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Hot plugs? Cold Plugs? What does it all mean? Definition: The heat range of a spark plug is its ability to dissipate heat from the combustion chamber to the cylinder head. The heat range, or dissipation capability, of a spark plug depends primarily on the length of the insulator nose. The heat from the combustion is transferred from the insulator nose through the center electrode to the plug housing, and from there it goes to the cylinder head.
Hot Plug
A "hot plug" has a long insulator nose which exposes more surface area to the combustion gases. This keeps the plug temperature higher overall which is ideal for stop-start city driving conditions.
Cold Plug
A "cold plug" has a shorter insulator nose, which minimizes the amount of surface area exposed to the combustion gases. Cold plugs are typically used in racing conditions because of its ability to transfer heat out of the cylinder chamber quickly. Most turbo, supercharged and nitrous oxide applications use this type of plug because of the tremendous heat they generate. A colder plug can also minimize the risk of pre-ignition and detonation, however if the plug is to cold there is risk of fouling during extended periods of idling and low-speed operation.
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