Why Does the Spark Plug Always Get Black with Excessive Carbon Deposits?
3 Answers
The reasons for carbon deposits on spark plugs include an excessively large ignition advance angle of the engine or improper selection of spark plugs. It is recommended to clean and replace the spark plugs with new ones. Steps for replacing spark plugs: Open the engine hood, lift the plastic cover of the engine, remove the high-voltage distributor wires, and mark 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 ensure thorough cleaning. 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 removed high-voltage distributor wires according to the firing order and secure the cover. Spark plug replacement intervals: Under normal maintenance conditions, replace spark plugs every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. However, this may vary depending on the brand and engine type, so it's advisable to follow the user manual. Refer to the following standards for maintenance and replacement: Platinum spark plugs should be replaced at 40,000 kilometers, ordinary nickel alloy spark plugs at 20,000 kilometers, and iridium spark plugs at 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers.
I've encountered the issue of spark plugs frequently getting blackened with excessive carbon deposits many times. The core problem is usually incomplete combustion leading to carbon residue. When the engine runs, unburned fuel leaves black deposits on the spark plugs. Common causes include an overly rich fuel-air mixture (too much fuel, too little air), which could result from leaking fuel injectors or a clogged air filter. Additionally, aging ignition systems or poor-quality spark plugs themselves can cause carbon buildup. Frequent short-distance driving also contributes to this issue, as the engine doesn't have enough time to warm up completely, leading to incomplete fuel combustion. Excessive carbon deposits weaken the spark plug's ignition, causing difficult starts and engine shaking, and over time, this leads to increased fuel consumption and reduced horsepower by half. I recommend regularly inspecting the fuel injection system, cleaning the air filter, preferably switching to high-quality spark plugs, and occasionally driving at high speeds to allow the engine to fully combust and clear carbon deposits.
Several cars I've driven have had issues with blackened spark plugs, mainly due to unburned fuel deposits. An imbalance in the fuel mixture during engine operation can lead to carbon buildup. The causes can be as simple as using the wrong fuel brand with poor quality or more complex issues like prolonged idling leading to fuel accumulation without burning. Problems in the ignition system, such as incorrect spark plug gaps or failing ignition coils, are also common. Short-distance driving is particularly prone to this, as fuel doesn't burn completely when the engine is cold. Severe carbon buildup can cause jerky acceleration and black smoke, leading to pollution and increased fuel consumption. Check if the oxygen sensor is functioning properly, clean carbon deposits from the intake ports, and improve driving habits, such as taking longer trips to ensure complete fuel combustion and prevent carbon accumulation.
