Features of the design and selection of spark plugs

The spark plug is a small, but very important part of any car, because thanks to it, ultimately, an electrical discharge is created, which guarantees a confident start of a cold engine, good throttle response, stable idling, no misfiring of the cylinders, etc. This is why it is so important to regularly (at every oil change) monitor the condition of the spark plugs and replace them on time. Moreover, it is better to do this replacement according to the manufacturer’s recommendations - with an original part, but, unfortunately, this is not always possible, fortunately there is such a thing as the interchangeability of spark plugs. The serviceability of spark plugs determines the efficiency of any internal combustion engine. This part may fail, requiring immediate replacement.

What can you change for what?! Let's look at the most common types of spark plugs in our country and their analogues.

Domestic or foreign, how to choose?

Different types of protective equipment from one manufacturer

Candles from foreign manufacturers do not have specific labeling requirements. Russian products must contain symbols indicating the following information:

• name of the manufacturer or company logo;
• date of manufacture;
• designation “made in Russia” or RUS;
• markings that comply with state standards.

Foreign candles are marked according to a similar principle to domestic devices. However, their designation is deciphered differently. Products of different brands, for example “BRISK” and “NGK” with the same parameters have different designations. The lack of generally accepted labeling standards greatly complicates the selection of an analogue. To choose the right SZ, you should use the spark plug interchangeability table or pay attention to the spark plug packaging, it contains information indicating which types of engines the SZ is suitable for.

Table. Selection of the main types of protective equipment from different brands based on compatibility.

If it is impossible to find an analogue for candles, then a dash is placed in the table.

Comparison of A17DVRM analogues produced under different brands

One of the online publications conducted a comparative test of spark plugs intended for the VAZ-21116 engine. We tested analogues of the A17DVRM spark plug, supplied by the following companies:

• APS, Bosch, Brisk – Russian production;
• Bosch Platinum, Beru, Finwhale – Germany;
• NGK, Denso – Japan;
• Eyquem - France;
• Champion – “made in the European Union”.

Note that testing was carried out on an 8-valve VAZ-2111 engine (injectors, lambda probe, without catalyst, “January-5.1”). All measurements were carried out on a bench.

Selection of spark plugs for 8-valve engine 21116

The results of the tests performed are presented in the photo in the form of graphs. As you can see, it still makes sense to buy imports: using spark plugs from Bosch, as well as products from the Finwhale, Brisk and Champion brands will provide a noticeable increase in power. If you want to save on fuel, then ask for NGK products in stores. Additional comments are unnecessary here.

Forced engines are characterized by an increased compression value, and VAZ engines are no exception. By installing Brisk spark plugs, you don't have to worry about sparking at high pressure. But note that NGK candles have similar characteristics. It turns out that NGK products should be considered the optimal choice, however, recently counterfeits of this brand have appeared. And the “remake”, it seems, is now coming from France, as described in the film.

How does a spark plug work?

Consists of the following elements:

• tip (contact pin);
• insulator ribs;
• insulator;
• base;
• seals;
• side electrode;
• central electrode;
• metal body;
• ring sealing.

Tip. Its task is to transmit voltage to the central electrode through a special conductive rod. On a high-quality candle, the tip should not unscrew. If it is removed, this indicates a low-quality product.

The insulator is made from a special ceramic material. The insulator has a wavy appearance; due to the parameters and number of waves, the voltage path can be lengthened.

Metal body. Looking at the body of the spark plug you can tell a lot. For example, whether it is of high quality or not, find out the manufacturer. If you can see rainbow tints on the case, then we can safely say that it is a fake, because the tints mean that the product has not completely undergone heat treatment.

Metal ring. The ring serves to create a tight connection between the spark plug and the cylinder block.

The internal seal is designed to fix the ceramic insulator and improve thermal conductivity.

The insulator cone (the base of the wavy insulator) can be in the shape of a barrel or a cone, it all depends on the purpose of the candle. Inside it there is a central electrode, based on the appearance of which, the operation of a particular cylinder can be characterized.

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The technological chamfer makes it easier to fit the spark plug into the cylinder head.

Side electrode. It has a curved shape at 90º C, and contains platinum plating, which improves its properties and long service life. There may be several side electrodes in the package.

Air gap. The space between the ceramic insulator and the metal body is designed to reduce and self-clean carbon deposits. The gap size is indicated by the last digits in the model name.

Central electrode. It is made of special alloys that are resistant to high temperatures and can have different heights and diameters.

Ceramic body. Its presence allows you to isolate the central electrode from the ground and can withstand a voltage of 50 kV.

There is a thread on the body with which the spark plug is attached to the cylinder head. The body has a turnkey hexagon shape and is coated with a special anti-corrosion substance. The supporting surface can be either conical or flat. The spark plug ring serves as a sealing element for the spark plug hole. High quality ceramics are used for insulation. To avoid loss of electricity, special grooves are provided on its surface, onto which glaze is applied, and the insulator area on the side of the combustion chamber is made in the form of a cone. In the middle of the ceramic part there is a central electrode and a contact rod, and perhaps a resistor is located between them. It is designed to suppress possible radio interference. The side electrode is welded to the metal body. Alloys for electrodes have high heat resistance. In order to maximize service life, spark plugs are introduced that have several side electrodes, which are coated with a ball of platinum or iridium. Their service life is up to 100,000 km.

