Autolite develops new small-engine spark plugs

Driven partly by stricter government emission standards, Autolite, a spark plug manufacturer, is developing new spark plugs tailored to the lawn and garden markets – that are smaller in size.

“Autolite recognizes that the next generation small engines have vastly different spark plug needs,” said Chris Schaible, Autolite channel marketing and sales manager for the small-engine line. “The trick is not sacrificing superior ignitability and long life with the smaller size designs, while continuing to improve overall fuel efficiency and emissions. These new products do just that and will ensure consumers get optimal performance out of their small-engine vehicles.”

According to Schaible, a few of the factors impacting small-engines include more compact cylinder head designs containing larger valves and cooling jackets that limit the available spark plug size. Today’s engines are running on leaner fuel mixtures with the arrival of fuel injection on many models. The Autolite engineering team is exploring new materials and even a dual fine wire spark plug, all intended to decrease emissions and extend spark plug life, the company said.