How do you use a spark plug indexing tool? Using the DRC Spark Plug Indexing Tool, once you’ve found eight plugs which fit your cylinder heads, you simply screw them into the corresponding hole on the Tool, marking the bottom side.
Full Answer
What is spark plug indexing and how does it work?
The mechanics behind indexing a set of plugs are quite simple. Verifying that the electrode gap of the spark plug is facing the air/fuel mixture allows the mixture to ignite more efficiently. Indexing plugs can only be achieved when a conventional-type “gapped” plug is the threaded into the head.
How do you keep track of spark plug orientation?
To keep track of the electrode position, mark the plug's rear shell in line with the side electrode's open end. "Indexing" spark plugs refers to the orientation of the spark plug electrode's open end within the cylinder head combustion chamber. Whether the side electrode requires special orientation or indexing within the chamber is controversial.
Which way should spark plugs face on a car?
This is the correct plug orientation according to most race engine builders. The side electrode gap faces up away from the piston dome, thereby achieving maximum clearance. If you run high-compression pistons and the gaps close up instead of widening as the plugs wear, definitely index the plugs this way.
How do you screw a spark plug into the head?
After creating a reference mark on a visible portion of the body, indicating the location of the gap side, the spark plug can be screwed into the head.
How do you use a spark plug indexer?
2:323:42How to Index Spark Plugs - Summit Racing Quick Flicks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell. One simple trick to do is that you take your new spark plug out of the box. And you grabMoreWell. One simple trick to do is that you take your new spark plug out of the box. And you grab yourself a marker. And you go ahead and you find the ground strap.
What is a spark plug indexing tool?
The spark plug index tool positions the ground strap of the spark plug properly for the best piston dome clearance. It unshrouds the electrode for a more even burn and possible gains of 5-15 horsepower.
Is spark plug indexing necessary?
Spark plug indexing sometimes is necessary to avoid side-electrode contact with high-dome pistons. Moroso offers different thickness spark plug washer kits to do this. Some theorists claim positioning the electrode in relation to the intake or exhaust valve may also be worth some power—at least on old-school chambers.
How do you use a spark plug gap tool?
0:422:14How To Use a Spark Plug Gap Tool - Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInsert. It in to the spark plug gap like this and bring it up. So that will expand the gap hereMoreInsert. It in to the spark plug gap like this and bring it up. So that will expand the gap here between the spark plug and now I'm going to reinsert the tool. And now I have it perfectly set at 0 30.
Why do some spark plugs have washers?
That little washer is pretty much what seals your compression in the engine. Yes you need it. Also without it your plug is now probably 1/16" deeper into the cylinder.
How do I index my Evinrude Ficht spark plugs?
0:332:12Spark Plug Indexing How To-iboats.com - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply triple guard grease to the gasket surface of the spark plug install. The plug by hand untilMoreApply triple guard grease to the gasket surface of the spark plug install. The plug by hand until you can no longer tighten it with your fingers. Observe the location of the indexing mark.
Does indexing spark plugs make more power?
Indexing spark plugs will typically make only a few more horsepower – usually less than 1% of total engine output. For a 500 hp engine, that's only 5 hp. It is usually not worth the effort. There are also drawbacks to indexing spark plugs.
What happens if spark plugs are gapped too close?
The customer may experience loss of power, misfires, spark plug fouling, increased plug wear, or poor gas mileage. Too small of a gap may give too weak of a spark to complete the combustion process within the engine; too wide of a gap can lead to the spark plug not firing correctly, causing misfires at high speeds.
How do I know how much to gap my spark plugs?
0:012:56How to Gap a Spark Plug - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUntil you feel resistance. Then when you feel resistance you check to see where it is point O fiveMoreUntil you feel resistance. Then when you feel resistance you check to see where it is point O five so this one's good now if it wasn't good if you need to make it smaller.
Are spark plug gap tools accurate?