Which brand of spark plug should I choose?

There are several types of candles. Two or more electrodes, torch design, plasma torch ignition. All manufacturers have in their assortment spark plugs with different types of electrodes.

Here are the best of them:

1. BOSCH

2.NGK

3. CHAMPION

4. BRISK

5. DENSO

The choice of manufacturer is not as important as the choice of model and manufacturing technology.

Nevertheless, some features of the brands can be highlighted:

• Bosch has an agreement for OEM supplies for Mitsubishi, Fiat, Audi, Peugeot, Toyota.
• NGK cooperates with such automakers as Ferrari, Ford, Volkswagen, Volvo, BMW.
• Champion works for Suzuki, GM, Jaguar, Volvo, Alfa Romeo.
• Brisk produces spark plugs with the logo of Audi, Opel, Skoda and BMW.

Accordingly, by purchasing a spark plug with the logo of the manufacturer that produces products for your car brand, you will simply save money without losing quality. Often the part number of the product matches the car make and the original name of the manufacturer on consumables.

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Table of spark plug analogues

Spark plug interchangeability table.

Note. * non-standard designation of a spark plug with two “ground” electrodes. n.d. - no data. The completeness and spark gaps of analogue spark plugs may differ.

Now let's look at the table in more detail.

A17DV.

Country of origin: Russia.

On which cars it is used: VAZ 2101-2107 and their modifications until 1988.

Analogues:

• BOSCH (Germany) – W7D;
• NIPPON (Japan) – DENCO W20EP-U;
• NGK (Japan) – BP6ES;
• AC DELCO (USA) – 42XLS;
• BRISK (Czech Republic) – L15YC;
• BERU (Germany) – 14-7DU;
• CHAMPION (USA) – N9Y;
• EYQUEN (France, Italy) – 750LS.

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A17DVM.

Country of origin: Russia.

On which cars it is used: VAZ 2101-2107 and their modifications until 1988.

Analogues:

• BOSCH (Germany) – W7DC;
• NIPPON (Japan) – W20EP-U;
• AC DELCO (USA) - C42XLC;
• BRISK (Czech Republic) – L15YC;
• CHAMPION (USA) – N9YC;
• NGK (Japan) – BP6ES;
• BERU (Germany) – 14-7DU;
• EYQUEM (France, Italy) – C62LS.

A17DVRM.

Country of origin: Russia.

On which cars it is used: VAZ 2104-2111 and all their modifications.

Analogues:

• BERU (Germany) – 14R-7DU;
• BOSCH (Germany) – WR7DC;
• NIPPON (Japan) – W20EPR;
• AC DELCO (USA) – CR42XLC;
• BRISK (Czech Republic) – LR15YC;
• NGK (Japan) – BPR6ES;
• CHAMPION (USA) – RN9YC.

A10.

Country of origin: Russia.

On what vehicles is it used: ZIL-157KD and its modifications.

Analogues:

• BOSCH (Germany) – W9AC;
• AC DELCO (USA) – 46F;
• BRISK (Czech Republic) – N19;
• NGK (Japan) – B4H;
• BERU (Germany) – 14-10A;
• AUTO LITE (USA) – 416;
• CHAMPION (USA) – L90.

A20D.

Country of origin: Russia.

On what vehicles is it used: AZLK, IZH.

Analogues:

• BOSCH (Germany) – W6CC;
• MARELLI (Italy) – 7LPR;
• BRISK (Czech Republic) – L14;
• NGK (Japan) – B7ES;
• BERU (Germany) – 14-6CU;
• AUTO LITE (USA) – 4054;
• CHAMPION (USA) – N3C.

A14B and A14B-2.

Country of origin: Russia.

On which vehicles is it used:

• GAZ-24;
• buses: RAF, ErAZ;
• motorcycles: “Dnepr” and “Ural”.

Analogues:

• BOSCH (Germany) – W8BC;
• AC DELCO (USA) – 43FS;
• BRISK (Czech Republic) – N17YC;
• NGK (Japan) – BP5HS;
• BERU (Germany) – 14-8B;
• CHAMPION (USA) – L92YC;
• AUTO LITE (USA) – 275;
• MARELLI (Italy) – F7NC;
• NIPPON (Japan) – W14FP;
• EYQUEN (France, Italy) – 550S.

A14D.

Country of origin: Russia.

On what cars is it used: GAZ-3102.

Analogues:

• BOSCH (Germany) - W8CC;
• BRISK (Czech Republic) – L17C;
• NGK (Japan) – B5ES;
• BERU (Germany) – 14-8C;
• CHAMPION (USA) – N5C;
• AC DELCO (USA) – 43XL;
• MARELLI (Italy) – CW6L;
• NIPPON (Japan) – W17ES;
• AUTO LITE (USA) – 394;
• EYQUEN (France, Italy) – 600L.

A11 and A11-3.

Country of origin: Russia.

