![]() When one talks in terms of nickel alloys, platinum and iridium, one is referring to its durability, or how long a spark plug will last before it needs to be replaced. Nearly all NGK spark plugs, including precious metals iridium and platinum, have a copper core. However, as an outer electrode material, copper would not be a good choice, as it is soft and has a low melting point (resulting in a plug that would last minutes, not miles). Almost all spark plugs use a copper core center to conduct the electricity, jump the gap, and promote heat dissipation. A standard material spark plug traditionally uses a nickel-alloy outer material fused to a copper core. ![]() “ Copper spark plugs” is a term mistakenly used for a standard material spark plug. An over-torqued spark plug may cause thread damage or breakage, or compromise internal seals within the spark plug, leading to improper heat dissipation or exhaust gas blow-by. 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’ s recommended torque specification. Torque is critical in the plug’ s ability to dissipate heat and perform properly. NGK also recommends adjusting the gap no more than +/- 0.008” from the preset gap. NGK recommends a wire-style or feeler gage gap tool, which can adjust the gap without prying against the center electrode. While most NGK spark plugs are pre-gapped, there are instances where the gap requires modification. As a result, many people assumed that one cannot adjust the gap on a precious metal plug. In the late 1980s, when fine-wire spark plugs first appeared, installers used incorrect gap tools and procedures resulting in bent or broken-off firing electrodes. Corona stain is completely normal and should not be mistaken for exhaust gas blow-by or broken seals inside the spark plug. Spark plugs create a high amount of static electricity as they fire, attracting these particles to the exposed ceramic between the plug boot and the hex. Corona stain is created by oil or dirt particles surrounding the spark plug. Tech Bulletin - Anti-Seize Compounds on Spark Plug ThreadsĬorona stain is observed as a light brown or tan discoloration above the hex (located on the ceramic body of the spark plug). Anti-seize compound can act as a lubricant altering torque values up to 20 percent, increasing the risk of spark plug thread breakage. NGK tech support has received a number of tech calls from installers who have over-tightened spark plugs because of the use of anti-seize. NGK spark plugs are installed at the factory dry, without the use of anti-seize. 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 what is known as trivalent plating. Guess what.the original OE AC DELCOS were BOSCH's.5 Things You Should Know About NGK Spark Plugs Both of us had to change plugs before 50k miles due to misfires. I just have good luck with the Autolites and they were actually better than the OE Delcos in both my and my dad's 2008 CTS's with the DI 3.6. ![]() I have to admit that you are absolutely right and I know this and agree. At $3 for iridiums AcDelcos I'm tempted to buy a set although I don't need really need plugs. ![]() $2 off iridium and you can get them for as low as $5. There's a mail-in rebate on ACDelco plugs. I always like to use OE parts when the price is reasonable. Both fit and work but only the first one is OE. It's not too different from choosing an ACDelco classic oil filter vs a FRAM. GM could've used Autolites or some other at probably lower cost but chose the NGK design. You know it not just fits exactly right but is also the exact same heat range and durability has been verified. ![]() But the way I look at it is I'd rather have the OE plug (or in this case, also the NGK) for my own vehicle or where possible. I don't think there's anything wrong with Autolite or Champion plugs. ![]()
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