Hotter spark plugs?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 21, 2002 | 02:14 AM

groundrat

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 630

Likes: 2

From: New Hampshire

Hotter spark plugs?

I recently installed an MSD 6A ingnition in my 94 F150. MSD suggested that I upgrade to a hotter spark plug. My question is how do I figure out what a hotter plug is? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Bill

Feb 22, 2002 | 01:02 AM

madman666

Elder User

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 750

Likes: 2

From: Buena Vista

Hotter spark plugs?

I don’t think you'll need to get hotter plugs, just get some new ones and side gap them.
I’m not to sure what plug to put in if you want to run the hotter plugs, someone else may know.

Feb 25, 2002 | 01:59 PM

MustangGT221

Post Fiend

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 14,947

Likes: 6

From: Topsfield, MA

Hotter spark plugs?

Feb 25, 2002 | 08:51 PM

KDAWGMXRACER

New User

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 7

Likes: 0

Hotter spark plugs?

just ask the guy at the auto parts store and he will tell you.//

i have heard that plugs with longer insulators (the white part of the plug) are the cooler plugs and the shorter the insulator the hotter the plug...

Feb 25, 2002 | 08:53 PM

Pastmaster

Postmaster

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 2,719

Likes: 1

From: Lee's Summit MO

Hotter spark plugs?

I think they mean hotter spark. I run the normal Motorcraft plugs with my MSD setup on my 93 F-150, and have no problems at all. I do put new plugs in every year, and they always come out clean.

'93 F-150 loaded and modified!
Check my Gallery

Feb 26, 2002 | 10:25 AM

michaelskerrett

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 185

Likes: 0

From: Central Florida, USA

Hotter spark plugs?

No, it really refers to the temperature of the spark plug not the spark. The amount of voltage (and current) it takes to jump the gap yields just about the same spark temperature regardless of plug temperature. Hotter plugs have less metal contact with the engine block and hence do not dissipate as much of the heat that is produced due to normal operation. The reverse is true for cooler plugs. With newer engines and unleaded gas the need for hotter plugs is reduced. If you are in the high-performance arena and are running higher than normal compression ratios the change may be necessary. The best thing to do is replace the plugs with the OEM recommended part. You can find that part number under the hood, in any of the repair manuals or in the catalogs (or on-line) at auto parts places.

Feb 26, 2002 | 10:29 AM

michaelskerrett

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 185

Likes: 0

From: Central Florida, USA

Hotter spark plugs?

One more thing, I think MSD recommends re-gapping your plugs. Check the installation instructions, or ask someone in the electronics board, for the specs for your truck and unit.