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Aircraft Spark Plug and Oil Filter Frequently Asked Questions Connecting the spark plug to the connector
By comparing the two spark plugs in this picture, you can see the results of overtorquing at the distorted end of the left spark plug. Since this distortion may make the spark plug unusable, great care should be taken to tighten the connector in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Torque value for spark plugs Teledyne Continental engines 25-30 Ft. Lb (300-360 In. Lb) 14 mm spark plugs as used in Franklin engines 20-25 Ft. Lb (240-300 In. Lb) Information source: Champion Spark Plug Aviation Service Manual AV6-R dated 1993 Note: Information may change - consult the current engine
manufacturer's maintenance manual for the latest changes and recommendations.
There is no difference. Unison industries manufactures and sells the Autolite spark plug
The Auburn plug is no longer in production. The rights to the Auburn plug were sold to Champion How do I prevent spark plug lead fouling 1. Use Alcor TCP in your fuel, an excellent lead scavenger. TCP works by
reducing the concentration of metallic lead deposits in the combustion chamber.
Metallic lead is the small glass looking lead beads seen in the combustion
chamber and the exhaust port. TCP does not prevent ground fouling as this is a
carbon type of fouling on which TCP will have no effect.
 Two types of lead fouling 1. Deposition of metallic lead or lead salts in the spark plug gap causing a direct short. 2. Deposition of metallic lead or lead salts between the insulator and the shell, gradually shortening the flashover path until misfiring occurs. Metallic lead deposits reduce the plug's shunt resistance. Statistical Analysis of Airline Spark Plug fouling presented By Shell Oil Company in 1950 The choice of operating variables could exert an appreciable effect on fouling.
Difference between short reach and long reach Spark plugs can be either short reach or long reach.
This refers to the length of the threaded portion of the spark plug that screws into the cylinder. Larger engines generally use long reach plugs while smaller plugs use short reach plugs. Be sure to check as some engines such as the IO-470 Continental can come with short or long reach depending upon exact engine model. Difference between 3/4 "all weather" and 5/8 spark plugs
Your engine can use either 3/4 (also known as "all weather" or 5/8 barrel spark plugs. The number on the spark plug indicates which one you have: For example, REM40E are 5/8 and RHM40E are 3/4 "all weather" Generally, higher performance engines use 3/4 and smaller engines use 5/8
barrel. 3/4 and 5/8 refers to the size of the ignition lead nut. Before you
order spark plugs you must know if the ignition harness lead nut is 3/4 or 5/8.
Be sure to double check before screwing the plugs into the engine. REM designates a 5/8 barrel plug while RHM designates a 3/4 plug Does the spark plug gasket come with a new plug Yes, if you need extra the Champion part number is M-674 Heat rating of spark plugs The heat rating of a spark plug is the measure of its ability to transfer heat received from the firing end of the plug into the cylinder and engine cooling system. A cold plug transfers heat rapidly away from its firing end into the cooling system and is used to avoid core nose heat saturation where combustion chamber or cylinder head temperatures are relatively high. A hot spark plug has a much slower rate of heat transfer and is used to avoid fouling where combustion chamber or cylinder head temperatures are relatively low. The primary means of adjusting heat range are by varying the length of the core nose and the alloy material used in the electrodes. Hot plugs have a relatively long insulator nose with a long heat transfer path. Cold plugs have a much shorter insulator nose and thus, transfer heat more rapidly. The correct heat rating for the engine design ensures that the plug operates cool enough to prevent preignition but warm enough to resist the accumulation of conductive plug-fouling deposits. With Champion plugs the higher the number the hotter the plug Champion Spark Plug Article Today, the term "hot and cold" is commonplace in general aviation — especially when related to engine spark plugs. With the introduction of high compression, and high horsepower engines, a need for improved spark plugs was eminent. Spark plugs used in low compression, low horsepower engines were not compatible with the new, more sophisticated powerplants. The non-compatibility factor of existing plugs with new engines resulted in development of spark plugs capable of operating efficiently at high compression ratios and high power settings. Many aircraft operators have come in direct or indirect contact with the term "hot and cold" during the course of conversation with other pilots or mechanics. Its meaning and relationship to engine operation was sometimes rather vague. What do we mean by "hot and cold" spark plugs? What is the relationship between an engine and spark plugs? How important is it to smooth engine operation? These are but a few questions we will try to answer in this article. Both spark plug