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In this section you'll find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Unison's Autolite® Aviation Spark Plugs. Be sure to check back periodically as more questions and answers will be added.
When reviewing the answers, it is important to understand that the circumstances and experiences of every individual are unique. For questions, please contact Unison's Piston Help Support Team via email at pistonhelp@unison.ae.ge.com.
- General Questions
- What plug models are available?
- How do I cross-reference to other brands?
- What does the plug part number mean?
- Are the Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs FAA-approved? How do I find out if the plugs are approved for my engine?
- Where can I buy Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs?
- Does Unison have an installation and maintenance manual?
- What is the price of Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs?
- How is Unison able to offer the same quality plugs at such a low price?
- Who manufactures the Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs?
- Does Unison sell spark plug installation and maintenance tools?
- Where can I get the cool Autolite Annie T-shirts?
- Can I mix massive electrode and fine wire plugs?
- I use to use Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs years ago. Is this the same company?
- I've never had a problem with Champion. Why should I switch?
- Are you running any current promotions for Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs?
- Technical / Maintenance Questions
- How long are Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs?
- What is the material of the electrodes in the fine wire plugs?
- What's the difference between platinum and iridium fine wire plugs?
- What if I accidentally drop a plug?
- Do Autolite plugs last as long as Champion?
- Is external corrosion normal?
- When connected to a spark plug tester, the spark looks yellow. Is that normal?
- What is special about Autolite Aviation Spark Plug's carbon resistor?
- What is the recommended electrode gap?
- What is the recommended installation torque?
- I've heard that air show performers get more performance from the BY plug, is that true?
- What heat rating should I be using?
- Will fine wire plugs prevent fouling, what about lead fouling?
- Do you have non-shielded plugs?
- Can I re-use my gaskets?
- Are there any service problems with the Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs?
- I don't want to change my maintenance procedures just to save a few bucks.?
General Questions
Unison manufactures the following Autolite® Aviation Spark Plugs: (1) Massive electrodes: UREM38E, URHM38E, UREM40E, URHM40E, URHB32E, UREB37E, URHB37E, UREM37BY; (2) Fine wire electrodes: URHB36S, URHB32S, URHM38S, UREB36S, UREM38S.
For more details, refer to the Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs brochure.
For specific applications refer to the Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs Application Guide.
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It is very easy to cross-reference the Autolite plugs part numbers to those of other brands. For example just add a "U" at the beginning of the Champion part number (i.e. UREM40E) to specify the Unison Autolite brand. Cross-reference to other brands are listed in the Unison Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs brochure.
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Unison uses the following industry accepted standard for the Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs:
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All Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs are FAA-PMA approved. The approved applications are listed in Unison's spark plug Application Guide.
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Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs are available from all Unison piston products distributors and from all aviation product retailers. For a list of authorized distributors check out our Distributors page.
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Yes. Detailed instructions for the proper installation and maintenance of Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs are available in Unison publication L-1710, which is part of the Unison F-1100 Slick Master Service Manual (MSM). To order a Slick MSM click here.
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The price of Unison's Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs is determined by each distributor. However, research shows that Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs are priced substantially less than the competitor's spark plugs.
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Unison has a state-of-the-art manufacturing process that enables Unison to reduce manufacturing costs and pass this savings along to its customers.
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The Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs are manufactured by Unison Industries, the same company who manufactures Slick magnetos, Slick harnesses, SlickSTARTTM and LASAR® electronic ignition. The plugs are manufactured under license from Honeywell International Inc..
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Yes. The tools are listed and described in the Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs brochure, the Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs Installation and Maintenance Manual L-1710 or can be viewed online.
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You can purchase T-shirts at the Unison booth at all major GA Piston air shows (SNF, Oshkosh, AOPA) or via phone, mail, and email. Click here for purchase instructions and to view available Autolite Annie merchandise.
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Yes. Spark plugs all perform the same basic function, which is to provide a spark to the fuel-air mixture. You can use any combination of plugs approved for your engine.
