

It also helps to note that the anti-seize compound can alter torque and lead to thread breakage. People often over-tighten the plugs when using anti-seize, and you should thus avoid this. Note that these plugs get installed at the factory when dry, devoid of the use of anti-seize. This coating also works as a release agent when removing the plugs. As such, they can resist corrosion owing to exposure to chemicals and moisture. There are five things you should know about these plugs. Most of the information as to these plugs is available in the NGK spark plug gap chart PDF. Special nickel alloys, platinum, and iridium electrodes, along with copper cores are all used to enhance durability – durability meaning how long a spark plug will last before it needs to be replaced.Are NGK Spark Plugs pre-gapped? You probably have this and other questions running through your mind. Nearly all NGK spark plugs, including precious metal iridium and platinum plugs, have a copper core to increase the electrode durability. A copper core is used to increase heat dissipation and durability by lowering the electrode temperatures.

The copper core has nothing to do with the electrical performance of the spark plug. A standard material spark plug uses a nickel-alloy that may include a small copper core. Copper is soft with a low melting point and cannot be used for electrodes, as they would wear very quickly. However, this terminology is incorrect, as standard material plugs do not have electrodes made from copper. “Copper spark plugs” is a term often used to describe a standard material spark plug. Over torquing may cause any of the following: thread damage/breakage, compromised internal seals leading to gas leakage, metal shell stretch leading to poor heat dissipation and pre-ignition. An under-torqued spark plug can lead to excessive vibration and improper heat dissipation, causing spark plug and/or engine damage. Always follow the manufacturer recommended torque specification. Torque is crucial in the ability of the plug to dissipate heat and perform properly. NGK also recommends adjusting the gap no more than +/- 0.008” from the factory preset gap. If the gap must be adjusted, use a tool that only moves the ground electrode and does not pry between or against the electrodes. NGK recommends a round wire-style or pin gauge gap tool to measure the gap. Care must be taken to avoid bending or breaking off the fine-wire electrodes. While most NGK spark plugs are pre-gapped, there are occasions when the gap requires adjustment. Corona stain is completely normal and should not be mistaken for exhaust gas blow-by or a broken seal inside the spark plug. Corona stain is created by the high voltage traveling thru the plug that attracts the dirt or oil particles surrounding the exposed ceramic insulator between the wire/coil boot and spark plug metal shell. It is completely unnecessary and can be detrimental.Ĭorona stain is a light brown or tan discoloration on the outside of the ceramic insulator above the metal shell/hex. Do not use anti-seize or lubricant on NGK spark plugs. Metal shell stretch changes the heat rating of the spark plug and can result in serious engine damage caused by pre-ignition. Thread breakage can sometimes involve removing the cylinder head for repair. NGK spark plugs are installed at the factory dry, without lubrication or anti-seize.Īnti-seize can act as a lubricant, altering torque values up to 20 percent, increasing the risk of spark plug thread breakage and/or metal shell stretch. The coating also acts as a release agent during spark plug removal. This silver or chrome-colored finish on the threads is designed to provide corrosion resistance against moisture and chemicals. NGK spark plugs feature trivalent plating. 5 Things You Should Know About Spark Plugs
