What should I look for in a spark plug?
What should I look for in a spark plug?
In short, the reading of a spark plug involves evaluating the condition and color of the tip of the spark plug. Most often, a light tan color around the tip of the spark plug indicates a healthy and well performing engine.
What does the tip of the spark plug mean?
Most often, a light tan color around the tip of the spark plug indicates a healthy and well performing engine. If the tip of the plug is any other color or condition, it indicates an issue with either the engine, the fuel system, or the ignition. Follow the steps below to learn how to read your car’s spark plug. Step 1: Remove the spark plugs.
When do you need to replace a spark plug?
If you purchased new spark plugs, their colors should be fairly similar. A good spark plug will not need to be replaced. If you have been having a misfire in the cylinder with a good spark plug, there may be an issue with the plug wire. Try replacing it to see if that solves the problem. Identify signs of carbon fouling.
Where does the spark plug wire come from?
Disconnect the spark plug wire. Spark plug wires come from an ignition source such ignition coil packs or a distributor and connect to the spark plugs via holes in the cylinder head of the engine. Grip the plug wire from the base at the spark plug, and pull back on the wire to disconnect it.
What to look for when reading spark plugs?
If you are experiencing engine problems, taking a look at your spark plugs is a good place to start. When reading spark plugs, you will likely find one of the following conditions: Normal. Carbon fouled. Oil deposits. Wet. Burned. Worn electrodes.
What does a black spark plug look like?
A normal spark plug will have brown or grayish-tan deposits on the side electrode. Everything is just fine with your spark plug; you can reinstall the spark plug. Black, dry soot on the electrodes and insulator tip indicates a carbon-fouled plug.
When do spark plugs need to be replaced?
The spark plug should be replaced. Worn and eroded electrodes are symptoms of a spark plug that is past its prime. The plug has been in the engine too long and needs to be replaced. If the electrodes are broken off or flattened, it is likely that the wrong spark plugs are installed.
What happens if you have the wrong spark plug?
If the electrodes are broken off or flattened, it is likely that the wrong spark plugs are installed. A spark plug that is too long can cause extensive damage to your engine while a short spark plug can cause poor gas mileage and spark plug fouling. Check your owner’s manual to ensure that you have the correct spark plug for your vehicle.
