Candles aps a17dvrm or ngk. Warranty period of operation

13.06.2019

(SZ) is to ensure the transmission of a spark for ignition air-fuel mixture. Much depends on the quality of SZ, in particular, stable work engine, as well as starting the power unit. In this article we will tell you what candles are. Russian production A17DVRM and are they as high quality as the manufacturer claims.

[ Hide ]

Characteristics

Let's start with the main features. The thread length AU17DVRM is 1.9 cm, a 16 mm hexagon is used to unscrew and screw the devices into the engine. One of the main characteristics is the gap, which in this case is 1 mm. If we talk about stability, then these SZs cannot boast of it, especially if we compare this brand with the brands Bosch, NGK. If you believe the manufacturer, then SZ AU17DVRM are produced using modern technologies and innovations, which allows you to achieve a high quality product.

Features of Russian-made SZ are as follows:

According to official data, thanks to the use of a high-quality electrode, the spark in such SZ is more powerful. In addition, the manufacturer assures that the efficiency of the product is quite high. Of course, this plays an important role, especially when operating the vehicle in winter.
For Russian-made spark plugs, less voltage will be needed at the time of starting the engine. And this, in turn, means that the start of the power unit will be faster at low temperatures.
According to official information, SZ 17DVRM have improved performance even at relatively low costs.
Thanks to good sparking, optimal operation of the power unit is achieved (the author of the video is Nail Poroshin).

Advantages and disadvantages

So that you can understand whether these SZs are as high quality as the manufacturer assures, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the list of their advantages and disadvantages. The data below is based on the reviews of our compatriots, so you should rely on them when buying.

Let's start with the main advantages that Russian-made products have:

Reduced level of emissions into the atmosphere. Since sparking has been improved in Russian SZs, the air-fuel mixture combustion procedure itself will be more stable. As a result, the use of new SPs makes it possible to reduce emissions in environment waste gases. In addition, if the power unit of your car is running in normal mode, when using new SZ, it is possible to achieve a decrease in fuel consumption. Of course, we are not talking about fabulous numbers, but with normal operation engine, five percent fuel economy is guaranteed.
Also, the improved formation of a spark in the SZ contributes to the fact that, in general, the ignition parameter of the combustible mixture is improved. Ultimately, SZ 17DVRM allow ignition even lean mixture. Of course, misfiring will still occur in the system until engine performance returns to normal, especially when compared with lower quality spark plugs.
One of the main advantages of such candles is their low cost. Actually, thanks to the price, many consumers prefer the Russian product.
If you use the original SZ, then you can quite ensure that the engine will operate in normal mode. If everything is in order with the power unit, then it will not triple and will always start without problems (the author of the video is Alex Tkachoff).

Of course, like any other product, these SZs also have their drawbacks, which we will discuss below:

No matter how surprising it may sound, Russian candles can be counterfeit. Naturally, in this case, the glow number will differ significantly from the original, respectively, the car owner will not be able to experience all the benefits of using fake SZ.
Detonation. Many Internet users in their reviews claim that after installing SZ 17DVRM, their car engines begin to detonate. Detonation is a process in which a distinct sound is heard from under the hood. metallic knock. As experts say, this is "knocking fingers." Especially detonation often manifests itself when driving uphill at low speeds.
Deterioration driving performance car. power unit can operate at reduced power when installing A17DVRM spark plugs. The motor will take longer to accelerate than usual. Many car owners on the Web also write about this drawback.
Increased fuel consumption. There is a double-edged sword here - some consumers claim that gasoline consumption will be reduced when installing SZ A17DVRM, other users write that fuel consumption increases significantly. At the same time, buyers claim that after dismantling Russian spark plugs and installing better Denso or NGK SZs instead, fuel consumption will return to normal. We cannot unequivocally state what will happen with the fuel consumption when installing the AU17DVRM, but we are obliged to convey the information to you.
Also, many Internet users claim that the service life of SZ domestic production significantly lower than the manufacturer claims.

Conclusion

In general, it must be said that although Russian spark plugs are not as high quality as their foreign counterparts, their price is quite acceptable. Based on this cost, many car owners make a choice in favor of a domestic product. Moreover, it should be noted that the AU17DVRM are excellent for use in vehicles of domestic production - Ladakh, Muscovites, as well as in Ukrainian ZAZ. Apparently because they were originally developed for use in our cars.

As for foreign cars, we would not recommend installing 17DVRM spark plugs on them. After analyzing consumer reviews on the network, we can confidently state that such candles are categorically not suitable for use in foreign-made cars. Accordingly, if you have a foreign car, then we would advise you to put better SZs in it.

Issue price

The cost of spark plugs is generally low, the difference lies in a particular model.

Video "Comparison of SZ A14DVR and A17 DVRM"

- What is there to experience? All spark plugs are the same - two electrodes and an insulator between them...

That was the answer of the specialist we asked for advice on the eve of our planned spark plug test. The verdict was unequivocal: there is no difference between the candles and cannot be. But how is it? After all, every motorist had to feel that with some candles the engine runs smoothly, with others it fails at idle, with third ones it starts poorly ... And we nevertheless decided to compare with each other several sets of candles designed for eight-valve "front-wheel drive" VAZ engines.

In car dealerships, we bought twelve sets of single-electrode spark plugs that are suitable for Samar engines and VAZ cars of the “tenth” family. From domestic ones, they chose candles of the brands EZ, APS and Bosch, made in Engels, and Brisk from Ozersk. They were accompanied by German candles Beru, Bosch Platinum and Finwhale, Japanese NGKs and Denso, French Eyquem. And Champion candles, judging by the label on the packaging, are "made in the European Union."

But how to compare candles? What to check?

We open the industry standard OST 37.003.081-87 "Spark plugs". Evaluating the size and appearance of spark plugs is, of course, good. Checking the continuity of sparking and glow number is also not bad. But not a word is said in the OST about measuring the effect of a spark plug on the main performance characteristics of the engine - on power, efficiency, toxicity.

So, you have to develop your own method!

