Ooops. Does a spark plug have to be steel?

[kcmillin]

I made a tiny spark plug today for a start on my next project. The Tiny IC.

After making it I was very proud, until I noticed that it is supposed to be steel.

I checked to see if it would spark using a weed eater. It seems to work like a champ. But is there something I dont know about using brass.

here is a pic.

Kel

 

[zeeprogrammer]

No fair! Now I really look like a dummy. I went off searching to see what you were planning to build and after posting my answer..here you're telling everyone behind my back. ;D

Good question. I'm interested in knowing more.

 

[gbritnell]

Absolutely not. You can make it out of any material you want. It's just that the tensile strength on steel is a little higher. That only matters if you over-tighten it.
gbritnell

 

[krv3000]

their may be one problem with brass plug is the spark eroding the brass this will depend on haw long you run the engine for

 

[putputman]

Kel, it looks like you mastered the making of the spark plug. It looks great.

If I can make a suggestion. I would not make another plug right at this time. Instead wait until you finish making the head for the engine. That area get very crowded with the two valves and a spark plug in that 3/8 dia. bore. You may have to adjust the angle and location of the plug hole after you get the valves in place. You will want to get the length of the plug such that the electrode just enters the combustion chamber. You can use your brass plug to help measure the desired length.

 

[kcmillin]

Thanks for the input guys.

Zee, Congradulations you found the easter egg. :big: :big:

Arv, thanks for the tip,

I knew I made it out of brass for a reason :big:

I have another question. How much shorter did you make the intake valve.


Kel