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• | Ensure that the correct spark plug is installed. An incorrect spark plug causes driveability conditions. Refer to the Electronic Parts Catalogue. |
• | Ensure that the spark plug has the correct heat range. An incorrect heat range causes the following conditions: |
- | Spark plug fouling - colder plug |
- | Pre-ignition causing spark plug and/or engine damage - hotter plug |
• | Inspect the terminal post (1) for damage. |
- | Inspect for a bent or broken terminal post (1). |
- | Test for a loose terminal post (1) by twisting and pulling the post. The terminal post (1) should NOT move. |
• | Inspect the insulator (2) for flash-over or carbon tracking, soot. This is caused by the electrical charge travelling across the insulator (2) between the terminal post (1) and ground. Inspect for the following conditions: |
- | Inspect the spark plug boot for damage. |
- | Inspect the spark plug recess area of the cylinder head for moisture, such as oil, coolant, or water. A spark plug boot that is saturated causes arcing to ground. |
• | Inspect the insulator (2) for cracks. All or part of the electrical charge may arc through the crack instead of the electrodes (3, 4). |
• | Inspect for evidence of improper arcing. |
- | Measure the gap between the centre electrode (4) and the side electrode (3) terminals. Refer to Ignition System Specifications . An excessively wide electrode gap can prevent correct spark plug operation. |
- | Inspect for the correct spark plug torque. Refer to Ignition System Specifications . Insufficient torque can prevent correct spark plug operation. An over torqued spark plug, causes the insulator (2) to crack. |
- | Inspect for signs of tracking that occurred near the insulator tip instead of the centre electrode (4). |
- | Inspect for a broken or worn side electrode (3). |
- | Inspect for a broken, worn, or loose centre electrode (4) by shaking the spark plug. |
• | A rattling sound indicates internal damage. |
• | A loose centre electrode (4) reduces the spark intensity. |
- | Inspect for bridged electrodes (3, 4). Deposits on the electrodes (3, 4) reduce or eliminates the gap. |
- | Inspect for worn or missing platinum pads on the electrodes (3, 4) If equipped. |
- | Inspect for excessive fouling. |
• | Inspect the spark plug recess area of the cylinder head for swarf. Dirty or damaged threads can cause the spark plug not to seat correctly during installation. |
• | Normal operation--Brown to greyish-tan with small amounts of white powdery deposits are normal combustion by-products from fuels with additives. |
• | Carbon Fouled--Dry, fluffy black carbon, or soot caused by the following conditions: |
- | Rich fuel mixtures |
• | Leaking fuel injectors |
• | Excessive fuel pressure |
• | Restricted air filter element |
• | Incorrect combustion |
- | Reduced ignition system voltage output |
• | Weak coils |
• | Worn ignition wires |
• | Incorrect spark plug gap |
- | Excessive idling or slow speeds under light loads can keep spark plug temperatures so low that normal combustion deposits may not burn off. |
• | Deposit Fouling--Oil, coolant, or additives that include substances such as silicone, very white coating, reduces the spark intensity. Most powdery deposits will not effect spark intensity unless they form into a glazing over the electrode. |
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