These gauges are just as accurate as feeler gauges and can be used without the help of other measuring instruments just like ramp-style gauges. A wire-type gauge is typically accurate but isn't the best for measuring a spark plug with an odd gap size since it has a limited number of loops.
Is a spark plug gap tool necessary?
Spark plugs require a precise gap to ensure proper ignition of the air/fuel mixture, and gapping them requires appropriate tools for your vehicle's specific plugs. Therefore, if your spark plugs need replacing, go out and pick up not only the proper plugs but the tools that will make gapping them easier.
How do you gap a spark plug without a gap tool?
Using the gapper is simple. All you need to do is slide the spark plug electrode opening into the gap opener and gently move it over to the smallest side of the gapper. Once it hits the 0.02” area, press the electrode down until it's flush on each end of the gapper.
Does side gapping spark plugs work?
Also known as "side-gapping" in a racing or extreme high-performance engine, this improves the flame kernel efficiency and propagation through the combustion chamber. There are at least four reasons why side-gapping spark plugs can be beneficial for increasing both power and mileage.
What if my spark plug gap is too big?
If the spark plug gap in your vehicle is too big, the spark plugs will need a higher voltage to get the ignition spark to cross the gap. The engine can't always provide the extra voltage needed to cross the gap, so the spark is weaker and won't ignite your fuel mixture properly.
What color should spark be on spark plug?
Normal Condition If the firing end of a spark plug is brown or light gray, the condition can be judged to be good and the spark plug is functioning optimally.
Which way does spark plug gasket go?
1:195:33Installing Spark Plug Tube Seals & Valve Cover Gaskets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut actually you want them to go in with the taper pointing in towards the engine. So they slip overMoreBut actually you want them to go in with the taper pointing in towards the engine. So they slip over the spark plug to be easier.
Why index spark plugs?
You want to ensure that when fully seated into the cylinder head, each plug is oriented in the optimal position inside of the combustion chamber. Seems simple, right? Well, the debate really comes in when deciding on what is considered “optimal.” “This has been a highly debatable topic throughout the years as some claim that it is extremely important and some claim that there are at best marginal differences, if any at all. Generally speaking, we see spark plug indexing being most prevalent for ground strap clearance of the piston and or valves,” says Bret Lednicky of Brisk USA.
How to get spark plugs to point in the direction you want them to point?
There are two popular methods to get your plugs to point in the direction in which you want them to point. The first one takes a large supply of available spark plugs as it is essentially a volume-based approach. You sort plugs by their reading in a spark plug indexing gauge and then match those numbers to the individual combustion chambers in your cylinder heads.
Why are LGS plugs not adjustable?
Because of the way the LGS plugs are manufactured, the plug gap is not adjustable. This is why they are made in two variations: The LGS for naturally aspirated combinations and the LGS-T with a smaller gap for forced-induction applications. “The LGS design utilizes the ceramic insulator nose to bridge the air gap between the ground electrodes and the center electrode, this is referred to as “surface gap” in the spark plug world,” Lednicky explains of the apparent large gap in the LGS lineup.
What is the purpose of the unshrouded side of the spark plug firing tip toward the intake valve?
The idea is to expose the unshrouded side of the spark plug firing tip toward the intake valve so that the spark discharge has direct access to the air/fuel mixture coming into the cylinder when the intake valve opens. – Bret Lednicky, Brisk USA
Can you back a spark plug too far?
“Every cylinder head is different and there is no set specification of how far is too far. Something that should be kept in consideration though is combustion deposits. If you back a spark plug out too far, you could run the risk of combustion deposits building up in the threads, which can be problematic and can lead to the spark plug potentially not seating properly in the head.”
Do you need indexing shims for spark plugs?
This only requires that you have an ample supply of indexing shims on hand, which are significantly less expensive than an equivalent number of spark plugs. This method is the one endorsed by Brisk.
Does Brisk have indexing?