We were helped by specialists from the research laboratory, where we turned to conduct the test. They reasoned like this. The main function of a spark plug is to spark. Checking the candle "for a spark" is elementary - you apply voltage and look. But in real conditions, in the combustion chamber, the candle works under pressure - in a serviceable VAZ engine with a compression ratio of 9.9, at the end of the compression stroke it is 10-13 atmospheres (with a fully open throttle). This means that you need to place a candle in a pressure chamber - and monitor the continuity of sparking under pressure.

But this is not all. Indeed, in the pressure chamber there is still air, and the temperature is close to room temperature. And in a real engine - the air-fuel mixture, heat, vibration load...

Why not use a real, "live" engine for comparison?

The idea is this. We take an absolutely serviceable eight-valve VAZ-2111 engine (fuel injection system, lambda probe, without converter, January-5.1 controller 2111-1411020-61). We install it on a special motor stand, which, with the help of braking device allows you to simulate any mode of operation - from idle move up to rated load. The stand is equipped with a measuring complex for measuring power, rotational speed, air consumption, fuel and exhaust gas toxicity. Revolutions can be set with an accuracy of 10 rpm, and torque - up to 0.5 Nm. All measurement procedures are prescribed in GOST 14846-81 “Automotive engines. Methods of bench tests.

We screw the first set of candles into the engine. Run, measure, record. Now we turn off, change the candles to others - and repeat the same tests again. All components of the stand, except for the candles, have not changed - the engine runs on the same oil and gasoline, the temperature in the laboratory is under control. This means that if the engine loses power after replacing the spark plugs, if fuel consumption or the emission of unburned hydrocarbons increases, it will be the spark plugs that are to blame! And it is bench, laboratory conditions that will help us achieve the required accuracy of tests.

But first, armed with measuring probes, we checked the spark gaps of all the candles. For all sets, they turned out to be uniform, and EZ, Denso and Eyquem spark plugs required adjustments. We bend the side electrode, measure it - the norm. Moreover, if we increased the gaps of EZ and Denso candles to 1 mm on the recommendation of VAZ, then a special plate was attached to the French Eyquem candles, according to which the gap should be increased from the original 0.65 mm to 0.8 mm.

Now - in the pressure chamber. We began testing sparking at atmospheric pressure by applying a voltage of 17 kilovolts to the spark plug. This is a lower voltage compared to the standard one (22 kV), but this is how we simulate the most unfavourable conditions work. All the candles seem to be sparkling. True, in different ways. Somewhere the spark is even and powerful, somewhere, like candles EZ A17DVRM, it rushes from burr to burr on the “hairy”, carelessly processed side electrode ...

Now we begin to gradually increase the pressure - and observe the continuity of sparking. The first to give up are regular candles from Engels - at an air pressure of 5.1 atm, the spark periodically disappears. Of course, for real conditions in a combustion chamber filled with a fuel-air mixture with a higher dielectric constant, this pressure will be higher. However, for the purity of the experiment, we cannot fill the pressure chamber with a mixture of air and gasoline - it will simply explode from a spark! But we can compare all candles in the same "air" conditions - and we can determine exactly which ones are worse and which are better.

The Brisk LR15YC spark plugs gave up later than everyone - at a pressure of 10.5 atm. Good results for the NGK BPR6E, Bosch Platinum WR7DP and Bosch WR7DC kits. A similar picture with the complete cessation of sparking - Brisk candles stopped working later than others. But for the APS A17DVRM, Finwhale F510, Champion RN9YCC4, EZ A17DVRM and Bosch WR7DCX kits, the indicators for this parameter are low.

Perhaps the difference in the results is due to the difference in spark gaps - from 0.7 to 1.1 mm? This is true, but only in part. For example, a Denso W20EPR-U spark plug with a large spark gap of 1.0 mm can withstand high pressure at 7.9 atm. And the APS candle with the same gap gave up already at 5.5 atm ...

But in any case, the test in the pressure chamber is a kind of convention, an additional test. And the main thing is ahead. Bench motor tests!

First, when working on the external speed characteristic, that is, at wide open throttle, we measured the torque (and, accordingly, the power) with each of the sets of candles. For example, at a speed of 2500 rpm, an engine with EZ candles develops a torque of 101.5 Nm, and with Champion candles - already 106.5 Nm. Five newton meters difference!

It turned out that with any other spark plugs, the engine develops more traction than with standard EZ A17DVRM spark plugs. The smallest increase, at 2.8%, is provided by Denso spark plugs W20EPR-U. And the Finwhale F510 spark plugs help to achieve maximum results - the engine at full throttle develops 5.9% more power than with EZ spark plugs.

But how does the replacement of spark plugs affect the amount of thrust?

The task of the candle is to set fire to the combustible mixture. The initial ignition source depends on how well the candle succeeds - the larger it is, the faster the flame front propagates through the combustion chamber and the higher the developed power will be. To create a confident initial ignition source, you need a “large”, long spark - as experts say, with a large linear size. But the most interesting thing is that this spark size is not always equal to the gap size! Take a look at the pictures of sparks different candles. For example, for EZ candles, the spark every time has different size- it literally rushes over the entire surface of the side electrode. That way, that way. Hence the worst result. And at the Champion spark plug, the spark evenly “stands” diagonally between the central electrode and the side bend. That is, the spark itself is “longer” than the gap between the electrodes, which can be measured with a probe!

So it's very, very difficult. And you say - two electrodes and an insulator ...

The situation is similar with measured efficiency. The lowest specific fuel consumption in urban cycle modes was shown by the engine with NGK BPR6E and Finwhale F510 spark plugs. But with APS A17DVRM and Beru Ultra 14R-7DU spark plugs, fuel consumption in partial load modes was higher than with standard EZ spark plugs.

Why? The fact is that the speed of propagation of the flame front also depends on the temperature in the ignition zone. And she was different too! If NGK spark plugs have a spark white-blue color, which corresponds to a temperature of 3500-4000 K (degrees on the absolute Kelvin scale), then, for example, the spark of APS candles contains reddish hues (temperature is about 3000 K). But the temperature of the spark affects the initial speed of the flame front in the square!

In addition, during the test, we evaluated the quality and degree of stability of the engine in various modes- the presence and magnitude of torque fluctuations with a constant fuel supply, exhaust gas temperature. Toxicity measurements were carried out at idle, external speed characteristics and urban cycle. Denso W20EPR-U, Eyquem RC62LS and Bosch Platinum WR7DP spark plugs showed the best results in reducing CO and CH content in exhaust gases compared to the basic set (EZ A17DVRM). The candles NGK BPR6E, Bosch WR7DC and Finwhale F510 performed worse here.

