What Are the Symptoms of Spark Plug Aging?
1 Answers
Spark plug aging can lead to the following symptoms: difficulty starting the engine, reduced power, excessive exhaust emissions, and increased fuel consumption. Steps to replace spark plugs: Open the engine hood, lift the plastic cover of the engine, and remove the high-voltage distributor wires. Mark each cylinder's position to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. While removing them, check for external debris such as leaves or dust and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Place the new spark plug into the spark plug hole, hand-tighten it a few turns, and then use the socket to tighten it further. Reinstall the high-voltage distributor wires in the correct firing order and secure the cover. Methods to determine if a spark plug is damaged: Remove the spark plug and inspect its appearance. A normal spark plug's insulator skirt and electrodes should appear gray-white, gray-yellow, or light brown. A properly functioning spark plug will have a reddish-brown insulator skirt, with an electrode gap between 0.8-0.9mm and no signs of electrode burning. If the spark plug is coated with oil or deposits but is otherwise undamaged, it can be cleaned and reused. If the spark plug is severely damaged, showing signs like blistering, black streaks, cracking, or melted electrodes, the cause of the damage should be identified and resolved before replacing the spark plug. Additionally, if the spark plug appears black as if smoked, it indicates an incorrect heat range selection or a rich fuel mixture, possibly with oil leakage.