Here you can see Brisk's new LGS plug design and why it eliminates the need for indexing. By retracting the ground straps, not only does it not inhibit flame propagation, but it also allows the spark to travel along the insulator surface, making for a hotter spark that is free to arc in the direction of the highest fuel concentration.
How to index spark plugs?
The mechanics behind indexing a set of plugs are quite simple. Verifying that the electrode gap of the spark plug is facing the air/fuel mixture allows the mixture to ignite more efficiently. Indexing plugs can only be achieved when a conventional-type “gapped” plug is the threaded into the head. Merely throwing in a set of plugs, without aligning the gap can cause the grounding strap to shield the electrode. This, in turn, will require the air/fuel mixture to travel farther to be properly ignited by the plug, this kind of impedance can affect timing and result in an incomplete burn.
What is indexing plug?
Indexing plugs can be one of the cheapest horsepower modification that you can perform to your beloved vehicle. It is a practice that will ensure that your ignition system is delivering the most potent ignition it can produce, resulting in a maximum burn that permeates the entire combustion chamber. So, get yourself a marker and a box of plugs and ...
What is the importance of ensuring a spark plug has the proper gap and heat range?
Investing the time to perform this small task will better the spark plugs ability to supply a complete fuel burn; which results in greater power output.
What is grounding strap?
The grounding strap of this plug is shielding the electrode, and will result in a less effective burn.
Can you throw in a plug without a gap?
Merely throwing in a set of plugs, without aligning the gap can cause the grounding strap to shield the electrode. This, in turn, will require the air/fuel mixture to travel farther to be properly ignited by the plug, this kind of impedance can affect timing and result in an incomplete burn.
Can spark plugs be screwed into the head?
After creating a reference mark on a visible portion of the body, indicating the location of the gap side, the spark plug can be screwed into the head.
How does indexing work on spark plugs?
Indexing is done by placing (usually copper) washers of varying thickness on the spark plug shoulder, so that when the spark plug is tightened, the plug will rotate a certain amount, and gap will point in the desired direction.
Why are spark plugs loose?
There are also drawbacks to indexing spark plugs. When washers are added, the spark plug may loosen if the washers don’t crush properly and hold the torque. Also, if too many washers are added, the firing end of the plug will not be as far into the combustion chamber and performance can decrease.
What happens if the ignition gap is too large?
However, if the gap is too large, and the ignition system can’t provide the voltage needed to spark across the gap , or turbulence in the combustion chamber blows out the spark, misfires will occur.
Why do racers add high energy ignition systems?
Most experienced tuners know that increasing the gap size increases the spark area exposed to the air-fuel mixture, which maximizes burn efficiency. For this reason, most racers add high-energy ignition systems.
Does spark plug gap size affect voltage?
Since the gap size has a direct effect on the voltage necessary to jump the gap and ionize (light) the air-fuel mixture, careful attention is required. While plugs are pre-gapped from the factory, the gap may need to be adjusted for the vehicle that the spark plug is intended for.
Does the spark plug gap increase performance?
In most engines, performance will improve when the spark plug gap opens toward the intake valve (s). However, without testing different index positions in an engine on a dyno, it is nearly impossible to determine which index increases performance.
What is the indexing theory of a spark plug?
4. Indexing Theory >>The whole point of this adventure is the theory that the ground electrode is blocking a portion of the spark when the spark plug fires. The concept is to align the plug to the most advantageous direction in the combustion chamber. Knowing where the ground electrode is in the socket will help us index the plug in the head where we want it.
Why do spec racers index their plugs?
Spec racers in multiple classes index their plugs because they are always looking . 1. Indexing Tools >>. Indexing spark plugs is a simple process. All you need is a spark plug socket, a ratchet, and some indexing washers.
How to torque spark plugs?
Drop the socket into the head and torque the spark plug to your specific vehicle’s torque specs. Mine is “about yay tight with one hand on a 3/8ths ratchet.” Once the plug is snug, see where your black line is.
