Spark plugs are one of the easiest mechanical parts to confuse, particularly when the vast assortment of manufacturers and spark plug types are taken into consideration. There are dozens of replacement brands, ranging from AC/Delco and Champion to NGK, Auto Lite and Bosch, just to mention some of the most recognizable names. With all of these factors affecting proper identification and
. installation, it is wise to keep an accurate spark plug cross reference guide on hand during any repairs. A spark plug cross reference guide is essential for professional mechanics and home garages alike, significantly reducing the potential for confusion and possible damage to the engine under repair.Spark plugs can actually damage an engine in several ways, if the wrong sizes or types are installed. The threads on the plugs can easily strip or completely destroy the threads on the engine, resulting in a serious problem that is time-consuming and expensive to correct. The wrong size or type of plug also promotes lowered performance through reduced compression, inadequate firing and extreme build-up of carbon deposits from inefficient burning, also known as fouling the plugs and cylinders. All of these problems are easily avoided by checking part numbers through any one of the resources available online, including the websites of the major auto parts supply chains, such as Advanced Auto Parts and Auto Zone.The manufactures of the plugs themselves are also excellent resources for parts matching, with many offering detailed catalogs for free download, featuring their parts and the equivalent parts of their competitors. The websites, www.ChampionSparkPlugs.com and www.NGK.com are prime examples, while independent outlets, such as www.SparkPlug-CrossReference.com and www.SparkPlugs.com offer great references for many different brands as well. Thanks to the online format of these resources, even those with no more than a smart phone on hand can access reliable and quick cross reference materials from any location. More reference links: http://www.sparkplugs.com/ http://www.sparkplug-crossreference.com/