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No. The current Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs brand product has been manufactured by Unison Industries since 1999. Prior to Unison, Autolite manufactured the aviation spark plugs for over 60 years. Autolite discontinued making the aviation spark plugs in the 70's due to a lack of volume when compared with their automotive spark plug line (1 aviation plug for every 1000 automotive plugs). Unison's Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs are manufactured under license from Honeywell International Inc.. Unison Industries also manufactures Slick magnetos, Slick harnesses, SlickSTARTTM and LASAR® electronic ignition.
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The short answer is better performance and better price. Our customers have experienced longer life compared to competitor products, and pay significantly less for Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs. What's not to like?
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Click here for Unison's latest Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs promotions.
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Technical / Maintenance Questions
The length of the plugs (from the motor seat to the harness end of the plug) varies depending on the plug part number. The shortest plug is the UREM37BY with a length of 2.237". The max length of the other plug part numbers is less than 2.800".
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The center and ground electrodes of the Autolite XL Fine Wire Aviation Spark Plugs are made of iridium, a material that is resistant to chemical attack and promotes long life.
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Iridium and platinum are both precious metals that have good mechanical and electrical properties for spark plug electrodes. The main difference is that the platinum can be attacked by the lead contained in 100 octane aviation fuel. The iridium has better wear characteristics and is impervious to this type of lead attack.
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If you "drop a plug once, then drop it twice," in the trash that is! Dropped plugs should be replaced even though they may appear to operate properly. The impact of a dropped plug could cause the ceramic to develop a hairline fracture that will ultimately propagate in service resulting in poor (or no) operation.
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Unison's Autolite plugs have a modern design and use the highest quality materials including an improved ceramic insulator, center conductor and corrosion resistant external nickel plating. Many of our customers, individuals and organizations, have experienced longer life using Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs compared to using competing products. What better claim can be made than that from a customer who actually uses the plugs! Check out our page of personal testimonials.
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As with any other metallic parts exposed to the elements, a certain amount of surface corrosion will occur over the life of the plug. This is not detrimental to electrical operation. Care should be taken in the selection of compounds used in engine wash-downs, as the residue of certain chemicals will greatly accelerate the rust/corrosion process. The plugs can be cleaned and painted as described in Unison publication L-1710 Installation and Maintenance Manual for the Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs.
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A yellow spark does not necessarily indicate a defective plug. Contaminants on the spark plug can cause the color of the spark to change. Another possibility is that the spark plug's internal resistor may be exceeding the maximum limit of 5000 ohms. For optimum performance please maintain your plugs per the instructions of Unison document L-1710, the installation and maintenance manual for Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs.
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In actual field testing, the Unison's spark plug carbon resistor has proven to be more stable than competing products over the expected life of a spark plug. This results in consistent performance of the spark plug over its entire life.
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The recommended gap for the massive electrode spark plugs (part number ends with "E" or "BY") is .016" to .021" The recommended gap for the fine wire spark plugs (part number ends with "S") is .017" to .021"
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Torque values are provided in Unison document L-1710, spark plug installation and maintenance manual. Note that recommended torque values vary among engine manufacturers and should not be exceeded.
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That seems to be the opinion of some air show performers and air racing enthusiasts. The more exposed spark of an Autolite BY style plug may improve the propagation of the flame front across the cylinder. The improvements have been reported to Unison by a number of "high profile" aerobatic performers. Click here for more information on Unison sponsored aerobatic performers.
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Use the lowest heat rating (smallest number) approved for your engine. The only reason to use a higher heat rating is to reduce the effects of carbon fouling.
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Fine wires will help reduce oil or carbon fouling because the physical size of the electrode and its higher temperature will burn away these deposits. There is no advantage in reducing lead fouling.
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No. Currently Unison only manufactures shielded aviation spark plugs.
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No. Replace the gasket (Unison p/n P-1003) each time the plug is removed and reinstalled.
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Unison strives to provide its customers with advance technology through continued design and manufacturing improvements. Currently, Unison is not aware of any service related issues but is always open to discuss any problems you may have. Feel free to contact Unison's piston product support group, Piston Help at 904-739-4081 with any service problems you encounter.
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Then we have good news for you! You don't need to change your maintenance procedures when you switch to Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs. All of your maintenance procedures are the same with Unison spark plugs as it is with Champion. For optimum performance, refer to Unison's Autolite Aviation Spark Plugs Installation and Maintenance Manual L-1710.
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