, DENSO Iridium TT spark plugs provide unprecedented long-life performance when operating in gas engines. Iridium and platinum perform reliably in high combustion chamber temperatures when using natural gas engine fuel, providing DENSO spark plugs with an additional increase in service life.

Thanks to their ability to create a powerful spark discharge and durability, DENSO Iridium TT spark plugs have become not just the optimal, but virtually the only solution for vehicles using natural gas engine fuel. Despite their compact size, the range of spark plugs in the Iridium TT line provides a variety of application options and covers a significant part of the Russian gas-powered vehicle fleet in both the passenger car and light commercial vehicle segments. DENSO recommends the use of Iridium TT spark plugs for servicing increasingly popular natural gas vehicles.

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Tips and tricks

As you can see, choosing the right spark plugs for gas engines is not the easiest task. Moreover, quite often you can come across the statement that gas spark plugs are a complete analogue of gasoline spark plugs, that is, there is no need to use such solutions. If we add to this the extremely high cost of top-line gas equipment products, then it is clear why there are many supporters of this opinion among motorists.

In other words, drivers often tend to think that cheap gas spark plugs are worse than average gasoline plugs, while it is no longer advisable to use expensive gas spark plugs. Let's be somewhat clear.

At the same time, the cost of such products is almost on the same level as similar gas ones. It is quite logical that the owner of a car with LPG should not immediately change existing iridium or platinum spark plugs. You can switch to gas options after the end of the service life of the spark plugs, taking into account some differences and adaptation to gas fuel.

Also, spark plugs for gas motors have increased resistance to heat, heat index number, etc. This means that they are able to operate in higher temperatures and cope with the thermal load that increases after switching to gas.

What's the result?

If we talk about power, gas consumption and engine life, it is important to understand that everything depends not only on spark plugs. First of all, the engine must be carefully tuned for gas, there should be no problems with mixture formation (severe enrichment or leanness of the mixture), if necessary, valve clearances are additionally adjusted, and oil for gas engines is used, etc.

Only if the above and a number of other conditions are met, special gas spark plugs will make their contribution, and the driver himself will be able to feel real changes in the operation of the engine.

Do-it-yourself tuning and modernization of spark plugs to improve fuel efficiency and other characteristics of the internal combustion engine. How to modify the candles yourself.

The service life of different types of spark plugs, after what mileage it is recommended to change the spark plugs, signs of a necessary replacement. Useful tips and tricks.

Choice of spark plugs between NGK and Denso manufacturers. How to choose candles and which brand to choose. Features and nuances during selection.

Spark plugs with iridium and platinum electrodes: advantages over conventional spark plugs. Which is better in practice, iridium or platinum spark plugs?

Advantages and disadvantages of using gas equipment. Maintenance and operation of gas equipment, the benefits and harms of gas for the engine and standard systems.

Converting a diesel engine to gas: principles of operation of a gas-diesel engine, features of installing gas equipment on a diesel engine. Advantages and disadvantages of diesel gas equipment.

Checking the condition of the spark plugs

A change in the appearance of the spark plugs is a symptom of fuel mismatch and engine problems. What to pay attention to:

  • violations of the integrity of the housing and insulator, deformation of the spark plug elements require its replacement;
  • the black color of the soot indicates an over-enriched mixture and the imminent failure of the spark plug;
  • the shine of slag and the smell of gasoline require debugging the ignition system or selecting a spark plug with the appropriate heat rating.

The normal condition of the spark plug is light soot and no corrosion.


Example of faulty spark plugs

What candles for HBO should I buy?

Let's see which gas candles are popular. The review included 6 options, the price of the most expensive differs from the most budget-friendly by more than ten times, and they are sorted in descending order. The approximate cost of the kit for a 4-cylinder engine is given.

