Drivetrain Denso iridium spark plugs
#30
European car did a build
With IK-22s and dynod a gain of 4-8 hp from 6000 to 7000 RPM. If you go to their site, look in project cars and read one of the Mini build ups.
PS, I like this mag because it does staged build ups and tests the benefits. Your results may be different, but at least they do real world testing, unlike the R&T and C&D mags....
Matt
PS, I like this mag because it does staged build ups and tests the benefits. Your results may be different, but at least they do real world testing, unlike the R&T and C&D mags....
Matt
#33
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Originally Posted by YuccaPatrol
The iridium tip is too fine and delicate for gapping. They come "pre-gapped"
......:::: tennis_man :::.... what did u use to gap urs, where did u get .039 from???
#34
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After replacing my 4 electrode Bosch plugs, with the Denso Iridiums, my MINI idles much smoother (especially when cold) and improved my MPG an average of .86 I definetly think that the multi electrode plugs are a gimmick. I also switched to 9mm Kingsbourne ignition wires at the same time, so that may have helped as well. Next will be a coil pack from MSD or SD.
#36
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I found this - they indicate that 0.044 is what a MCS (03) shouold be using.
[SIZE=4]IRIDIUM POWER™ GAPPING TIPS[/SIZE]
Before attempting to gap any DENSO Iridium Power spark plug, please review the specification chart in the front of this catalog to verify the factory-preset gap. In most cases your Iridium Power plugs do not need to be gapped. Even with small variations in the factory set gap the ultra-efficient firing power design will compensate for those small variations.
Should you decide to re-gap your Iridium Power plug, use extreme caution as improper gapping may damage or destroy the Iridium center electrode or porcelain center.
To increase the gap size:
• Step 1: Use needle nose pliers or spark plug gapping tool to bend the ground strap up to the desired height. DO NOT LET THE PLIERS OR GAPPING TOOL TOUCH THE IRIDIUM CENTER ELECTRODE OR PORCELAIN.
HOW DO YOU DO THIS (I.E. NOT TOUCH THE IRIDIUM CENTER) AND SET THE PROPER GAP?
• Step 2: Re-check the gap with a calibrated gapping tool.
To decrease the gap size:
• Step 1: Use the same method as above, however bend the ground strap down to the desired height. DO NOT LET THE PLIERS OR GAPPING TOOL TOUCH THE IRIDIUM CENTER ELECTRODE OR PORCELAIN.
• Step 2: Re-check the gap with a calibrated gapping tool. WARNING: Failure to follow these directions may permanently damage the spark plug. Note: Never use a round gapping tool to check the gap or to increase or decrease the gap setting.
WARNING: Failure to follow these directions may permanently damage the spark plug. [SIZE=2]Note: Never use a round gapping tool to check the gap or to increase or decrease the gap setting.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]IRIDIUM POWER™ GAPPING TIPS[/SIZE]
Before attempting to gap any DENSO Iridium Power spark plug, please review the specification chart in the front of this catalog to verify the factory-preset gap. In most cases your Iridium Power plugs do not need to be gapped. Even with small variations in the factory set gap the ultra-efficient firing power design will compensate for those small variations.
Should you decide to re-gap your Iridium Power plug, use extreme caution as improper gapping may damage or destroy the Iridium center electrode or porcelain center.
To increase the gap size:
• Step 1: Use needle nose pliers or spark plug gapping tool to bend the ground strap up to the desired height. DO NOT LET THE PLIERS OR GAPPING TOOL TOUCH THE IRIDIUM CENTER ELECTRODE OR PORCELAIN.
HOW DO YOU DO THIS (I.E. NOT TOUCH THE IRIDIUM CENTER) AND SET THE PROPER GAP?
• Step 2: Re-check the gap with a calibrated gapping tool.
To decrease the gap size:
• Step 1: Use the same method as above, however bend the ground strap down to the desired height. DO NOT LET THE PLIERS OR GAPPING TOOL TOUCH THE IRIDIUM CENTER ELECTRODE OR PORCELAIN.
• Step 2: Re-check the gap with a calibrated gapping tool. WARNING: Failure to follow these directions may permanently damage the spark plug. Note: Never use a round gapping tool to check the gap or to increase or decrease the gap setting.
WARNING: Failure to follow these directions may permanently damage the spark plug. [SIZE=2]Note: Never use a round gapping tool to check the gap or to increase or decrease the gap setting.[/SIZE]
#37
Several considerations re: Denso iridium plugs/single ground-electrode plugs & multi ground-electrode plugs in general.
All spark plugs
Every time a spark plug sparks tiny bits of the electrodes burn off and the gap between ground-electrode & center electrode widens (slightly). As the gap continues to increase through use, the voltage required to 'jump' the gap also increases. Eventually the gap becomes so wide that the coil cannot produce enough voltage to sufficiently or consistently ‘fire’ the plug... i.e. Misfire… & why we re-gap worn plugs.