And why are the leaders different in tests for maximum power and toxicity? This is because we carried out the “power” test at maximum load engine and high revs, and toxicity measurements partial loads and low revs. The “brain” of the ignition system, the role of which in our case is played by the January-5.1 controller, depending on the speed and load, changes the ignition timing - in accordance with the program embedded in it, designed for regular candles EZ A17DVRM. Each new candle, installed instead of the standard one, changes the combustion rate of the combustible mixture - and, consequently, the actual ignition timing. Therefore, some candles work better in modes maximum power, and others - at partial loads. But if you rewrite the controller program for a specific “good” candle, then its results will be even better and more stable!

And candles Bosch WR7DCX presented a surprise - with them, the January 5.1 controller seemed to have forgotten about the optimal ratio of air and fuel. At times, the enrichment of the air-fuel mixture reached 20% compared to the base! The reason was the correction of the fuel injection time, which the controller produces according to signals from the oxygen sensor - that is, from the lambda probe. Usually this correction is short-term - it is needed in transient conditions. But with Bosch WR7DCX plugs, the correction was continuous - there was too much oxygen in the exhaust gases, which indicated incomplete combustion of the fuel. The reason is misfiring and a catastrophic deterioration in toxicity. But other candles with the same gap (1.1 mm) behaved well ...

We decided to repeat the test on the engine without feedback, as on VAZ engines with a January-5.1 controller 2111-1411020-71. The "injection" engine without feedback cannot correct the composition of the mixture for Bosch WR7DCX candles - there is no oxygen sensor. But the situation repeated itself - I confirmed about missing flashes elevated level unburned fuel, i.e. hydrocarbons (CH). In terms of toxicity, Bosch WR7DCX this time outperformed standard EZ candles, but significantly lost to everyone else.

And in order to once again be convinced of the correctness and fairness of the chosen test methodology, we “scrolled” the ill-fated Bosch WR7DCX and a few more sets both on an engine with injection and without feedback, and even on a carburetor engine. The results matched!

Calculating the final rating of the test, we converted the results of all tests into points and summed them up taking into account weight coefficients - according to a well-established methodology, which we use in all other tests. comparative tests. The leader is a set of Japanese NGK spark plugs, with which the engine showed high results for most settings. In second place are two sets at once - these are German candles Bosch WR7DP and Finwhale. With the latter, the engine received the maximum increase in power at full throttle (5.9%). In third place is the French Eyquem, the leader in reducing toxicity.

But regular EZ candles, alas, are inferior to everyone else in most parameters ...

Now let's get back to the question of whether all candles are the same. Three sets - EZ A17DVRM, APS and Bosch WR7DC - are made at the same plant in Engels, which is owned by Bosch Corporation. It would seem, where "the same"? But if EZ brand candles are made entirely from Russian components, then the APS brand appeared as a trial step by Bosch before entering the Russian market- these candles are produced on a more modern line, and some of the components are ordered in Germany. Candles with the Bosch brand in Engels are generally assembled from ready-made imported “spare parts”.

Compare, for example, the side electrodes of the EZ spark plugs and the Bosch WR7DC. In “ordinary” EZ candles, they are very poorly processed, and such important parameter, as a spark gap, has a very relative value - the spark simply finds the nearest burr. And the quality of the APS spark plug electrodes and Bosch is better. As a result, products from Engels settled down like that - on the rise.

However, "more expensive" does not always mean "better". For example, Champion RN9YCC candles, which we bought for 440 rubles, look unconvincing against the background of the same Russian Bosch kit for 160 rubles.

True, there is one very important parameter - this is a resource. How long will this or that candle last in the same engine? What is its ability to self-purify? How much does it resist the deposits of metal-containing additives on the electrodes and insulator? It is very easy to check this. You need to take 12 identical engines and make them thresh all day long in the same modes. Better not 12, but all 24 or 36 motors. For more statistics. Perhaps here the advantages of platinum would appear central electrode Bosch WR7DP or copper side models - Champion RN9YCC candles.

It is a pity that such a test is impossible ...

In the end, we only checked what we could check. And we found out a very important thing - that not all yogurts are equally useful. And this discovery inspired us to take the next step - to repeat the test, but with more expensive multi-electrode candles, which are now quite a few on the shelves. Results? Read in the next issue!

NGK BPR6E
Japan
Price: 240 rubles*
Spark gap: 0.8mm

Japanese candles are made to last: a side electrode is carefully welded, a clear marking is applied. And NGK spark plugs are good in operation - compared to regular EZ spark plugs, fuel consumption is reduced by more than 5%! This best result among 12 samples. The engine runs stably with these spark plugs, with an increase in power of up to 4.4% at full throttle. The only remark is the low results in "environmental" tests. And it is also interesting that, contrary to the story of NGK specialists about the appointment of a V-shaped recess on the central electrode (see AR N 15, 2004), the spark does not move to its edges, but is located exactly in the center of the gap ...

Finwhale F510
Germany
Price: 180 rubles*
Spark gap: 1.1mm
According to the packaging, Finwhale candles are made in Germany. And, as our test showed, they are well made.

In terms of fuel consumption savings, Finwhale is second only to NGK candles(3.1% vs. 5.1%). But in terms of power increase, Fin whales are beyond competition - when working at an external speed characteristic, the engine receives an addition of 5.9% of power relative to standard EZ candles! Ecologically average, but better than NGK candles.

Eyquem RC62LS
France
Price: 160 rubles*
Spark gap: 0.8mm

Eyquem candles are hard to fault. They are very well made and work well. The engine runs steadily with them, and takes third place in terms of fuel consumption (following Finwhale and NGK candles). The increase in power at full throttle compared to competitors is not so high - 3.7%. But in terms of reducing the toxicity of exhaust gases (relative to EZ candles), Eyquem candles are the undisputed leader.

