FAQ

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  • [Q]:SHOULD I STILL USE A .6MM FINEWIRE IRIDIUM ENHANCED SPARK PLUG EVEN IF I INSTALL A NEW PLUG EVERY SEASON?

    [A]:Yes, you will gain all of the benefits listed above from using a premium spark plug compared to that of a standard plug. The MS-MARSHAL spark plugs extract  performance, better fuel efficiency and quicker starts.

  • [Q]:WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A .6MM FINEWIRE IRIDIUM ENHANCED SPARK PLUG THAT ORIGINALLY HAD A COPPER CORE PLUG?

    [A]:0.6mm finewire design with Sport V-trim ground electrode engineered to offer improved ignitability and durability over a standard plug Up to 26% quicker starts than standard plugs More focused ignition to prevent fouling than standard plug More horsepower and better fuel efficiency than a standard plug Larger flame kernel for more complete burn, faster starts and better performance & fuel efficiency Optimum Performance Less firing voltage for more coil dwell time

  • [Q]:HOW DO YOU MATCH THE STYLE AND HEAT RANGE OF THE OE SPARK PLUG?

    [A]:We use what is called a "rating engine" to match up plugs. The process begins by buying the OE spark plugs and carefully measuring them. Our engineers then match the physical qualities with several MS-MARSHAL plugs. Then we run the OE spark plug in our rating engine. The data from this engine tells us the heat range of the OE spark plug. We use this information to precisely match an MS-MARSHAL spark plug to both the heat range and dimensions of the Original Equipment plug.

  • [Q]:WHAT IS PRE-IGNITION?

    [A]:Pre-ignition is similar to detonation, but only one flame front is ignited in advance of the spark. The ignition point can again be a hot spot, but the hot spot will usually be glowing deposits or metal such as the spark plug electrodes or an exhaust valve. A spark plug center wire may start to glow and cause pre-ignition if the spark plug has too hot of heat range for the application. A lean fuel mixture, a defective EGR valve or over-advanced timing may also cause this problem. Sustained pre-ignition will likely melt spark plug electrodes, and it can burn holes in valves and pistons. Click here for more information. Many current production engines use Gasoline Direct Injection fuel systems, these engines are prone to a new and destructive type of pre-ignition known as Low Speed Pre Ignition or LSPI. Using the correct oil in these engines is crucial to prevent this concern.

  • [Q]:WHAT IS A DETONATION?

    [A]:Spark plug engineers will tell you that detonation is the result of two flame fronts colliding in the combustion chamber. What that means is that the air-fuel mixture has been ignited almost simultaneously in two locations within the combustion chamber of an engine. One flame front was probably ignited by a spark plug, while the second front was ignited spontaneously. The common causes of detonation are too low octane fuel or over-advanced ignition timing. The result produces the characteristic "knock" or "ping" sound associated with detonation. If left unchecked, it can cause serious engine damage. Expect broken or bent valves and spark plug tips. Click here for more information.

  • [Q]:WHAT IS A FOULED SPARK PLUG?

    [A]:Spark plugs can become "fouled" by excessive fuel, oil or combustion deposits in the combustion chamber. Essentially what this means is that the spark plug insulator tip has become coated or covered by deposits which can conduct electricity. The spark plug has become "short circuited". In other words, the electrical current will now flow from the center wire over the insulator's deposits, to ground at the steel shell. It will not be able to produce a spark at the electrodes. Click here for more information.

  • [Q]:WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN SPARK PLUG TIPS ARE DAMAGED OR BROKEN?

    [A]:Spark plug tips, either the electrodes or the ceramic insulator, can be damaged in a variety of ways. Damage such as cracked ceramic or bent electrodes can be the result of shipping and handling or from mechanical damage within an engine. If an incorrect spark plug is used, it could come into contact with a piston or valve within the engine. Spark plugs can also be damaged by detonation or pre-ignition while in service. Click here for more information.

  • [Q]:HOW (AND WHY) DO SPARK PLUGS NEED TO BE TIGHTENED FOR BEST PERFORMANCE?

    [A]:It is very important to properly tighten spark plugs during installation. Too little torque can cause the spark plug to leak combustion gases and poor heat transfer of the plug seat to the cylinder head. Over-torque can damage both the spark plug and the threads in the engine head. Both can cause extensive engine damages. Your MS-MARSHAL Catalog lists the proper torque specs for various spark plug sizes.

  • [Q]:WHY DO WE NEED TO CHANGE SPARK PLUGS?

    [A]:One of the most economic ways to maintain an efficient engine and avoid wasting fuel is to change spark plugs at regular intervals. As spark plug electrodes wear, the voltage required to jump the gap increases. Under hard acceleration, high speeds or heavy loads, misfires can occur and that will waste fuel. Also, a rich fuel mixture or poor oil control can foul or coat the ceramic insulator on the spark plug tip. Fouling like excessive wear will promote misfires and can eventually cause the spark plug to stop functioning.

  • [Q]:WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPARK PLUGS?

    [A]:Spark plugs are available in different thread sizes and heat ranges. The various sizes and heat ranges are required to match engine requirements. They are also available with premium features such as platinum tipped electrodes for long life and small diameter (fine wire) electrodes for improved ignitability.

  • [Q]:WHAT IS DISTRIBUTORLESS IGNITION SYSTEM (DIS)?

    [A]:Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) is different from standard electronic ignition systems in that the voltage surges from the coil passes through the plug wire to the plug. With the evolution of DIS, because spark plugs in a DIS system fire in a looped system rather than a single spark for those in a conventional system, the spark plug is required to be stronger and more robust. The MS-MARSHAL Double Platinum spark plug, which features platinum on both tips of the electrode is designed to withstand the added requirements of a DIS system. So when the DIS ignition system fires, the platinum on both tips of the electrode ensures the plug tip does not wear down AND maintains the gap thereby extending the life of the plug. With the extended life of the MS-MARSHAL Double Platinum spark plug, vehicle owners won’t have to incur the labor costs of changing their spark plugs as often since these plugs last 2 to 3 times longer. MS-MARSHAL Iridium XP spark plugs offer the same platinum ground electrode enhancement with the added benefit of fine wire iridium on the center electrode.

  • [Q]:WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF A SPARK PLUG?

    [A]:The spark plug is the last step in the ignition circuit. It takes a voltage surge from the ignition coil using a controlled timing circuit and provides a path for the high voltage to be transferred into the ignition chamber where a spark ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture within the cylinder. If everything is working properly and the correct amount of fuel is used, even burning of the compressed mixture results. The piston is pushed down, the crankshaft turns, and the engine runs efficiently.

  • [Q]:HOW DO I REMOVE MY SPARK PLUGS?

    [A]:As a spark plug manufacturer and not an automobile service facility, professional liabilities prevent us from providing instruction on specific spark plug removal and installation. Spark plug installation may require the removal of engine components and may require that specific vehicle manufacturer procedures be followed to ensure proper service and safety. It is recommended that you follow the instructions listed in the vehicle service manual or as instructed by your local vehicle dealer or a reputable mechanic for specific spark plug service and replacement.

  • [Q]:HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE SPARK PLUGS?

    [A]:MS-MARSHAL does not establish recommendations for spark plug service intervals, but rather, follows the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer. MS-MARSHAL spark plugs should be replaced at least as often as the vehicle manufacturers recommended change interval. We always recommend that you replace MS-MARSHAL spark plugs with the same metallurgy as your OE plug or upgrade to iridium. We suggest you refer to your vehicle owner's manual, local vehicle dealer, or refer to a reputable automotive service facility for information on appropriate mileage service intervals.