and engine manufacturer working together determine the proper type spark plug suitable for each engine model These plugs can be either fine wire or massive electrode type. Before being released for production, each new type plug is checked in the laboratory and under actual flight conditions. They are tested through a wide range of operating conditions and at different power settings, and only after both engine and spark plug manufacturer are completely satisfied with test data are plugs released for production. To eliminate any possibility of error in spark plug selection, both manufacturers provide spark plug charts as a guide for proper plug selection. Final authority concerning proper plugs for a specific engine is the engine manufacturer. When selecting spark plugs, be sure to also consider the spark plugs’ heat range. Operating temperature of the spark plug insulator core nose is one factor that governs formation of troublesome combustion deposits. To help overcome this problem, selection of spark plugs with the proper heat range should be made. Spark plugs are susceptible to carbon deposits when the operating temperature of the core nose insulator is at or below 800o F, but an increase of just 100o F is sufficient to eliminate formation of these deposits. Also, lead deposits form because the bromide scavenger contained in tetraethyl lead is nonactive at low temperatures. At 900o F temperature, the bromide scavenger is fully activated, disposing of lead deposits with combustion gases during exhaust cycle. In this case, an increase of just 100o F was sufficient to make the difference between a smooth and rough running engine. To eliminate or keep this problem at a minimum, avoid prolonged idling at low RPM, avoid power-off let downs, and after flooded starts run engine at medium RPM before taxiing. Deposits formed between 1000o F and 1300o F are low in volume and electrical conductivity and are least apt to cause spark plug fouling. This is the reason for selecting a plug that will operate within the aforementioned temperature range at all power settings. Now let’s get back to the term "hot and cold" as related to engine spark plugs. Normally, a hot plug is used in a cold engine — low horsepower, and a cold plug in a hot engine — high horsepower. In actuality, these terms refer to the plugs ability to transfer heat from its firing end to the engine cylinder head. To avoid spark plug overheating where combustion chamber or cylinder head temperatures are relatively high, a cold plug is recommended, such as in a high compression engine. A cold running plug has the ability to transfer heat more readily. A hot running plug has a much slower rate of heat transfer and is used to avoid fouling when combustion chamber and cylinder head temperatures are relatively low. From our discussion, it is clear to see that there is more to spark plugs than just buying a set and installing them in your engine. Be sure you know what type of spark plugs to use with your engine. Also, good spark plug service and maintenance is as important as proper plug selection. Take care in selecting and maintaining your plugs, it can result in many additional hours of smooth engine operation. Additional spark plug information is always available from the engine or spark plug manufacturers and other service organizations. What anti-seize should I use when installing the spark plug Champion recommends using 2602 spark plug anti-seize. Use sparingly. Some also use C5-a copper anti-seize although we prefer the champion product which is a water based graphite. Per Champion Aviation Service Manual: "Apply anti-seize compound
sparingly to the firing end threads Proper spark plug torque depends upon using the specified anti-seize.
Teledyne Continental, for example, specifically states that the their spark plug
torque value is for threads lubricated with 2602 anti-seize.
Spark plug electrode gap setting? and Continental plug application data 016 to .021 for Champion spark plugs. New spark plugs come
pre-gapped. Oil Filter Questions
How much oil filter media does the long filter contain compared to the short filter? How much oil filter media does the long filter contain compared
to the short filter? Which Champion oil filters have an internal by-pass valve ? The filter number for the short version is CH48108 and the long version is CH48109. The opening pressure is 8-10 . Both filters are interchangeable Which oil filter does my Cessna use The service bulletins SEB-93-1, Rev. 1 and MEB-93-1, Rev.1 require modification of certain oil filter adapters installed as factory options, or field approved as additional equipment. This mod. includes removal of the bypass valve from the adapter. After compliance with the bulletins, the CH48108 oil filter must be used. The CH48109 (longer) oil filter can be used if there is enough room in the engine compartment . Remember, these adapters may have also been installed under field approval on various other airframes using Teledyne Continental Engines.
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For a six-cylinder engine move plugs 
5/8 on the left and larger 3/4 on the right.
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