Bosch WR7DC
Russia, Engels
Price: 160 rubles*
Spark gap: 0.7mm

Looking closely at the Bosch WR7DC candles and regular EZ A17DVRM, made at the same factory, it is difficult to find differences. But the macrophotos show that the side electrodes are made with a completely different quality. Accordingly, in the work of Bosch manifests itself differently. In terms of stability, the engine with these candles shares the first place with Bosch WR7DP “platinum” candles, and fourth in terms of “economy”. Engine horsepower increased by 4.9% relative to base plugs at full throttle, better than the leading NGK and Eyquem kits.

Brisk LR15YC
Russia, Ozersk
Price: 120 rubles*
Spark gap: 0.8mm

Brisk spark plugs performed well. The engine power when working at the external speed characteristic increases by 5% (only Finwhale is better), and in the extreme conditions that we created in the pressure chamber, Brisk was not equal at all. But in part of the light load modes, the engine with Brisk candles worked unstable. Economic and environmental indicators turned out to be low. And the literacy of the packaging designers let us down - it says “lighting candles” ...

Champion RN9YCC4
EU (European Union)
Price: 440 rubles*
Spark gap: 1.1mm

Candles Champion the only ones that have copper core not only at the central, but also at the side electrode. But the toxicity of the engine exhaust with these candles is slightly better than with Brisk, the economy is at an average level. The color of the spark contains "cold" reddish tints, which leads to unstable operation of the engine on the part of small and medium loads. The only joy is a five percent increase in power at full throttle (relative to EZ candles). And grief is twice the price of the winner.

Denso W20EPR-U
Japan
Price: 240 rubles*
Spark gap: 1.0mm

The developers of Denso candles went a different way than competitors from NGK - the U-shaped notch was made not on the central, but on the side electrode. And the goals, according to the company, it pursues others - it allows you to simulate an increased gap, for the "activation" of which the standard voltage is suitable. But both in terms of power (at full throttle) and in terms of economy, the engine with these candles shows low results. But Denso candles are the best at reducing exhaust toxicity.

Beru Ultra 14R-7DU
Germany
Price: 220 rubles*
Spark gap: 0.8mm

German candles are nice to take in hand - neat work! And the engine runs steadily with them. But the results in terms of power and toxicity reduction (relative to EZ candles) are low. And in terms of fuel consumption, Beru candles were inferior even to standard EZ candles. And this is with a double difference in cost ...

APS A17DVRM
Russia, Engels
Price: 100 rubles*
Spark gap: 1.0mm

As a result, APS candles slightly outperformed the "countrymen" EZ. First of all, in terms of power (at full throttle, it increased by 3.5%) and quite a bit - in terms of engine stability in all modes (due to the unstable position of the spark in the gap, a torque fluctuation was observed on part of the small loads). At the same time, at partial loads, APS plugs performed worse - for example, fuel consumption increased by 0.6% compared to EZ plugs.

Bosch WR7DCX
Russia, Engels
Price: 235 rubles*
Spark gap: 1.1mm

Candles Bosch WR7DCX differ from candles Bosch WR7DC increased to 1.1 mm clearance. The information on the packaging says that they are specially designed for VAZ "injection" engines. But in most modes, the engine was unstable, and the controller January 5.1 2111-1411020-61 reacted to misfires by constantly correcting the fuel injection time, which led to catastrophic exhaust toxicity.

EZ A17DVRM
Russia, Engels
Price: 100 rubles*
Spark gap: 1.0mm

All characteristics of VAZ injection engines are tuned to these candles - EZ A17DVRM. But at the same time, EZ candles were inferior to all competitors. The “furry” side electrode causes the spark to rush from burr to burr, which, coupled with periodically jumping “cold” red sparks, leads to the worst engine stability in the test. Or maybe it's the stability of the workmanship?

I. Test results. Single electrode spark plugs
	Impact on overall score	NGK BPR6E	Finwhale F510	Bosch WR7DP	Eyquem RC62LS	Bosch WR7DC
Tests in the pressure chamber	10%
	4%	8,5	5,3	7,5	7,1	7,8
	6%	7,9	5,4	7,1	6,4	7,1
Bench motor tests	90%
Power	30%	8,5	9,7	9,0	7,9	8,9
Economy	24%	10,0	8,5	7,0	8,0	7,0
Toxicity	18%	6,4	6,7	7,8	8,5	7,1
Sustainability	18%	9,2	8,6	9,8	9,6	9,8
Overall score	100%	8,5	8,3	8,3	8,2	8,1

II. Test results. Single electrode spark plugs
	Impact on overall score	Brisk LR15YC	Champion RN9YCC	Denso W20EPR-U	Beru 14R-7DU	APS A17 dvrm	Bosch WR7 DCX	EZ A17 dvrm
Tests in the pressure chamber	10%
Spark failure pressure	4%	10,0	5,2	7,0	6,8	5,4	5,4	5,0
Stop spark pressure	6%	9,6	5,4	6,7	6,4	5,0	5,7	5,7
Bench motor tests	90%
Power	30%	9,0	9,0	7,2	7,9	7,8	8,5	5,0
Economy	24%	6,7	6,7	6,8	6,0	5,7	7,0	6,2
Toxicity	18%	6,6	6,7	8,0	6,1	5,0	—	5,2
Sustainability	18%	8,7	8,7	9,0	9,2	8,1	8,3	7,9
Overall score	100%	8,0	7,7	7,5	7,1	6,6	6,3	5,9
The results refer only to the samples tested. The editors did not check the authenticity of the samples

Wrapping the spark plug into the engine, we do not think about how the side electrode will end up - to the cylinder wall, to the intake valve, to the exhaust ... And what's the difference?

The side electrode of the spark plug is located
open part of the spark gap
towards the wall of the combustion chamber

It exists, and a lot. The experience of racing drivers suggests that the spark plug works best when it is deployed with the open part of the spark gap into the volume of the combustion chamber - towards the valves. Before the test, we decided to check it out. Of the twenty-four marked APS A17DVRM spark plugs, three sets were selected. The first set included candles, which, when tightened, “turned away” with the open part of the spark gap from the combustion chamber to the cylinder wall. The candles of the second set, when tightened, on the contrary, opened the spark gap in the combustion chamber. And the third set was intermediate, "side" - as a rule, this is how the electrodes of the candles are located on average during an "accidental" puff.

spark plug gap
open combustion chamber

All three sets passed bench tests in the VAZ-2111 engine. And it turned out that the orientation of the side electrode seriously affects the combustion process! When the electrode "shields" the spark gap, shielding the spark from the flow of the air-fuel mixture from inlet valve, at idle and low loads, this causes a sharp increase specific consumption fuel, and the content of unburned hydrocarbons (CH) in the exhaust gases increases. Moreover, when all four candles are in the “closed” position, the engine generally refuses to idle at speeds below 1200 rpm! At low loads, the difference in specific fuel consumption was 15%, and in CH emissions - even up to 80%.