  1. NGK Laser Line 2 are the most expensive units in this review, they have an iridium electrode and platinum surfacing on the side electrode. They work very well and are durable. Sparking is stable, regardless of speed. Their price, about 4,000 rubles, is due to both the use of expensive metals and the popularity of the brand. With them, noticeable, about 5-8%, fuel savings and an increase in power are achieved - up to 2% on gas. They also work well on gasoline.
  2. Denso IW20 is a Japanese product; its feature is a very thin central electrode, about 0.4 mm, versus 2.5 mm for competitors. The thin electrode provides a high-quality and powerful spark that ignites both gasoline and gas perfectly. The refractoriness of the electrodes gives an excellent resource; the price tag is 2500 rubles, although almost half as much as the previous ones, but you can’t call it budget.
  3. Bosch WR7DP are quite unusual. The Bosch company, which makes popular ignition systems, by the way, has made an unusual move that protects the electrode from contamination. The central electrode is recessed as much as possible into the insulator, which provides a kind of protection against deposits. Power and consumption figures are slightly worse than those of more expensive competitors, but the WR7DP are good spark plugs for gasoline and gas. The price is already more pleasant for the consumer - 1000 rubles, with good quality.
  4. Brisk. LR15YS Polish spark plugs for gas engines, intended for gas engines, the central electrode is thinner than that of gasoline ones, but thicker than that of iridium ones, and it is also coated with silver. In terms of quality, they occupy a middle position between gasoline and the first three points of our review. Their price is very pleasant - 500 rubles. per set.
  5. Beru 14R-7DU do not have any marks from the manufacturer stating that these are spark plugs for propane and gasoline gas, but they work quite well on gas. Otherwise, the quality is at the Brisk level, as is the price - 400 rubles.
  6. Plazmo for Super GAZ is the cheapest option for gas, produced in Ukraine, there are no special differences in operation from the previous version. The quality for their price (250 rubles) is very good, judging by the reviews of car owners, they can withstand long-term use (about 100,000 km), and the price allows them to be changed more often.

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How do gas kits differ from petrol kits?

The heat rating is a characteristic that describes how much heat the spark plug transfers to the engine head. According to the heat number, they are distinguished:

  • cold (c. h. 20+);
  • average (part 14-19);
  • hot (parts 11-14).

The heat number of spark plugs for HBO should be colder (higher) than for gasoline.

The gap between the electrodes is very important: if it is too large, too much stress will be placed on the ignition coil. More voltage will be required for spark breakdown. If it is too small, the spark will be weak. The gas-air mixture has greater electrical resistance than the mixture of gasoline and air. To stop this difference, reduce the gap between the side and central electrodes. The gap on the spark plugs on the HBO is about 0.8 mm.

If you drive gasoline spark plugs using LPG, soot and unnecessary deposits will form on them; their overheating will lead to premature failure or glow ignition. In addition, carbon deposits will be stronger both on the cylinder and in the exhaust system. It is better to drive gas cars with gasoline as fuel than vice versa.

How to check and how to set it

What gap should be on the piston rings of a VAZ 2106
The process is not as complicated as it seems at first glance. To begin with, we simply unscrew the spark plugs, then look for damage; if there is none, then you can first clean it, then check the gap.

Of course, the gap can be measured with conventional measuring instruments, just a ruler. However, it is very difficult to determine 0.5 or 0.7 mm by sight! Therefore, now in stores you can buy so-called sets of “feelers” or special keys for checking the gap.

The probes are similar to metal curved letters “G”, with different sizes; we simply place them between the electrodes and determine the gap with an accuracy of 97%. If it is larger, for example on an injector than 1.1 mm, then the contacts are brought closer to each other, you can simply tap with the handle of a screwdriver. If it’s too close, then we move them apart from each other, again checking with a probe.

Watch my video about the gap.

Installation of candles

To install spark plugs for 4th generation HBO or any other, you need a spark plug wrench; in some engine designs it is possible to do this using an open-end or socket wrench. To do this, you need to remove the caps with high-voltage wires and unscrew the old ones, counterclockwise.

If you screw the new spark plugs into the cylinder head poorly, they will heat up more, the consequences of this are described above. If you overtighten, you damage the ceramic insulator, it may and will work, but you can’t expect stable operation.

Important: For proper tightening, follow the advice: tighten them by hand, then turn them a quarter turn with a wrench. If you are re-installing spark plugs - a third of a turn, and if the sealing surface is conical - by 15%.

Rating of spark plugs for gas fuel for cars

Most manufacturers of gas equipment recommend purchasing special spark plugs when switching to alternative fuel.

This can be explained quite simply - ignition of the gas-air mixture is more difficult than gasoline, and when it burns, much more heat is generated, which disrupts the thermodynamic cycle of the engine.

