Champion RA8HC to NGK spark plug conversion is easy with the NGK DPR6EA9, which matches the same thread size and heat range, ensuring optimal performance for small engines.
The spark plug continues to be one of the most important elements to consider especially in small engines that need to be serviced regularly. Like any crucial components in an engine, spark plugs must be in good working condition otherwise, engine performance suffers. Regardless of the age of the engine, a busted spark plug can cause misfires, cause the engine to work harder than necessary, or worse, the engine can entirely fail.
One of the most notable spark plugs utilized in small engines is the Champion RA8HC, renowned for adequacy and performance. Commonly, when it is to be replaced, inquiries regarding its best alternative arise. The NGK DPR6EA9 is often suggested as a replacement because its specifications and performance attributes can go up against the Champion RA8HC. In this review, I would be thoroughly analyzing my examine the Champion RA8HC and NGK DPR6EA9 side by side for the best alternative replacement for any case OEM replacement.
Contents
What Is the Champion RA8HC Spark Plug?
While often overlooked, the Champion RA8HC spark plug is known for its reliability and performance due to its use in various small engine applications such as lawnmowers and outboard motors. The RA8HC is a high-quality spark plug, and, even though spark plugs might seem simple, they are crucial to the performance of an engine.
Key Features of the Champion RA8HC Spark Plug
Let’s further examine the key features that make the Champion RA8HC a popular spark plug choice.
Resistor: Yes – eliminates the potential for engine electronic interference.
Center Electrode Material: Nickel – holds a spark and further extends the spark plug’s overall purpose.
Thread Diameter: 12.0 mm (0.472 in) – serves a multitude of small engine applications.
Heat Range: 8 – holds the most appropriate capabilities for mid-range temperature engine applications.
Spark Plug Gap: 0.56-0.71 mm (0.022-0.028 in) – the gap greatly enhances spark and combustion performance.
These features combine to ensure durability and dependable ignition performance in even the most rugged operational environments.
What Is the Effect of Using the Wrong Spark Plug?
The importance of a spark plug is often undermined, yet it remains one of the most critical components in starting the engine and its smooth functioning. Plug type incompatibility could result in the following.
Poor engine performance: misfires, rough idling which, and reduced overall power.
Fuel-inefficiency: consuming more gas than needed.
Excessive wear: Which leads to costly repairs down the line.
In all cases, the remaining performance and efficiency of the engine is of utmost importance, which is why it is necessary to comply with the manufacturer’s specifications for plug type and replacement.
The NGK Equivalent to the Champion RA8HC – NGK DPR6EA9
If you are looking for a replacement for the Champion RA8HC, then one of the more popular choices is the NGK DPR6EA9. NGK has established itself in the industry as one of the top tier manufacturers of spark plugs, and the DPR6EA9 is certainly one of their very best. It too, gives commendable performance as a replacement for the Champion RA8HC.
What Are The Benefits of the NGK DPR6EA9?
The benefits of using the NGK DPR6EA9 as a replacement for the Champion RA8HC are listed below.
Center Electrode Material: champion too uses nickle which, enhances conductivity and hence durability.
Thread Size: 12.0 mm diameter and 1.25 mm pitch, like the Champion RA8HC, which makes it compatible with the same engines.
Heat Range: The NGK DPR6EA9 has a Heat Range of 6, which is a lower than normal, ideal for cooler running engines.
Spark Plug gap: 0.70 mm, which is acceptable for a wide range of small engines.
Resistor: Yes, it also has a Resistor which adds protection to the engine’s electrical systems by preventing electrical interference.
Overall performance, durability, and reliability of the NGK DPR6EA9 is equal to that of the Champion RA8HC making it equally viable as a replacement.
Comparing the Two: Champion RA8HC vs NGK DPR6EA9
Below is a table comparing the two plugs side by side. It is designed to provide insight on how alike (or unalike) the plugs are.
| Feature | Champion RA8HC | NGK DPR6EA9 |
|---|---|---|
| Center Electrode Material | Nickel | Nickel |
| Thread Diameter | 12.0 mm (0.472 in) | 12.0 mm (0.472 in) |
| Thread Pitch | 1.25 mm (0.050 in) | 1.25 mm (0.050 in) |
| Reach | 19.0 mm (0.75 in) | 19.0 mm (0.75 in) |
| Hex Size | 16.0 mm (0.629 in) | 16.0 mm (0.629 in) |
| Heat Range | 8 | 6 |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.56-0.71 mm (0.022-0.028 in) | 0.70 mm (0.028 in) |
| Resistor | Yes | Yes |
These plugs remain almost identical to their specifications, however, the heat range does tend to change. The Champion RA8HC has a Heat Range of 8, which is recommended for hotter running engines. As for the NGK DPR6EA9, it has a Heat Range of 6, which is for cooler engines.