Indifferent, or "lateral",
side electrode orientation

But at high speed the influence of the orientation of the side electrodes is reduced - because the processes of gas exchange proceed faster, and the turbulence of the air charge in the chamber is higher. However, during the test, we ensured that the candles did not get into a "closed" position - we used an indifferent, or "sideways", orientation of the spark gap.

heat number

What is a heat number?

When we start a cold engine, deposits of unburned hydrocarbons begin to accumulate on the still cold thermal cone of the spark plug insulator. But as soon as the temperature of the candle reaches 400 ° C, the soot will burn out - the candle will self-clean.

But the engine is running, the temperature of the candle is rising. If it exceeds 900 ° C, then glow ignition will occur - the mixture will begin to ignite not from a spark, but from the heated parts of the combustion chamber. One of these parts is the candle itself, through which part of the heat is removed. Therefore, for each specific model engine, you need to select candles with a certain thermal characteristic - with the right balance of low-temperature self-cleaning ability and resistance to overheating. This balance characterizes the heat number. The smaller it is, the “hotter” the candle (at lower loads it reaches the maximum temperature) and the narrower its operating range. Such candles are for low-powered engines. If the degree of forcing the engine is high, then its tendency to glow ignition is higher, therefore, “cold” candles with a high glow number are needed.

The marking of domestic spark plugs is determined by OST 37.003.081 - 98.

1 - The first letter indicates the dimension of the thread on the candle body. There are two options: "A" is the thread M14x1.25, "M" - M18x1.5

2 - There are two types of installation of a spark plug in the cylinder head. The most common connection of flat bearing surfaces (spark plugs and heads) is through an o-ring (in this case position "2" is empty). Another option is with a conical spark plug bearing surface (indicated by the letter "K")

3 - The turnkey size is indicated here. "U" is the size of the hexagon reduced to 16.0 mm, as on candles for sixteen-valve engines. The letter "M" corresponds to a 19 mm key. And if the letter is not specified, like most candles, then the key size is 20.8 mm

4 - The numbers correspond to glow numbers from the series 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26. The smallest glow number corresponds to a “hot” candle, the largest to a “cold” one

5 - The position indicates the length of the thread on the spark plug body. For candles with a flat supporting surface, the letter "D" corresponds to a length of 19 mm, the absence of a letter - 12.7 mm

6 - The thermal cone of the insulator can be located in different ways relative to the metal body of the candle. If it protrudes from the body, then the letter "B" appears in the designation. If the position is free, then there is no performance

7 - The presence of an interference suppression resistor is indicated by the letter "P". If there is no resistor, the position is empty

8 - If the central electrode is made of nickel alloy, then this is not indicated. And if the electrode has a copper core, the letter “M” appears

9 - At the end, the serial number of development or modernization can be located

For example, candles APS and EZ in our test had the designation A17DVRM. This means that the thread of their cases has a size of M14x1.25 and a length of 19 mm. Heat number - 17. The thermal cone of the insulator protrudes beyond the body of the candle. A resistor is built into the candle, and the central electrode has a copper core.

But foreign manufacturers of spark plugs do not adhere to any uniform labeling rules. And they have different scales of incandescent numbers. If we have a candle becomes “colder” with an increase in the number, then, say, Brisk has the opposite. Therefore, pick imported analogue domestic candles follows the catalogs of manufacturers or the tables of interchangeability. So, for example, our A17DVRM spark plugs correspond to Beru 14R-7DU, Brisk LR15YC or Champion RN9YC spark plugs. But another "champion" participated in our test - RN9YCC4. The second "C" indicates that not only the central, but also the side electrode has a copper core, and the "four" indicates a gap increased to 1.1 mm.

By the way, what is the situation with gaps?

Those candles that Togliatti motors are equipped with on the conveyor have such gaps. For classic VAZs, this is 0.5 mm, for carburetor "front-wheel drive" engines - 0.7 mm, and a gap of 1.0 mm is set on candles for "injection" VAZ engines.

The employer of Pushkin's Balda was seriously injured in the pursuit of cheapness. Nevertheless, we decided to dedicate the next examination of spark plugs to inexpensive products, analogues of our A17DVRM. After all, it is precisely such candles with a “21” hexagon that set fire to the mixture of the family of VAZ eight-valve engines, as well as many foreign cars of not the first freshness. And to buy something sophisticated iridium for such cars is irrational. Therefore, we decided to limit the costs to a round sum: no more than 100 rubles per candle.

I was surprised by the variety in this price segment - a lot of not only brands, but also design options. And the cost of the purchase, even with a strict restriction from above, differed almost three times. Well, that's even more interesting.

Classic and original

We bought two sets of each type. The bulk were classic single-electrode candles: domestic brands Tsitron, "Japanese" NGK and Denso and "Europeans" (judging by the inscriptions on the packaging) BERU, Ween, HOLA. But under our price criterion, several not quite ordinary designs came up.

Firstly, this is almost the only Russian multi-electrode - "EZ-Standard T17DVRM" of the Engels plant, with three side electrodes. Secondly, for the indicated amount, we even managed to buy candles with platinum electrodes - Bosch Platinum WR7 DPX, and most interesting scheme: with a thin central electrode completely recessed into the insulator body. This company also included the Czech yttrium Brisk - with a side electrode ground on a cone.

As far as such candles are better than usual ones (and is it better?), the experiment will show. As a reference bar during motor tests, we took the "classics of the genre" - single-electrode "EZ-Standard T17DVRM". We will compare according to four indicators: the stability of design parameters, the result of complex motor tests, ecology, and work in emergency situations.