The result is increased wear on the ignition system, which is forced to send more powerful impulses to ignite the mixture in the cylinders. In addition, the temperature of the electrodes increases significantly, which can cause glow ignition. Therefore, it is worth finding out which spark plugs for gas will be optimal.

Rating of models from different manufacturers

Carbon deposits on spark plugs

Suppliers of gas equipment advise when switching to methane or propane to install candles adapted to the new conditions. The moment of ignition of a gas-air composition is a more complex process than with gasoline fuel. A large amount of heat negatively affects the thermodynamic cycle of the engine. The resource of the ignition system is reduced. It must work at its maximum capacity, as it sends more powerful impulses to the cylinders. The heating of the electrodes increases, and this can lead to glow ignition. Choosing the optimal gas spark plugs will solve the problem.

Many ignition systems presented on the Russian market are adapted to operate on gas fuel. These are budget options produced in Russia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Poland, China, as well as expensive models supplied by manufacturers in Japan, Germany and the USA.

How to figure out whether it is profitable to purchase specially adapted candles for HBO or whether their existence is just another marketing ploy? Research conducted in various laboratories allows us to conclude that candles for HBO are at the same level in terms of universal high-quality products. Gas ones undoubtedly outperform budget gasoline ones, but are worse than expensive ones adapted for gas fuel mode. Many car owners prefer to switch to high-quality universal spark plugs from well-known brands.

The ranking of the best models is as follows:

There are other devices that are adapted to gas and are in the forefront in terms of applicability. This is Brisk LPG lr15ys silver (Czech Republic), with a central electrode made of silver. The electrode is slightly thicker than platinum. Silver spark plugs have a specific focus on gas equipment.

According to reviews from car owners, Denso q20pr-u11 spark plugs are high-quality, inexpensive, with improved characteristics and a long service life. Another model DENSO w20epr-U shows good results. Car owners who use them note quieter engine operation and the absence of “jerking” when changing gears.

Each car owner has his own system for selecting spare parts and consumables for his vehicle. If you have the opportunity to “invest” in expensive devices right away, this will help you forget about many problems. Related to the ignition system. If you have to save money, then you need to be prepared for the fact that the spark plugs will have to be changed more often, and fuel consumption will be slightly higher.

Myth or reality?

There are many models of spark plugs on the Russian market that are adapted to work on gas. You can purchase devices of any class - from budget options produced in Russia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Poland and China to expensive devices coming to our country from Japan, Germany or the USA. Do specialized gas candles really exist or is this just another marketing myth invented to increase sales?

Numerous studies conducted by independent laboratories show that "gas-adapted" spark plugs do not outperform high-quality universal components. The conclusion is quite simple - gas candles are better than budget-class devices, but significantly inferior to prestigious-class devices. Therefore, it is much better to pay attention to high-quality models from reputable manufacturers that do not have special recommendations.

Rating

The best candles

Practice shows that the best spark plugs for gas cars are produced by the Japanese. The optimal choice for a car equipped with a gas cylinder installation is the Denso IW20 model. It’s worth saying right away that such components are not cheap at all - a set of four pieces will cost the buyer approximately 3200–3500 rubles.

However, the effect is obvious - in comparison with budget models, including those adapted to run on gas, they allow you to get an almost 5% increase in power and reduce fuel costs by approximately 7%. This means that with proper engine tuning, choosing the correct valve clearance, and using high-quality oil, the loss of performance and increase in fuel consumption when switching to gas will be minimal.

The second place in gas efficiency is occupied by spark plugs from another Japanese manufacturer - NGK Laser Line 2. The manufacturer claims that they are adapted for gas-cylinder cars, and does not lie - tests show that in terms of efficiency they are almost as good as the model described above.

NGK Laserline 2

However, you shouldn’t wait for a budget solution to the problem of switching to gas fuel - a set of spark plugs for a regular four-cylinder engine will cost almost 5 thousand rubles! This price is easy to explain - not only iridium is used in the production of candles, but also platinum. However, you can immediately reassure car enthusiasts, since such components can withstand a mileage of up to 150–200 thousand kilometers without significant deterioration in properties.

Second Division

Quite good spark plugs for 4th generation HBO are produced by the German company Bosch, whose ignition systems are found on about a quarter of all cars in the world. The WR7DP model has a very unusual layout - their electrode is almost completely recessed into the insulator, thereby achieving excellent protection against deposits and accidental damage.

