Proper aircraft maintenance includes replacing aircraft Spark Plugs on a regular basis. While more people replace their spark plugs than ever, the amount of time is considerably shorter than that for an automobile. Proper leaning techniques and proper maintenance procedures can significantly extend the life of your aircraft's spark plugs. Fouling occurs when a spark jumps farther than it should in thinner air. Repetitively fouled plugs may also reduce the plug's life.

Quality aircraft spark plugs are critical to the performance of your airplane. Brown Aircraft has champion spark plugs in various sizes and models. The company's innovative spark plugs feature bright nickel finishes, "Clean Collar" tips, and high-alumina ceramic insulators. The result is better performance and longer service life. The company has a proven track record in aircraft maintenance, and their team of experienced technicians is highly skilled in identifying and evaluating issues affecting performance and safety.

Aircraft spark plugs are a vital part of your airplane's ignition system. They deliver electric current to the combustion chamber, which ignites the mixture of air and fuel. Spark plugs are typically made of Iridium wire, and the spark is generated by magneto electricity. Some spark plugs have massive electrodes, which are less expensive but not as durable as fine wire spark plugs. Regardless of the type of aircraft spark plug, they perform the same vital function: to ignite the fuel/air mixture.

Lead-fouling of aircraft spark plugs is a common problem for aviation engines. Aviation fuel contains lead for anti-knock properties, and when it comes to combustion, it forms lead oxide. Lead deposits on the surface of the combustion chamber can cause misfiring, but they are excellent insulators at low temperatures. Adding ethylene dibromide to aviation fuel helps prevent lead deposits. It also helps to reduce the effects of carbon on aircraft spark plugs.

Clean the spark plugs using a lint-free rag and cleaning solvent. Make sure that the spark plugs are made of approved types for aircraft engines. Before installing spark plugs, inspect the threads of the plugs. Spark plugs with cracked threads should be replaced immediately. If the threads are clean, the Heli-Coil inserts should also be removed and replaced. If the spark plugs have nicked or loose threads, the spark plugs should be cleaned by removing excess rust with a brush and cleaning solvent.

Improperly installed aircraft spark plugs can cause multiple problems. A spark can't travel through a full gap between electrodes because oil is too thick. It may be soiled, causing the spark plug to arc and miss. If the plug is too thick, the spark can't reach the combustion chamber and the resulting oil emission will be less than desirable. If you are planning to replace your aircraft's spark plugs on a regular basis, make sure that you check your fuel quality by reading the AADO Bulletin.

Champion Aerospace Aviation spark plugs are the preferred aircraft spark plugs for reciprocating engines. Champion aviation spark plugs have built-in design advantages for critical difference in performance. Champion's spark plugs are resistant to high temperatures and pressures, and they are designed to stand up to lead deposits and lead contamination. The Iridium "S" spark plug is especially superior due to its fast turnaround time in case of a forced outage.