Clearances and resistances

To begin with, the candles were measured, having obtained the values \u200b\u200bof the preset spark gaps and electrical resistances. For what? To immediately weed out initially unusable samples. This time there were no such people (although before the marriage came across). In addition, it is interesting to evaluate the unevenness of design parameters for each brand: the lower it is, the higher the level of production.

The best were NGK, Denso, and Bosch. Unfortunately, Tsitron showed low stability, especially against the background of the leaders.

Having finished with the probes and ohmmeters, we shuffled the candles and formed new sets for each brand: we will conditionally call them “good” and “ordinary”. The first one is one of those candlesticks, the parameters of which are closest to the average for the sample. The second is from what is left. Set the reference level for motor tests there will be two sets of single-electrode candles "EZ-Standard A17DVRM".

Power, consumption, toxicity

To what extent can the quality and characteristics of spark plugs affect engine performance? You will have to catch a few percent, so bench conditions are needed so that the effects obtained are not eaten by the measurement error. Sequentially put each set on injection motor VAZ-2111 and in fixed modes we evaluate the change in power, fuel consumption and exhaust gas toxicity relative to the "EZ-Standard A17DVRM".

First, we drove the “good” sets on the motor, then the “ordinary” ones. The final result consisted of the achievements of both sets. And the scatter of the results was supposed to show the degree of dependence of the engine performance on the stability of the candle parameters.

Among the classic candles from "good" sets, the spread in power and efficiency is relatively small - up to 2 ... 3%, in terms of ecology - a little more: up to 7 ... 9%. But the "originals" gave a noticeable improvement in parameters. The most effective were platinum Bosch, the second came to the finish - attention! - domestic three-electrode "EZ-Standard"! Here, the principle of an open spark, implemented in multi-electrode circuits, clearly worked, as we have repeatedly written about (for example, ZR, 2006, No. 10 ).

Brisk was only seventh in terms of motor performance.

The highlight of these candles is yttrium alloy, but it basically prolongs the resource without much effect on the quality of sparking. By sharpening the side electrode into a cone, the designers, in our opinion, made a mistake. A similar shape is useful when it ends above the center electrode (like NGK and Denso). In this case, a zone of local increase in the intensity of the electric field is formed and, therefore, the conditions for sparking change. And in the version proposed by Brisk, the side electrode protrudes far beyond the central one - and therefore the conditions for the formation of a spark practically do not change here.

By the way, pay attention: when checking “regular” sets, the advantage of leaders is more pronounced! Therefore, advice: even saving, take a closer look at the leaders. The smaller the difference between the parameters of the candles, the better your car will go!

When the candles go out...

next two tests. We always emphasize that limited time it is almost impossible to simulate in full all the troubles of a real engine - deposits, spark plug wear, cold starts, etc. - is almost impossible. But it is possible to indirectly assess the stability of the operation of candles in extreme conditions by how they behave at low voltage in onboard network. For example, at 9 V instead of the usual fourteen. Of course, over fuel pump and we will not mock electronics: we are only interested in the difference in the behavior of candles. Therefore, we pass to the stand with a carburetor engine.

Tables open in full size by clicking:

The "best" participate in these tests. The results confirmed the results of the previous series - Bosch platinum thin-electrode spark plugs and domestic three-electrode electrodes were more successful than others. Moreover, the spread between leaders and outsiders has grown significantly, especially in terms of exhaust gas toxicity.

Last test. We check at what minimum voltage the power candles continue to sparkle. We bring the bench engine to stable temperature parameters, and then gradually lower the voltage until the sparking stops completely. The best indicator for this parameter was again given by Bosch, which gave up only at the turn of 5.88 V. And Tsitron was the first to capitulate: 7.88 V.

Balda is not quite right!

The results are in tables. There is only one surprise, and a pleasant one at that: for a long time Russian products did not win our tests. And here, three-electrode and at the same time inexpensive candles took second place, wedged into the group of recognized masters between Bosch and the “Japanese”.

Even inexpensive candles can change the behavior of the car.

And Balda, imagine, was not quite right! In pursuit of cheapness, sometimes it is possible to find something worthy ...

Terminology and methodology

External speed characteristic. It characterizes the change in engine power (or torque) depending on the number of revolutions of its crankshaft at wide open throttle (for a gasoline engine).

Power parameter. It is calculated as an average increase (decrease) in power at all measured points of the external speed characteristic in relation to the base set.

Toxicity parameter(separately for the components CO, CH, NOx). It is calculated as the average increase (decrease) in the content of these toxic components relative to the baseline at all points of the load characteristics.

economy parameter. It is calculated as an average increase (decrease) in specific fuel consumption at all measured points of load characteristics in relation to the base set.

Average motor score emergency. It is taken equal to the economy parameter.

Average motor score. Calculated as a weighted sum of power and economy parameters.

Average toxicity. Calculated as a weighted sum of toxicity parameters for all components.

The EZ-Standard A17DVRM kit was chosen as the base kit. Before calculating the final quality indicators, they were brought to standard conditions measurement data and dependency approximations are constructed, allowing the use of the same load comparison points.

In each type of test, participants received coefficients on a five-point scale: 5 points for the best result and 1 point for the worst. The rest were evaluated in proportion to the position in the table. According to the results of four types of tests, the sum of the coefficients (constructive, motor, environmental, emergency) was determined, which was taken into account in the distribution of seats.

The subjects themselves

9th place: TSN, TSITRON, country not specified

A17DVRM

Gap- not specified

140 rub.

Candles sold in plastic bags, that is, almost in bulk - this is not everywhere you will find now! A low hexagon, fuzzy markings, a large spread in resistances and gaps immediately raised concerns about the result. Applicability is indicated on a piece of paper stuck on the sachet. The result - alas, a clear outsider ...

The motor works, the price is the lowest.

Lost to everyone and everything.

8th place: HOLA, Netherlands

Gap- 1.1 mm

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 175 rub.

The cheapest among imported candles. A detailed description, a bunch of certificates - all this is good. They didn’t particularly shine, but they will be just right if you want to please the machine with something imported and inexpensive.

Low price, neat workmanship.

Not the highest stability of design parameters.

7th place: BRISK A-LINE, Czech Republic

13 LR15YCY-1

Gap- not specified

Estimated price - 230 rub.

