Hello, aviation enthusiasts! Welcome back to another informative video with Jason Schappert and Zach from Champion Aerospace, world-famous AMP mechanic and director of maintenance at MzeroA.

Many pilots don’t know the best practices for maintenance of their spark plugs.

You may have heard about pulling the spark plug from bottom number three and rotating it, but have you ever wondered why this is essential? 

Today, we’re going to explore the significance of rotating spark plugs in aircraft engines.

Even Wear for Longevity

One of the primary reasons for rotating spark plugs is to achieve even wear on the spark plug electrodes. If your spark plugs wear unevenly, they won’t last as long or perform as efficiently. As mentioned in the last video, spark plugs can reveal a lot about your engine’s health. Uneven wear is an indicator of potential issues, so maintaining even wear is crucial.

How Polarity is a Technical Aspect

Here’s a fascinating technical aspect – polarity. Aircraft engines are equipped with magnetos, and these devices have magnets with north and south poles. 

When the poles are aligned in one direction, half the spark plugs fire, and the other half fire when they are aligned in the opposite direction.

This means that only one side of the spark plug is actively used, leading to uneven wear. Rotating spark plugs ensures that both the ground electrode and the center electrode wear evenly, enhancing their longevity and performance.

Why Lead Length Matters

The third reason for rotating spark plugs is related to lead length. Front cylinders in an aircraft engine tend to run cooler than the rear ones. Additionally, there is a difference in wear patterns based on the length of the lead. By rotating spark plugs from top to bottom, you also ensure that the lead length from front to back is distributed evenly, promoting uniform wear across all cylinders.

Practical Guidance for Aircraft Spark Plugs

If you’re wondering how to rotate spark plugs correctly, it’s often documented in your aircraft’s manual. These manuals provide specific instructions for both four and six-cylinder engines, so make sure to consult them. Using a spark plug tray is highly recommended, as it will show you the proper rotation sequence, simplifying the process.

Aircraft Education & Support with QAA

So there you have it – the importance of rotating spark plugs in aircraft engines. Not only does it promote even wear for increased longevity, but it also addresses technical aspects like polarity and lead length, ensuring optimal engine performance. In our upcoming video, we will explore magnetos in more detail.

Be sure to check out our spark plug selection if you need to have your parts replaced.

Contact QAA directly with any questions regarding our catalog. Remember, a good pilot is always learning. Have a fantastic day, and we’ll see you in the skies or in the classroom. Fly safe!

Back to view all blog posts