Can Spark Plugs Affect Engine Power?
1 Answers
Spark plugs do have an impact on engine power. If a spark plug is damaged, it can directly lead to increased fuel consumption and reduced engine power. Methods to determine if a spark plug is damaged: Remove the spark plug and observe its condition based on the following appearance characteristics. A normal spark plug's insulator skirt and electrodes should appear grayish-white, grayish-yellow, or light brown. A properly functioning spark plug has a reddish-brown insulator skirt, with an electrode gap between 0.8-0.9mm and no signs of electrode burning. If the spark plug has oil stains or deposits but isn't damaged, it can continue to be used after cleaning off the oil and deposits. If the spark plug is severely damaged with signs like blistering at the top, black streaks, cracks, or melted electrodes, the cause of the damage should be identified. After troubleshooting, replace with a new spark plug. Additionally, if the spark plug appears smoke-blackened, it indicates the wrong heat range was selected or there's a rich fuel mixture with oil contamination. Spark plug replacement steps: Open the hood and remove the engine's plastic cover. Detach the high-voltage wires, marking each cylinder's position to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. During removal, check for external debris like leaves or dust and clean thoroughly. Place the new spark plug into the hole and hand-tighten it for several turns before using the socket wrench. Reinstall the high-voltage wires according to the firing order and secure the cover plate.