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Introduction
The spark plug's location exposes it to extreme temperature variations, chemicals,
fuels and oils. It is also attacked by cylinder pressures produced by the piston and cam
timing, then it is also assaulted by high-output ignition units. As a result of all of this, one
can effectively learn what the engine is doing by reading the firing end of the spark plugs.
By careful examination of the plug's color, gap, and any deposits that reside on it,
you will be shown the efficiencies as well as deficiencies of what is going on in the
engine. Spark plugs should be checked at least yearly, and replaced as often as necessary.
In most cases you can follow the manufacturers’ recommendations, but in a race car, our
replacement intervals are quite frequent.
2. CONSTRUCTION
(1) Spark plugs transmit electrical energy that turns fuel into working
energy. A sufficient amount of voltage must be supplied by the
ignition system to cause the spark to jump the across the spark plug
gap, thus creating what is called Electrical Performance.
(2) Additionally, the temperature of the spark plug's firing end must
be kept low enough to prevent pre-ignition, but high enough
to prevent fouling. This is called Thermal Performance and is
determined by the heat range of the
spark plug.
4. Spark Plug Heat Range. A spark plug's heat range has no relationship on the actual
voltage transferred through the spark plug. Rather, the heat range is a measure of the spark
plug's ability to remove heat from the combustion chamber. The heat range measurement is
determined by several factors:
Plugs are classified by their heat range ability to transfer heat from insulator tip to the
engine block such as
a. HOT PLUG These types of plugs transfer heat slowly and therefore stays hot
as they remain too hot may glow and ignite the fuel mixture before it
should, and causing pinging.
Construction
Hot plugs have long insulator tip and a rerelatively continuos heat flow path.
Tip remains hot enough to burn off the deposits caused by low speed driving
2. PHYSICAL DIMENSION
plugs vary from each other on the basis of the their length, eletrode gap and seat
setting such as
a. LONG REACH
These plugs are used where the cylinder head is very deep. In a thinner head such
A plug would project too far into the combustion chamber, possibly striking
the piston. Carbon deposits on the exposed plug thresds would make it difficult
to remove a plug that is too long
b. SHORT REACH
These plugs are used in engines with thin cylinder heads. If used on an
engine with a thick cylinder head.This plug electrodes would be recessed too
far for efficient ignition.Carbon deposits in the plug hole threads would make
it difficult to install the proper plug later.
c. TAPERED SEAT
These plugs eliminate the need for a gasket . it is tightened into a machined recess
in the cylinder head to make a gas tight seal. Ta pered seat plugs are usually
slimmer than gasket plugsallowing room in the cylinder head for bigger valves or
larger water jackets
d. WIDE GAP
These plugs produce a larger spark. Whioch is needed to ignite the lean air _fuel
Mixtures in some modern smog-controlled engines. A very high voltage ignition
system is needed to fire such plugs which have gaps that range from .05 to .08 in.
(1.25 mm – 2 mm).
Look at the spark plug porcelin for the color and condition of it. Plug colors tell the
mechanic how the engine is running and can be very important. Plugs change colors and
the different colors can explain such things as if the engine is running too hot or if the
engine is worn. The color should be read by looking at the porcelin insulator and
compared to the plugs shown on the next few slides.
Normal Condition:
A grayish-tan to white colored plug means that the engine is running normal and the
air/fuel mixture is correct. This is the correct color a spark plug should be and it tells the
mechanic everything is fine with the engine. The mechanic would install a new properly
gapped plug. When installing a new plug, replace the old one with the same heat range.
The plug below shows normal wear in the center electrode. A new plug would have
square edges that helps the plug fire bett
Carbon Fouled:
Hotter plugs (within plug maker approved range for your engine) may burn off the
deposits but the above mentioned problems must also be repaired.
(1) Black wet glazed colored plug is caused by the burned oil that is leaking past
the piston rings or valve guides and burning in the cylinder.
(2) This engine will have blue smoke coming out of the exhaust. It is a sign that
the engine will need rebuilding.
(3) Two strokes that have this color spar plug are burning the transmission oil
from the crankcase.
(4) If a new hot spark plug is installed it will foul and quit working. Common
causes for this problem are:
over heating
A plug white colored insulator and spots on it, is caused by engine overheating. Failure to
repair this engine will result in severe engine damage. Common causes for this are:
Pinging.
Overly advanced timing .
* Cooling problems, (dirty cylinder fins, no or low water if water cooled, low or no
engine oil).
* Leaking crankshaft seals, no oil, base or head gasket leaks, or crankcase leaks on two
stroke engines.
Mechanical damage
The plug shows what happen when something from inside the engine has hit the plug
and this problem must be repaired before running the engine further.
Make sure the spark plug is of correct length for the engine.
Pre igintion
Initial preignition
This plug condition was caused by preignition and failure to repair this condition will
cause engine damage. Check for the following:
* cooling system
* lack of lubrication*
Sustained Pre-ignition
This will be pretty obvious ... melted and/or missing center and/or ground electrodes as well as a
destroyed insulator.
over-advanced timing,
look for hot spots or deposit accumulation inside the combustion chamber.
Ash Deposits
These are light-brownish deposits that are encrusted to the ground and/or center electrode(s).
This situation is caused by oil and/or fuel additives. This condition can cause misfires.
Detonation
Excessive detonation has caused the porcelin on this plug to break away.
If this engine is allowed to run, engine damage can occur.
Make sure the fuel octane is high enough for the engines requirements.
1. The plug is worn out from being used for a long period of time.
2. Notice how the center electrode is round and worn from use.
3. A spark plug that is worn takes a lot more voltage to fire and can cause poor
engine running.
4. it looks ok color wise, But replace it with same plug or at least compatible
heat range.Don’t fix them just change them as much wear has already occurred to
the side electrode