September 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019 AFTERMARKET 51 Below: NGK glow plugs www.aftermarketonline.net Marketing Manager at ELTA Automotive, says: “There are various types of ignition coils, including older style oil filled wet coils, as well as newer, distributor, block, pencil and rail coils. “Traditionally, in addition to the coil, ignition systems consisted of a distributor, mechanical contact breaker points and a capacitor/condenser, whereas in contemporary systems, the distributor is omitted and ignition is instead electronically controlled. These applications generally use one ignition coil for each engine cylinder or pair of cylinders. “The traditional oil filled wet/can type coil contains oil, which acts as both an insulator and coolant. It was common in older, classic and vintage vehicles and therefore, is still remarkably popular and remains one of the top selling coils in ELTA’s VXPRO range. “The distributor coil is an advance on the traditional can type. Here, the coil and ignition module are combined in one distributor unit. This was used in many 1990s vehicles and still in demand today, the high voltage is sent to individual spark plugs by a mechanically driven distributor mechanism. “Used in modern systems without a distributor, the block/pack type includes two, four or six ignition coils combined into a single unit. High tension (HT) leads are then used to connect the outlets of the block coil to the individual spark plugs. Single and dual spark versions, which feed voltage to either one or two cylinders simultaneously, are included in the VXPRO range. “Pencil coils mount directly on top of the spark plug, minimising power loss by feeding voltage straight to it. One coil is used per cylinder, but some coils have two outlets for use in ‘wasted spark’ systems. “Meanwhile, a rail coil is a row of pencil coils joined into one component. The rail sits directly on top of a bank of spark plugs. “Lastly, used in modern electronic ignition systems, both pencil and rail coils require no HT leads and less space in the engine compartment.” Time of the season Like many systems, there is a seasonal cycle to consider when looking at ignition. Take glow plugs. NGK is urging workshops to recommend owners of diesel cars replace their vehicle‘s glow plugs now in readiness for winter. Mark Hallam, Marketing Manager, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, says: “Diesel has undergone a huge amount of change in recent years, but although technology has moved on, the glow plug is essentially doing the same job that it always has done in raising the temperature inside the combustion chamber so that stable combustion is achieved. Unfortunately, replacement data is unavailable as glow plugs are not a service replacement item in an engine and no mileages or time recommendations for change are made by the vehicle manufacturers. “NGK Spark Plugs (UK) advises the replacement of sets of glow plugs as we enter the cold months and works closely with its distributors to make sure they always have the right plugs in stock to cope with increased winter demand. The winter months are the key selling period for glow plugs and motor factors have begun stocking up in preparation to ensure they don’t miss out on any sales opportunities. Preventative maintenance is key at this time of year and we recommend that drivers of diesel vehicles replace their glow plugs now in preparation for the cold winter months.“ Supplier Mark continues: “NGK glow plugs start engines quickly and smoothly, offer an excellent post-glow function, have a long service life, and offer the latest in high technology for today and tomorrow. “Many part numbers are brought into the aftermarket from the OE side of our business. The range comprises metal glow plugs – the latest new high temperature ceramic technology – which can reach temperatures of 1,350ºC and hit 1,000ºC in one second. The vast amount of R&D carried out in conjunction with the vehicle manufacturers constantly ensures we meet new challenges Preventative maintenance is key at this time of year... ”