NGK Spark Plug B6ES Plugs [Box 10]

As a result of our policy of continuous research and development NGK can offer special spark plugs designed to give optimum performance under a high range of conditions.


‘S’ TYPE (e.g. BP6ES)
NGK standard spark plugs with copper cored centre electrodes for wide heat range.
Copper’s superior heat conductivity dissipates the heat of combustion away from the firing end; preventing hot spots that can lead to pre-ignition. Copper cored electrodes also mean that longer insulator noses can be used to protect against fouling.


SPARK PLUG DESIGN
Every year the range of NGK spark plugs grows to accommodate the ever increasing demands of modern engines.
Spark plug design must take into consideration many features of an engine including physical dimensions; combustion chamber shape; cooling abilities; fuel and ignition systems.
Spark plugs play a vital role in producing the maximum power
from an engine whilst keeping fuel consumption and emissions
to a minimum. Choosing the correct spark plug type will help a
vehicle manufacturer meet legislated emission targets and
assists the motorist in getting the best from their engine.

Increases in the size and the requirement to improve the cooling of the inlet and exhaust valves have meant that the space available for the spark plug is severely restricted on some cylinder heads. A change in spark plug design; possibly the adoption of a taper seat and extended reach (threaded portion) or even the use of a smaller diameter is often the answer. Some engines require the use of two spark plugs per cylinder and again due to space restrictions these might be of different sizes.

Changes in fuelling systems and the fuel itself have meant some
special features being adopted at the ‘firing end’ of the spark
plug. Extra projected types push the spark position into the
heart of the combustion chamber to promote better combustion
of the fuel/air mixture; which is weaker than ever in an effort to
improve economy. Modern engines manufacturers often require
increased spark gaps to allow a longer spark duration; which
again aids more efficient combustion.

To combat the ‘cold fouling’ effect that can occur in some engines using unleaded fuels specially arranged ground electrodes are sometimes used. These can force the spark to discharge across the insulator and thus burn away any built up carbon that could cause poor starting or misfires. It is not uncommon to find two; three or four ground electrode arrangements in new vehicles. The use of precious metals on the tips of the spark plug electrodes is not uncommon especially on higher performance engines. Whilst these spark plugs do have increased service life they are often specified because of their superior ignition qualities.


Our engineering departments work very closely with the engine and vehicle manufacturers to produce the ideal spark plug type for each application. Any change in production is expensive for a manufacturer and therefore new spark plug types are only produced where necessary. NGK employ the very latest production technology to ensure that every aspect is catered for – performance; economy and value.

HEAT RANGE AND HEAT DISSIPATION
Spark plugs do not produce heat in the combustion chamber.
One of the functions of the spark plug is to dissipate some of
the heat produced during combustion. This is mostly transferred
into the cylinder head. The ´Heat Range´ indicates the measure
of the spark plug´s ability to do this. A ´hot´ spark plug is
designed to maintain a sufficiently high temperature at the
insulator nose to burn off carbon and oil deposits. A ´cold´ spark
plug is designed to allow a faster transfer of heat to the cylinder
head thus preventing overheating and premature failure.

The heat range selection is obviously a complex task with
many factors to take into account. NGK engineers therefore
make specific recommendations for each engine and the use
to which it is put.

NGK’S COPPER CORE TECHNOLOGY

WIDE HEAT RANGE
A wide range spark plug is more flexible and performs equally
well in a hot or cold engine under stop and go city driving or
fast motorway cruising. Engines that tend to run hot need cold
type plugs. Those that run cold demand a hotter type. The
specific plug for any engine is determined by the plug´s heat
range. That is the minimum and maximum temperatures
between which the plug will offer optimum performance.
The heat range of NGK Spark Plugs is wider than ordinary
plugs therefore they are suitable for both high speed and low
speed driving. Compared with conventional plugs of the same
pre-ignition rating they have more resistance to fouling.
Compared to ordinary plugs with equal anti-fouling resistance;
NGK Spark Plugs have a higher pre-ignition rating.

NGK´S HEART OF COPPER
Copper wire used in place of the iron core in conventional
plugs is the secret of NGK´s Wide Heat Range. Copper´s
superior heat conductivity dissipates heat quicker. It cools the
electrode tip and insulator tip which prevents hot spots that
could cause pre-ignition. Increased heat resistance does not
affect fouling resistance; which is primarily determined by the
insulator nose length. The longer the nose; the more
susceptible it is to heat and the more free from fouling. By
raising the pre-ignition rating with the high conduction copper
and leaving the insulator nose long; NGK produces the Wide
Range Plug. One that meets the broad thermal requirements of
engines under high and low RPM conditions. With the
exception of a couple of older applications all the spark plugs
in this motorcycle catalogue employ copper core technology.