IMPORTANT
Consult the vehicle service manual for specific information and test procedures for any and all service work performed. Do not attempt to service a vehicle without the Manufacturers Instructions and Safety Procedures.
The 100.000 Mile Spark Plug
Who would have thought, in less than 65 years, the spark plug would last for 100.000 miles of service?
In those early days of spark plug design, the "take-apart" spark plug, had a "porcelain" insulator which was intended to be removed from the steel hex shell, while the shell remained in the engine head. The removable insulator was necessary , because the porcelain and center electrode required frequent cleaning. The spark plugs were cleaned every 500 to 1000 miles, and usually replaced at 2,000 miles. I remember in the days of leaded gasoline and standard ignitions the spark plugs were cleaned and re-gapped at 8,000-10,000 miles, and replaced at 12,000 - 15,000 miles.
With the development of "lead-free" gasoline and "high energy" ignition systems, the spark plug can be expected to last a minimum of 30,000 miles (50,000 Km). The "New Extended Life Spark Plug" with platinum tips push the expected life to 100,000 miles (160,000 Km).
The Job of The Spark Plug.
The primary function of the spark plug is to ignite the air/fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine.
1. Stand ready to spark millions of times under conditions of intense heat and pressure.
2. Repeatedly conduct a high voltage electric pulse, in excess of 25,000 volts at times of demand to ignite the fuel, in the combustion chamber of the engine.
3. Provide durable electrodes between which electric current can arc, to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder.
