Is It a Serious Problem to Have Engine Oil on Spark Plugs?

[VonAlyssa]

Excessive engine oil inside the spark plugs can affect ignition and sometimes cause misfires. Where Are Spark Plugs Located: Spark plugs are installed on the side or top of the engine. In earlier models, spark plugs were connected to the distributor via ignition cables. Over the past decade, most car engines have been updated to feature direct connections between the ignition coils and spark plugs. How Spark Plugs Work: Under high voltage, the air between the center electrode and the side electrode of a spark plug rapidly ionizes, forming positively charged ions and negatively charged free electrons. When the voltage between the electrodes reaches a certain level, the number of ions and electrons in the gas increases like an avalanche, causing the air to lose its insulating properties. A discharge channel forms in the gap, resulting in a "breakdown" phenomenon. At this point, the gas becomes a luminous body, known as a "spark." Along with thermal expansion, a "snapping" sound is also produced. The temperature of this electric spark can reach 2000-3000°C, which is sufficient to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chamber.