On which cars it is used: GAZ, ZIL, UAZ.

Analogues:

• BOSCH (Germany) – W9AC;
• BRISK (Czech Republic) – N19;
• NGK (Japan) – B4H;
• BERU (Germany) – 14-10A;
• CHAMPION (USA) – L86C;
• AUTO LITE (USA) – 416;
• MARELLI (Italy) – CW4N;
• AC DELCO (USA) – 45F, 420Z;
• EYQUEN (France, Italy) – 406.

A14DV.

Country of origin: Russia.

On what cars is it used: GAZ-14, GAZ-3102 and its modifications.

Analogues:

• BOSCH (Germany) – W8DC;
• AC DELCO (USA) – 43XLS;
• BRISK (Czech Republic) – L17C;
• NGK (Japan) – BP5ES;
• BERU (Germany) – 14-8DU;
• CHAMPION (USA) – N11YC;
• MARELLI (Italy) – CW6LP;
• AUTO LITE (USA) – 55;
• EYQUEN (France, Italy) – 600LS.

Spark plugs analogues, replacement of spark plugs

Which car enthusiast has not encountered problems with the operation of their car’s engine? Difficulty starting a cold engine, unstable idle speed, poor throttle response, misfiring of cylinders - the list goes on for a long time. Many malfunctions occur due to poor ignition of the gasoline mixture. The spark plug is responsible for this process inside the combustion chamber of each cylinder in your car.

What is a spark plug

This, in simple words, is a device designed to produce an electrical discharge - a spark. Therefore, spark plugs always have two or more electrodes between which the same high-voltage spark jumps, which should ignite the mixture of gasoline and air. You also need to understand that many systems in a car are responsible for the formation of an electrical discharge, and the spark plug is only the final device.

Why change spark plugs

If the generated high voltage is not applied to the spark plug, then a spark will not occur and the engine will not work. At this point, change the spark plugs - don’t change them, but you’ll have to look for the reason elsewhere. But even though the spark plug is the final element in a high-voltage electrical chain, its failure (which seems like a trifle at first glance) can lead to expensive repairs. What is it worth, for example, to replace a catalytic converter of exhaust gases, or a failed individual ignition coil for a specific cylinder? Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the condition of your car’s spark plugs and it is advisable to carry out basic diagnostics at each oil change, either independently or at a station. The lifespan of spark plugs, as a rule, does not exceed 30,000 kilometers. After this, they must be replaced with new ones.

Which spark plugs are better to install, originals or analogues?

It is best to install exactly those spark plugs that are recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle, but it is also possible to install analogues.

We offer a table developed on the basis of catalogs of the most common candle manufacturers in our country.

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The main criteria by which selection is carried out

Products from various brands

Modern motors are manufactured with certain design features that provide them with certain technical characteristics. For normal operation of the power unit, it is necessary to install the SZ, with certain parameters corresponding to the type of car engine. When choosing an analogue of SZ, you should pay attention to their main parameters:

1. Screw-in dimensions:

• length of the threaded part;
• thread pitch;
• thread diameter;
• turnkey hexagon dimensions.

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Products with overall and connecting dimensions that do not correspond to the engine type cannot be mounted on the power unit. The use of devices with a threaded part that is too long or short, in most cases ends in a major overhaul of the car engine.

1. The thermal part of the analogue should be as close as possible to the characteristics of the original. We are talking about the heat number, which reflects the ability of candle products to heat up at different thermal loads of the engine. Please note, when selecting SZ for compatibility, that domestic products are marked indicating the heat number, while foreign ones are divided into cold (having a large heat number) and hot (having a small heat number).
2. The distance between the spark plug contacts must correspond to the size specified in the machine manual. An increased spark plug gap will lead to a decrease in spark power, and a reduced gap will lead to breakdowns in the ignition system.
3. Number of spark plug electrodes. Many motorists are of the opinion: the more spark plug contacts, the stronger the sparking. This is an erroneous statement; the spark occurs between two contacts. In multi-contact devices, the operating principle is as follows: if one electrode burns, sparking will occur on the second. Such modernization of the SZ design makes it possible to increase their operational period, but does not affect the spark power.
4. The material from which the spark plug contacts are made. It is possible to buy iridium, platinum or classic candles. The operational period of the product, the rate of formation and the power of the spark depend on the material of their contacts.

You can buy various spare parts for your car at https://tdbovid.ru/katalog_zapchastej

Candle parameters

Overall and connecting dimensions are the pitch and diameter of the thread on the contact part, which is screwed into the cylinder, the size of the hexagon and the length of the threaded part. These dimensions correspond to each individual type of engine, since the seat on the cylinders has its own design size.

The drip number is an indicator of the level of thermal property that shows how the plug heats up depending on the various thermal loads of the engine. If it has a small drop number, then it is called hot. Its thermal cone heats up to 900º C. They are used on low-power engines with a low compression ratio. Cold spark plugs are those in which ignition occurs under high thermal loads; accordingly, they are used for highly accelerated engines.

The size of the spark gap. This value is usually indicated in the vehicle operating rules and has limits from 0.5 to 2 mm. The gap can be structurally adjustable.