Yttrium spark plugs with a side electrode sharpened to a cone and an enlarged protrusion of the central electrode. They should last a long time, but in our tests nothing "such" was shown. And the price is not the most attractive.

Well-known brand, neat workmanship.

No tangible benefits.

6th place: BERU, Germany

14R-7DUX

Gap- 1.1 mm

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 280 rub.

Normal candles of a classical design with a big name, and at the same time - not the highest price. The results seem to be in the shadows: no failures, no leadership in any of the categories. To be honest, the brand taught him to see him among the winners, but we specifically looked for what was cheaper.

Smooth performance at all stages.

Wish it was cheaper...

5th place: WEEN, Netherlands

121–1370

Gap- 1.1 mm

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 210 rub.

Dutch candles, little known to our customers, turned out to be exactly in the middle of the table, overtaking much more famous names. According to the stability of design parameters, these candles are the fourth.

Good value for money.

Not a word in Russian on the blister.

4th place: DENSO, Japan

W20EPR-U11

Gap- not specified

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 380 rub.

Japanese candlesticks proved to be leaders in the group of classical colleagues. However, there is a certain originality in them: there is a U-shaped recess on the side electrode, which, according to the company, stabilizes the discharge. It looks like it is.

High stability of design parameters.

Only Bosch is more expensive.

3rd place: NGK V-LINE, France

#13 BPR6ES-11

Gap- not specified

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 360 rub.

The French "Japanese" behaved well. First place in design stability of parameters, third place in all other nominations. The only question is: why include ordinary, classic candles in the V-Line category: there we are used to seeing a groove in the central electrode ...

High results in all nominations.

One of the most expensive among classic candles.

2nd place: EZ STANDARD, Russia

T17DVRM 1.0

Gap- 1.0 mm

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 230 rub.

sole representative multi-electrode candles, which fell within the established price limit, turned out to be Russian. For a very affordable price, he showed his the best sides, taking second place in three categories out of four!

Steady place in the top three.

If it were not for the scatter of parameters, they would have been leaders.

1st place: BOSCH PLATINUM, Germany

Gap- 1.1 mm

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 400 rub.

This company has always been able to make worthy candles. The best in three nominations out of four - as a result, gold! Only one thing surprised me a little: why did the “Germans” turn out to be only third in terms of stability of parameters? But let's not cling to the winners.

Leading positions in all motor nominations.

The most expensive. Alas, not the most stable in terms of parameters.

In accordance with the requirements of OST 37.003 081-98, the spark plug has the following symbols (see Fig. 13).

1. Thread on the body M 14x1.25 - "A": M 18x1.5 (according to TU) - "M"

2. The size of the turnkey hexagon: 16.0 mm - "U"; 19.0 mm - "M".

If the marking does not contain the letters "U" or "M", the size of the hexagon wrench is 20.8 mm.

3. Tapered bearing surface: "K".

4 The length of the threaded part of the body for candles with a conical seat: 7.8 mm - "M": 17.5 mm - "L": 25.0 mm - "C" If the marking does not contain the letters "M". "D" or "C" before the designation of the glow number, the length of the threaded part of the body is 11.2 mm.

5. Heat number: 8:11:14; 17; 20; 23 or 26.

6. The length of the threaded part of the body for candles with a flat support surface: 19.0 mm - "D". If the marking does not contain the letter -D", the length of the threaded part of the body is 12.7 mm, with the exception of spark plugs with a 19.0 mm hex key size. for which this size is one - 9.5 mm.

7. Protrusion of the thermal cone of the insulator beyond the end of the housing: "B".

8. The presence of a built-in resistor: "P".

9. Bimetallic central electrode: "M> (with a copper core).

10. Serial number of development or modernization (except for basic structures): one or two digits at the end of the marking.

Candle Symbol Example with a thread on the body M 14x1.25, glow value 17, length of the threaded part of the body 19.0 mm, having a protrusion of the thermal cone of the insulator beyond the end of the body, with a built-in noise suppression resistor, with a bimetallic central electrode and having a basic design: A17DVRM

In addition to the symbol of the type, each candle must indicate: the date of manufacture (month or quarter, or the last two digits of the year of manufacture);

name or trademark manufacturer; country of manufacture.

Distinctive features of sections produced in Russia

OAO Robert Bosch Saratov

Distinctive features of candles:

one of the EZ turning marks. APS) on the insulator;

insulator white color has three grooves in the upper part;

on the insulator the image of the trademark, symbol the type of candle and the date of manufacture of the insulator, encrypted with a three-digit number; the inscription “Russia” is embossed on the metal case, one rhombus is applied on both sides of the inscription, then the quarter of manufacture in Roman numerals and the last two digits of the year of manufacture in Arabic numerals, then a corrugation consisting of vertical lines located from the inscription to the date of manufacture.

"UZETI" "RGUP "UAPO"

Ufa plant of electrical products, which is part of the Ufa Aggregate Production Association»

FSUE-UAPO began the production of spark plugs in 1966 with the production of the A7.5SS spark plug for the M-412 engine of the Moskvich* car.

In connection with the expansion of the range and the growth of production, there was a need for specialization, the Ufa plant of electrical products - UZETI - was formed as part of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “UAPO-UZETI produces spark plugs At 1-1; A11-3: A14B; A14B-2; A14VR; A14D; A14DV; A14DVRM; A17B. A17D; A17DV-1; A17DV-10. A17DVRM. AU17DVRM. A20D-1; A23V: A23DM; A23DVRM; AU23DVRM and SI-12RT. Production is carried out according to the full production cycle from the preparation of raw materials to finished products, as the plant has its own ceramic production of insulators by isostatic pressing.

UZETI is distinguished by a control system technological processes and the quality of the finished product, largely borrowed from the basic production of aviation candles.

The production of promising designs of candles with a reduced hexagon, with a built-in resistor and a bimetallic central electrode is being prepared. There is a transition from the bodies of candles with black oxide coating to nickel-plated.

Distinctive features of UZETI candles: trademark of FSUE "UAPO" on the insulator; white insulator without ribs or with fins in the upper part in the form of one to three radial grooves; on the insulator, a symbol for the type of candle and, in some cases, the inscription "Ufa"; The date of manufacture is stamped on the metal case.