Multi ground-electrode plugs
Irrespective of how many electrodes a plug might employ only 1 ground-electrode functions (in concert with the center electrode) at any one time. Neither electrode shape, material nor brand of plug changes this fact. Any additional ground-electrodes on the plug are simply 'waiting' for duty. When/if one of the functioning ground-electrodes becomes fouled or worn (gap eroded) the next electrode 'in line' takes over duty… Electricity always takes the path of least resistance. Each additional ground-electrode functions exactly as the first did. This cycle: electrode use/gap erosion/non-use/use will continue until (ultimately) each ground-electrode is worn beyond function.
Pros - Multi-electrode plugs
a) have a longer service life than single electrode plugs.
b) typically do not need to be re-gapped during their service interval
c) provide an additional measure of security - less chance of misfire due to redundant ground-electrodes
Cons - Multi-electrode plugs
a) have X hundred % additional ground-electrode material in the combustion chamber
b) shroud the spark from the air/fuel mixture/flow - incomplete burn, less power/fuel economy
c) slightly increase compression ratio (occupying a greater volume of the combustion chamber - negligible, but true)
Cons - Single-electrode plugs
a) have less service life than multi-electrode plugs
b) may need to be re-gapped during service interval
c) if fouled greater chance of misfire - proportionate to X fewer grounds
Pros - Single-electrode plugs
a) significantly less ground-electrode material in the combustion chamber
b) do not shroud spark from the air/fuel mixture - better burn
Denso & the MCS
Denso plugs have a few advantages:
a) require less power to function - tiny center electrode, iridium/conductivity
b) afford spark outstanding exposure to a/f – better combustion
c) less material to retain heat than most plugs including the OEM (see a)
IMO the real question is not "do Denso's add power", but Do multiple ground-electrode plugs (like the OEM) rob power?
I have yet to see any scientific data, which suggests that multiple-ground plugs function as well as, let alone more efficient than single-ground plugs. I don't believe such data exists.
The value of introducing 3 completely unnecessary square-edged bits of metal into an already hot combustion chamber is questionable... Certainly redundancy does afford greater sparkplug reliability, BUT it’s a compromise. Less efficient (burn/fuel economy/power potential) traded for consistent performance/extended service interval. Choose based on your priorities.
All spark plugs
Every time a spark plug sparks tiny bits of the electrodes burn off and the gap between ground-electrode & center electrode widens (slightly). As the gap continues to increase through use, the voltage required to 'jump' the gap also increases. Eventually the gap becomes so wide that the coil cannot produce enough voltage to sufficiently or consistently ‘fire’ the plug... i.e. Misfire… & why we re-gap worn plugs.
Multi ground-electrode plugs
Irrespective of how many electrodes a plug might employ only 1 ground-electrode functions (in concert with the center electrode) at any one time. Neither electrode shape, material nor brand of plug changes this fact. Any additional ground-electrodes on the plug are simply 'waiting' for duty. When/if one of the functioning ground-electrodes becomes fouled or worn (gap eroded) the next electrode 'in line' takes over duty… Electricity always takes the path of least resistance. Each additional ground-electrode functions exactly as the first did. This cycle: electrode use/gap erosion/non-use/use will continue until (ultimately) each ground-electrode is worn beyond function.
Pros - Multi-electrode plugs
a) have a longer service life than single electrode plugs.
b) typically do not need to be re-gapped during their service interval
c) provide an additional measure of security - less chance of misfire due to redundant ground-electrodes
Cons - Multi-electrode plugs
a) have X hundred % additional ground-electrode material in the combustion chamber
b) shroud the spark from the air/fuel mixture/flow - incomplete burn, less power/fuel economy
c) slightly increase compression ratio (occupying a greater volume of the combustion chamber - negligible, but true)
Cons - Single-electrode plugs
a) have less service life than multi-electrode plugs
b) may need to be re-gapped during service interval
c) if fouled greater chance of misfire - proportionate to X fewer grounds
Pros - Single-electrode plugs
a) significantly less ground-electrode material in the combustion chamber
b) do not shroud spark from the air/fuel mixture - better burn
Denso & the MCS
Denso plugs have a few advantages:
a) require less power to function - tiny center electrode, iridium/conductivity
b) afford spark outstanding exposure to a/f – better combustion
c) less material to retain heat than most plugs including the OEM (see a)
IMO the real question is not "do Denso's add power", but Do multiple ground-electrode plugs (like the OEM) rob power?
I have yet to see any scientific data, which suggests that multiple-ground plugs function as well as, let alone more efficient than single-ground plugs. I don't believe such data exists.
The value of introducing 3 completely unnecessary square-edged bits of metal into an already hot combustion chamber is questionable... Certainly redundancy does afford greater sparkplug reliability, BUT it’s a compromise. Less efficient (burn/fuel economy/power potential) traded for consistent performance/extended service interval. Choose based on your priorities.
#38
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For the gap size, I based my decision of .039 on some posts in a thread titled Denso IK22 question. Here are a couple of the posts from there:
Post #8
Denso plugs do come pregrapped (http://www.densoiridium.com/faq.php). Although you can reset the gap, most people I have talked to have stated to keep it the same. You should change the gap if you have upgraded your ignition system to a system such as Pilos.
