SPARKING PLUGS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 188, 1 April 1932, Page 7

SPARKING PLUGS

IMPORTANT FACTORS IN RUNNING CONDITION OF CARS . : Few motorists realise how seriously tjie running* of the engine may he influenced hy the condition of the sparking plugs. When a spark occurs at the plug points an appreciable time is taken for the charge in the cylinder to become ignited, and if the spark is a we.ak one imperfect preliminary ignition m.ay later suhstantially affect the proper hurning of the fuel. Factors which affect the intensity of the spark, apart from the condition of the | coil or magneto, are the gap in the - plug points and the condition of clean- ! liness of the internal and external surfaces of the insulator. The longer ' the gap is made the weaker and colder is the spark, until a point is reaehed at which it will no longer appear. The gap, therefore, should ■ be -kept carefully adjusted -within the limits recommended by the- maker. Even a thin 'film- of dirt, particularly of the type : likely to collect moisture on the outer ' surface of the insulator, may appreciahly weaken the spark intensity, because part of " the charge- leaks through this film inst.ead of passing the plug points. Similarly, a carbon deposit on the inner surface of the insulator will cause leakage and impair the efficiency of tthe plug. Many plugs can. he dismantled, for the cleaning of the inner insulator, .hut - after ahout 15,000 miles use-the-surface- is usually permanently affected, and it is wise to replace the plug. The eores of - a radiator are extremely delicate und easily rpined hy improperly. installed emblems, insignia, etc. If a metal emblem is t6>be. displayed there should be a flat hacking of some soft material on the inside to prevent wires from cutting into the radiator core. * * . * * • Wipe off.the tpp pf the hattery. after fil-Ling the cells with water. Liquid. on top.of the hattery form.s a partial "shoi't," which will. cause the hattery to drain much faster -than normal.