Multiple Electrode Spark Plugs

No matter how many side (ground) electrodes there are, only one spark
takes place during the high voltage discharge for the power stroke.

Sparkplugs for cars usually have one electrode. But other designs
have been marketed, notably those with two and three ground
electrodes. The proper configuration is actually FOUR side
electrodes, since all aircraft engine plugs have FOUR. The purpose of
the multiple electrodes is to even out the erosion, thus extending the
life of the plugs and assuring a fairly constant gap throughout its
useful life. It is not to give "more power".

The reason why FOUR electrode plugs are not used on cars is cost.
They cost over ten dollars each. And for planes, its even worse, since
there are TWO PLUGS per cylinder, each driven by an independent,
self-powered magneto ignition. With two plugs and two mags, you
actually get TWO SPARKS at the same time (actually staggered by 5
degrees or so). Now if only Chrysler would put that in their cars
instead of those idiotic computers and their 100 wire connectors to go
wrong. Then, they could resume bragging about how Chrysler stands for
engineering.

 

in message
Stupid Mechanic returns. Now go crawl back under your rock.

 

Don't you mean Stupid McRantit? ;-)

Ted

 

I saw some at the local parts store last week for $5 each.

 

OK, I am going to feed the troll.

WRONG!!
Most piston aircraft spark plugs have either ONE ground electrode
for fine wire plugs or TWO for massive electrode plugs.

On an aircraft engine BOTH plugs fire at the SAME time within +/- 1/2
degree. If it is much more staggered than this the engine will not
pass the mag rpm drop test.

NONE of the auto manufacturers want to have computers controlling the
engine. However after tons of money and man hours has been expended
no one has found a lower cost way of meeting the "Government's"
pollution standards.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO TRY INSTEAD OF YOUR BITCHING!
If you succeed then you will make a large fortune. GO FOR IT !!!!!!!!

One of the problems with government is in order to keep the
"burrowcrats" employed they must come up with NEW tighter regulations
every few years. It is not long before you are paying 10 times the
cost of removing the previous 99% of the pollutants on the last 1%
pollutant.
You have to remember the government does NOT have to be efficient or
make a PROFIT to stay in business! If the government needs more
money they RAISE the TAXES!!!

 

yada yada yada yada (yawning)