How to Install the Champion RA8HC or NGK DPR6EA9 Spark Plug
Changing the spark plug Champion RA8HC or NGK DPR6EA9 Spark Plug is a step which, if performed remember, helps to maintain the engine performance as the rest of the engine components fully sensitive to the losses in vents in the power unit. Therefore, Stepwise Guidance regarding the installation of Spark Plug Champion RA8HC or NGK DPR6EA9 Spark Plug is given below.
What You Will require:
- A (sizeable enough) socket of the Spark Plug.
- A Ratchet Wrench
- A Torque Wrench
- A Spark Plug Gap Tool
Step-by-Step Installation
Keep in mind that before anything else, changing a spark plug is an incredibly crucial procedure that needs to done and followed. Failure to follow these steps appropriately will lead to insufficient performance from the engine.
1. Switch Off The Engine: Before anything else, make sure the engine is completely switched off and allow it to cool down before performing any steps.
2. Removal of the Old Spark Plug: make sure to start gauge with the socket in the direction of the chassis and the center plug and, without gauging pressure on the socket, twist the center like with a ratchet wrench and pull or gauge pressure.
3. Analysis of the Old Spark Plug: is performed after the installation of the new plug. Before that, the are auged against the above surfaces to note indicators of destruction, the destruction points characterize a reckon due to loss or over the plug gauge hanging or corrosion.
4. Evaluation of Dial Setting on New Plug: Utilize the appropriate tool to measure the gap on the new spark plug to determine whether it confirms the manufacturer’s recommendations or the industry norm, which is 0.56-0.71 mm on the Champion RA8HC, or 0.70 mm on the NGK DPR6EA9.
5. Insertion of New Spark Plug: Rest the new spark plug on the engine and fasten it lightly. Use the torque wrench to fasten it to the manufacturer’s specifications. In this case, 25-40 Nm is appropriate, though it varies depending on the material.
6. Sprint Test: Sprint the engine and check if it is working smoothly. Rough idling or repeated misfiring suggests that the spark plug and its gap is not set properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about champion ra8hc to ngk spark plug –
1. Is it possible to substitute a Champion RA8HC spark plug with an NGK DPR6EA9 model?
Yes, an NGK DPR6EA9 model spark plug can directly replace a Champion RA8HC model. Their specifications are nearly identical and will function the same for the majority of small engine uses.
2. What do the heat ranges of both spark plugs signify?
The heat range on the Champion RA8HC spark plug is 8, which is appropriate for hotter running engines, whereas the NGK DPR6EA9 spark plug has an even lower heat range of 6, which is more suitable for cooler running engines.
3. What is the recommended spark plug replacement interval?
It depends on your engine design, however, it is generally accepted that spark plugs should be replaced after 30,000 to 100,000 miles for cars, or 1,000 to 2,000 operational hours on small engines. Always refer to your engine manual for the best guidance.
4. Are there any restrictions when it comes to using spark plugs on my engine?
Not every engine will be able to use any type of spark plug. Always cross-check with the manufacturer’s guidelines to see what type of spark plug is most suitable for your engine.
5. What happens if I use the wrong spark plug?
If a wrong spark plug is used, an engine is bound to experience slugs in its performance, strange sputtering or a lack of fuel economy, or even more disconcertingly, the engine could commence self-destructing at a cataclysmic pace.
Conclusion
There is no engine or automotive accessory that a wrong spark plug may not ruin. Pairing any Champion spark plug, such as the RA8HC, with its matched NGK counterpart, the DPR6EA9, is a case of diminutive complexity that can instantly restore engine functionality. There is no rift between performing replacement of a worn-out spark plug to performing a peeling of an NGK designed spark plug. However, both exhaust and intake spark plugs must be used wisely in order to not mangle an engine with reckless abandon.
With comprehensive steps designed to foil all prospective snag points, with no steps left unjustified, the new spark plug is no longer a daunting challenge. Your engine’s performance is bound to soar back up with renewed vigor.