Bantam Plug

Special purpose designs classified as Bantam because of their short overall length. They are required to meet space limitations of small engines with compact cowling or shrouds in certain equipment such as chain saws, lawn mowers, etc.

Surface Gap Plugs

This type is used with certain high energy capacitor discharge ignition systems as recommended to overcome the worst fouling problems without over heating. The spark is fired across the insulator surface between the centre electrode and the shell.

Platinum

Nearly all spark plug manufacturers use platinum in one form or another on their long life or performance spark plugs. This is because of platinums high melting point, which makes it useful in two ways. On long life spark plugs a thin wafer of platinum is bonded at the firing point to the center electrode (and possibly ground electrode) solely so they do not wear as fast as a traditional plug. On a fine wire performance plug, the very tip of the center electrode is made of platinum so that the fine wire tip will last longer. Do not be fooled, all platinum plugs are not created equal. Platinum is a very expensive precious metal, a cheap platinum spark plug will not have much platinum in it, and therefore will not last as long as a expensive platinum spark plug. Some platinum plugs have only the center electrode tipped with platinum, while others have both the center and ground electrodes platinum tipped. (It is not suggested that platinum plugs be used on vehicles with nitrous injection, however, there have been no problems reported using iridium plugs with nitrous).

Gold Palladium

For premium performance, a spark plug having a small diameter Gold Palladium centre electrode. The semi precious metal alloy makes it possible to provide extra performance design features resulting in faster, easier starts, fewer stalls and false starts, reducing fouling deposits and usually longer life. The spark plug design requires less ignition voltage than the conventional electrode type. The design also provides more clearance within the firing end of the spark plug, for better scavenging of fuel deposits and less fouling.

Resistor

As well as reducing electrical noise for radio, television and mobile telephones etc, many modern ignition systems require resistor plugs to stop electrical noise from interfering with the vehicle's on-board electronic control units (ECUs). If non-resistor plugs are used in place of resistor ones, the result can be malfunction and in some cases immobilisation of the vehicle. Resistor spark plugs should always be fitted, therefore, where specified. The function of the resistor is to reduce electrical noise generated by the ignition system. The most effective place to situate a resistor in the high tension circuit is as close to the spark plug as possible. This makes the spark plug an ideal place to house the resistor. Because the resistance value is only approximately 5000 ohms, there is no detrimental effect on engine performance, power output, vehicle emissions etc.

Racing Plugs

Racing spark plugs have been designed to withstand severe operating conditions, such as high combustion temperatures and increased pressures.

Glow Plugs

Diesel engine glow plugs are designed to heat either the air in the engine intake manifolds or the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chambers, and thus assist in cold engine starting. Each glow plug has, as an integral part of the plug, an electrical resistance coil which is energized from the battery. Each plug is designed to the cold starting requirements of the engine and its mechanical characteristics.

1/2" Pipe Thread

Marine

Detachable

Screened Type

Projecting or Extended Nose

Taper Seat