Post #13
Most people seem to be setting them between .035-.045. With the odd .065-.08 (to me that seems too big). Mine are at .040. I tried them at .035, but I think the motor feels a little more "tuned" at .040. Also the after market plugs with specs for the mini that I have seen are recomending .044.
Post #8
Denso plugs do come pregrapped (http://www.densoiridium.com/faq.php). Although you can reset the gap, most people I have talked to have stated to keep it the same. You should change the gap if you have upgraded your ignition system to a system such as Pilos.
Post #13
Most people seem to be setting them between .035-.045. With the odd .065-.08 (to me that seems too big). Mine are at .040. I tried them at .035, but I think the motor feels a little more "tuned" at .040. Also the after market plugs with specs for the mini that I have seen are recomending .044.
#39
ok so i just ordered some IK22's and theyll be here sometime next week. I might as well purchase a torque wrench as i still havent gotten one yet. What is the recommended torque for the spark plugs? and i presume any place you get these plugs will all be set to the same gap? But around .040 is preferable?
PS where would i go about finding a gap maker thingy-do-dad? i might as well have all the stuff to do it right from now on
PS where would i go about finding a gap maker thingy-do-dad? i might as well have all the stuff to do it right from now on
#40
#41
Don't worry about the gap. It is fine out of the box. Torque 18-20 ft.lbs.
Originally Posted by Soul Coughing
ok so i just ordered some IK22's and theyll be here sometime next week. I might as well purchase a torque wrench as i still havent gotten one yet. What is the recommended torque for the spark plugs? and i presume any place you get these plugs will all be set to the same gap? But around .040 is preferable?
PS where would i go about finding a gap maker thingy-do-dad? i might as well have all the stuff to do it right from now on
PS where would i go about finding a gap maker thingy-do-dad? i might as well have all the stuff to do it right from now on
#42
Be careful here!
The much smaller electrode should have a larger gap than a standard plug. Has to do with field gradients and the like. Also, the Pilo Coil-Pak is a bit over 10% higher voltage, so larger gap as well. I'd worry about narrowing the gap, as the spark current will go up a lot....
Matt
Matt
#43
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
?? pilo Or MSD ??
do u run a hopped up ignition system?
Originally Posted by Dr Obnxs
The much smaller electrode should have a larger gap than a standard plug. Has to do with field gradients and the like. Also, the Pilo Coil-Pak is a bit over 10% higher voltage, so larger gap as well. I'd worry about narrowing the gap, as the spark current will go up a lot....
Matt
Matt
#44
#45
Iridium as previously posted
Ripsaw, Matt and others,
Have been following this thread with interest. People are asking the correct questions about the evolution in spark plug design reflected in the iridium electrode spark plugs. Earlier this year there was another thread on this topic. For further information check out this URL and see if it helps: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...208#post617208
Regards,
John Petrich in Seattle
Have been following this thread with interest. People are asking the correct questions about the evolution in spark plug design reflected in the iridium electrode spark plugs. Earlier this year there was another thread on this topic. For further information check out this URL and see if it helps: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...208#post617208
Regards,
John Petrich in Seattle
#46
Ahhh, but are we
Originally Posted by Petrich
People are asking the correct questions about the evolution in spark plug design reflected in the iridium electrode spark plugs.
now that I have a G-Tech, I'm thinking of doing some measurements to see what's up. But it takes a while....
Matt
#47
The Old One: 4 electrode plugs = 4 X potential hot-spots that will cause detonation.
Increasing boost, increases detonation potential. Removing hot-spots then becomes mandatory at some point.
This alone was enough motivation for me to go with single electrode plugs. I would gladly sacrifice a couple HP in exchange for a margin of safety.
Increasing boost, increases detonation potential. Removing hot-spots then becomes mandatory at some point.
This alone was enough motivation for me to go with single electrode plugs. I would gladly sacrifice a couple HP in exchange for a margin of safety.
#48
Originally Posted by BluMiniMe
The Old One: 4 electrode plugs = 4 X potential hot-spots that will cause detonation.
Increasing boost, increases detonation potential. Removing hot-spots then becomes mandatory at some point.
This alone was enough motivation for me to go with single electrode plugs. I would gladly sacrifice a couple HP in exchange for a margin of safety.
Increasing boost, increases detonation potential. Removing hot-spots then becomes mandatory at some point.
This alone was enough motivation for me to go with single electrode plugs. I would gladly sacrifice a couple HP in exchange for a margin of safety.
Single electrode plugs are win win, in that they afford safety & increase power potential. It’s the multi-electrode plugs, which "sacrifice a couple HP".
With single electrode plugs there’s better power/efficiency potential… fit more a/f in the chamber, realize a more complete burn (due to better exposure/flow) & less need for the ECU to lower the A/F ratio. It’s all gain.
TOO's comments reference AIT's increasing along with boost... That this effectively increases compression/lowers the fuel octane. The concern of 3 additional square-edged bits of super-heated metal tends more to pre-ignition...Electrodes acting as a glow-plug while cylinder pressure is at its lowest/piston near BDC.
#49