LLC NPF "GRAND-LTD"

LLC Research and Production Company "GRAND-LTD", Engels

It is a specialized enterprise that has been producing AUN candles since 1991. All: A14B; A17B. A14DV; A17DV: A17DV-10; A17DVM; A17DWW; A20D; A23V and SI 12. Carries out the assembly of candles according to the most common technology in the domestic industry using parts supplied by conversion enterprises.

Distinctive features of candles LLC NPF.GRAND-LTD ..:

trademark LLC NPF "GRAND-LTD." on the insulator;

insulator without ribs or with fins in the upper part;

housing coating: chemical oxidation, zinc plating or nickel plating. Sometimes an asterisk or an inscription - RU is applied on the case.

Elis-ez LLC

ELIS-EZ LLC, Saratov

Elis-EZ LLC - founded in 1990 and produces candles: A10N; A11-5: A14B; A14DV: A17V; A17DV; A17DV-10; A17DVM; A20D; A23V, SI-12 and M-8T from components manufactured jointly with military-industrial complex enterprises

Distinctive features of candles of Elis-EZ LLC:

trademark of OOO * Elis-EZ" on a white or gray-blue insulator; insulator without ribs or with fins in the upper part;

on the case there is a decorative corrugation in the form of vertical dashes, in the interval is the date of issue, a five-pointed asterisk and the inscription -RU".

Classic and original

Firstly, this is almost the only Russian multi-electrode - "EZ-Standard T17DVRM" of the Engels plant, with three side electrodes. Secondly, for the indicated amount, we even managed to buy candles with platinum electrodes - Bosch Platinum WR7 DPX, and the most interesting scheme: with a thin central electrode, completely recessed into the insulator body. This company also included the Czech yttrium Brisk - with a side electrode ground on a cone.

Clearances and resistances

The best were NGK, Denso, and Bosch. Unfortunately, Tsitron showed low stability, especially against the background of the leaders.

Having finished with the probes and ohmmeters, we shuffled the candles and formed new sets for each brand: we will conditionally call them “good” and “ordinary”. The first one is one of those candlesticks, the parameters of which are closest to the average for the sample. The second is from what is left. The reference level during motor tests will be set by two sets of single-electrode spark plugs "EZ-Standard A17DVRM".

Power, consumption, toxicity

To what extent can the quality and characteristics of spark plugs affect engine performance? You will have to catch a few percent, so bench conditions are needed so that the effects obtained are not eaten by the measurement error. We sequentially put each set on the VAZ-2111 injection engine and in fixed modes we evaluate the change in power, fuel consumption and exhaust gas toxicity relative to the "EZ-Standard A17DVRM".

Brisk was only seventh in terms of motor performance.

When the candles go out...

next two tests. We always emphasize that it is almost impossible to fully simulate all the troubles of a real engine - deposits, spark plug wear, cold starts, etc. - in a limited time. But it is possible to indirectly assess the stability of the operation of candles in extreme conditions by how they behave at low voltage in the on-board network. For example, at 9 V instead of the usual fourteen. Of course, we will not scoff at the fuel pump and electronics: we are only interested in the difference in the behavior of the candles. Therefore, we pass to the stand with a carburetor engine.

Tables open in full size by clicking:

Last test. We check at what minimum supply voltage the candles continue to spark. We bring the bench engine to stable temperature parameters, and then gradually lower the voltage until the sparking stops completely. The best indicator for this parameter was again given by Bosch, which gave up only at the turn of 5.88 V. And Tsitron was the first to capitulate: 7.88 V.

Balda is not quite right!

Even inexpensive candles can change the behavior of the car.

And Balda, imagine, was not quite right! In pursuit of cheapness, sometimes it is possible to find something worthy ...

Terminology and methodology

External speed characteristic. It characterizes the change in engine power (or torque) depending on the number of revolutions of its crankshaft at wide open throttle (for a gasoline engine).

Power parameter. It is calculated as an average increase (decrease) in power at all measured points of the external speed characteristic in relation to the base set.

economy parameter. It is calculated as an average increase (decrease) in specific fuel consumption at all measured points of load characteristics in relation to the base set.

The average motor indicator is emergency. It is taken equal to the economy parameter.

Average motor score. Calculated as a weighted sum of power and economy parameters.

Average toxicity. Calculated as a weighted sum of toxicity parameters for all components.

The EZ-Standard A17DVRM kit was chosen as the base kit. Before calculating the final quality indicators, the measurement data were brought to standard conditions and approximations of the dependencies were built, allowing the use of the same load comparison points.

The subjects themselves

9th place: TSN, TSITRON, country not specified

A17DVRM

Gap- not specified

140 rub.

The motor works, the price is the lowest.

Lost to everyone and everything.

8th place: HOLA, Netherlands

Gap- 1.1 mm

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 175 rub.

Low price, neat workmanship.

Not the highest stability of design parameters.

7th place: BRISK A-LINE, Czech Republic

13 LR15YCY-1

Gap- not specified

Estimated price - 230 rub.

Well-known brand, neat workmanship.

No tangible benefits.

6th place: BERU, Germany

14R-7DUX

Gap- 1.1 mm

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 280 rub.

Smooth performance at all stages.

Wish it was cheaper...

5th place: WEEN, Netherlands

121–1370

Gap- 1.1 mm

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 210 rub.

Good value for money.

Not a word in Russian on the blister.

4th place: DENSO, Japan

W20EPR-U11

Gap- not specified

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 380 rub.

High stability of design parameters.

Only Bosch is more expensive.

3rd place: NGK V-LINE, France

#13 BPR6ES-11

Gap- not specified

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 360 rub.

High results in all nominations.

One of the most expensive among classic candles.

2nd place: EZ STANDARD, Russia

T17DVRM 1.0

Gap- 1.0 mm

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 230 rub.

The only representative of multi-electrode candles that fell within the established price limit turned out to be Russian. For a very affordable price, he showed his best sides, taking second place in three out of four nominations!

Steady place in the top three.

If it were not for the scatter of parameters, they would have been leaders.

1st place: BOSCH PLATINUM, Germany

Gap- 1.1 mm

Estimated price (for 4 candles) - 400 rub.

Leading positions in all motor nominations.

The most expensive. Alas, not the most stable in terms of parameters.