However, you should not expect great efficiency from such an arrangement, since fuel consumption is reduced by only 3–4%, and power is comparable to that when using cheap ignition systems. The absence of expensive materials has a positive effect on the cost parameters of automotive components - the price of a kit for a four-cylinder engine does not exceed 1.5 thousand rubles.

If you want to purchase inexpensive specialized gas candles, you should pay attention to the products of another European manufacturer - Brisk. The LR15YS model is adapted to work on alternative fuels, but this does not prevent it from showing worse results than conventional spark plugs with iridium and platinum electrodes.

Fuel consumption and power indicators differ from those when using cheap spark plugs by only 1–1.5 percent. However, the cost of purchasing such components will be appropriate - a set can be purchased for up to 750 rubles, which makes this model one of the most affordable on the Russian market.

Third grade

As you know, it is not a defect, but it does not have much value for practical use. The third grade includes Ukrainian-made Plazmo for Super GAZ. They do not have any positive effect compared to cheap spark plugs for running on gasoline. Among their advantages, only low cost can be noted, which today amounts to almost 400 rubles for a full set.

Plazmo for Super GAZ

Also, many drivers praise them for their relatively long service life, corresponding to a mileage of 100–120 thousand kilometers. Therefore, the increased fuel consumption is fully compensated by the small costs of replacing spark plugs.

In addition, for gas you can also purchase French spark plugs Beru 14R-7DU, which are considered an exemplary “middle class” for gasoline engines. With them, the transition to gas remains virtually unnoticed by the engine - the drop in power and increase in fuel consumption remain within normal limits.

Also, such candles attract many car enthusiasts with their low cost, since their cost does not exceed 1,200 rubles per set. Experts say that Beru spark plugs are the best option for people who often use both gas and gasoline - switching has almost no effect on the technical condition of the ignition system.

In addition, the third class of gas candles includes products from the Brisk company, in addition to the model mentioned above. Among them, the following should be highlighted:

They differ not only in the characteristics of the electrodes, but also in adaptation to the ignition systems of certain cars. However, you should not expect a significant positive effect from their use when switching to gas - it is better to buy high-quality spark plugs for a gasoline engine.

The reality of what is happening

A motorist whose car is equipped with gas-cylinder equipment should think three times before spending money on the purchase of adapted spark plugs, which are supposedly capable of working much more efficiently and productively with blue fuel than with gasoline.

More than once, motorists who have installed gas equipment and bought specialized spark plugs note that they are only a marketing ploy. So manufacturers are trying to sell products that are no different from ordinary candles at a higher price. Yes, they can use other, and more expensive, materials and change the design somewhat. But in fact, according to car enthusiasts, the costs are not justified. The performance of the motor remains at the same level as with conventional spark plugs.

It’s not enough to simply rely on subjective reviews. It is much more correct to refer to the results of tests and studies. And they clearly show that even the highest quality gas spark plugs do not differ in efficiency and performance from universal-type devices aimed primarily at gasoline power units.

Yes, if you compare cheap universal spark plugs and spark generation devices adapted for gas, the advantage will be on the side of the latter. But they will not be able to impose a fight against universal candles of a higher level.

NGK LaserLine 2

To understand the essence of what is happening, you need to take into account the key differences between gas or LPG devices adapted from conventional gasoline ones.

Firstly, gas ones use a smaller gap between the electrodes. This allows for similar compression efficiency of a mixture of gas and air, comparable to the compression of air and gasoline.

Secondly, devices for gas-cylinder equipment have a higher heat index. This means that such candles are able to withstand higher heat loads.

The practice and experience of motorists clearly prove that buying high-quality universal spark plugs is in many ways equivalent to using expensive devices adapted for gas-air mixtures. But all other things being equal, even taking into account the slightly longer life of gas devices, purchasing universal products will cost less.

Plus, universal, but high-quality spark plugs can provide a greater increase in engine power and reduce fuel consumption.

You are unlikely to feel the benefits of any type of spark plug if you install the LPG incorrectly, violate the setup recommendations, or do not follow the operating instructions.

Also, an adapted and universal candle will not work effectively if you initially buy cheap products. It's not worth saving on such details. Focus on a specific situation, try different options and experiment.

The main thing is that the selected candles are of high quality, they do not turn out to be fakes and work as part of properly installed and configured gas equipment.

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