bujía

A bujía, commonly known as a spark plug in English, is a device used to ignite the air-fuel mixture in a combustion engine. It is essentially an electrical conductor that creates a spark across a small gap, initiating the combustion process. The bujía consists of a metal casing, an insulator, and electrodes. The metal casing screws into the engine cylinder head, providing the ground connection. The insulator, typically made of ceramic, prevents the electrical current from escaping to the engine block. At the tip of the insulator are two electrodes, a central electrode and a ground electrode, separated by a precisely measured gap.

When the ignition system generates a high-voltage electrical pulse, it travels down the central electrode. This high voltage causes the air and fuel mixture in the gap between the electrodes to ionize, creating a conductive path. The electrical current then jumps across the gap, producing a hot spark. This spark ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture within the cylinder, generating the power that drives the engine. The performance and longevity of an engine are significantly influenced by the condition and proper functioning of its bujías. Worn or fouled bujías can lead to misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. They are a critical component for the efficient operation of gasoline engines.