do-sparks-plugs-infiniti-qx4_-800x800Do you have enough voltage reaching your spark plugs?

The voltage required to light your plugs is constantly changing and can range from 5,000 volts to 40,000 volts and higher, depending on your engine setup. That’s why many high performance engines use a high-output ignition coil to deliver the voltage needed.

The job of the ignition coil is to step up the ignition system’s primary voltage (typically 12 volts) to the voltage required to create the spark and then hold it for a millisecond. When an ignition coil falls short on voltage, your engine may experience misfire, starting problems, and other types of poor performance. Insufficient voltage is often caused by ignition coil failure due to excessive heat, vibration, or high resistance in your spark plugs or ignition wires. In some cases, your ignition coil simply may not be rated to deliver the voltage required.

The point is you’ll want to pay attention to your spark plugs’ voltage requirements in high performance applications. In conjunction with Autolite, we’ve put together seven factors that can affect the amount of voltage needed from your ignition system.

platinum-spark-plugSpark Plug Gap

Voltage needs to rise in proportion to the size of the spark plug gap. It’s important to note that the spark plug gap widens as the electrodes wears so the age of the spark plug may necessitate a higher voltage, depending on the electrode condition.

Electrode Condition

If you look closely at the ground strap electrode of a spark plug, you may notice precisely honed edges and even a raised platinum tip. These are scientifically designed to enhance ignition. Over time, these edges will wear and become more rounded, requiring more voltage in order to generate a proper flame kernel.

Cylinder Pressure

Voltage requirements rise in relation to cylinder pressures, which are highest at low speed and high load situations, such as accelerating from a standstill. Under these circumstances, and under high-rpm operation, higher voltage is required to avoid misfires.

7175_12Air/Fuel Ratio

The leaner the air/fuel ratio — the less gasoline per volume of air — the higher the voltage requirements. As automakers try to make engines more fuel efficient with fewer exhaust emissions, lean air/fuel ratios are common. But if the air/fuel ratio becomes too lean, a misfire could occur.

Air/Fuel Temperature

The lower the overall engine temperature, the higher the required voltage. Misfires can occur more readily at low operating temperatures.

Electrode Temperature

As the electrode temperature rises, the required voltage drops. Since electrode temperature rises at higher engine speeds, misfires can occur more readily at low engine speeds.

Humidity

As the ambient humidity rises, electrode temperature decreases, requiring higher voltage to generate a proper flame kernel.

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Author: David Fuller

David Fuller is OnAllCylinders' managing editor. During his 20-year career in the auto industry, he has covered a variety of races, shows, and industry events and has authored articles for multiple magazines. He has also partnered with mainstream and trade publications on a wide range of editorial projects. In 2012, he helped establish OnAllCylinders, where he enjoys covering all facets of hot rodding and racing.