The Effect of Spark Plug Gap on Fuel Consumption
The spark plug gap, which is often considered trivial, can actually be a factor in the wasteful consumption of fuel on the motorbike. That's why regular maintenance, aka regular service, is very important. One of them, checking the spark plug gap to get the most ideal fuel consumption.
If you're curious, you can take a look at the service book that has been completed since the motor was brand-new. Every motor has a spark plug gap that is recommended by the manufacturer. If the setting is outside the provisions, not only the fuel will sink, but the acceleration and top speed can be circumcised.
The relationship with engine performance is very closely related to ignition timing and the amount of sparks in the combustion chamber. "If the spark plug gap is too tight, the initial pull is slightly reduced and you feel a tickling symptom because the engine gets hot quickly," explained David Ahie, a racing mechanic who is good at car ignition.
On the other hand, if the gap is too wide, the spark will indeed become large but accompanied by a stationary decrease (idle) because the ignition timing is reversed. The tail of the engine power becomes delicious but consumption is more wasteful.
So, according to Ahie, it's best if the spark plug settings are made just right or according to factory standards if they are for daily use. "If you want to be economical, close a little about 0.1 mm or use the smallest standard recommended by the manufacturer," he explained.
In order not to be curious, AUTOMOTIVE did a comparative test of the spark plug gap on the Suzuki Thunder 125 which was still 'virgin' from the factory. Test using the new aftermarket version of the Denso spark plug with a gap of 0.40 mm, 0.60 mm and 0.80 mm.
Use 50 cc of gasoline, the engine is turned on with a constant engine speed at 3,000 rpm. The assumption is that at this round the engine is in an econo ride condition. Then the engine is turned on to 50 cc in the measuring cup, which is accompanied by time recording.
The result is quite surprising considering the difference in the spark plug gap is only 0.20 mm adrift for each setting. From the test calculations, the condition of the spark plug gap at the 0.60 mm setting is the most efficient because it takes the longest time to spend 50 cc of gasoline; 8.05 seconds.
While at the 0.40 mm setting, 50 cc of gasoline runs out in a faster (7.43) seconds which is accompanied by a higher engine temperature. Another when the spark plug is set at 0.80 mm gap. The 50 cc of gasoline in the measuring cup runs out in just 6.48 seconds. From this comparative data, it is very clear how the gap between the spark plug gaps can affect consumption.