#Testing spark plug install
The resistance test of all spark plugs is only carried out in a further step. Each spark plug type has an electrical resistance that is specified in ohms. This resistance is measured using a multimeter that shows the current resistance of the spark plugs. If the measured result is not within the manufacturer’s specifications, the need to install new spark plugs. Technical condition of the spark plug: check resistance
#Testing spark plug professional
carburetor setting, secondary air), black soot indicates poor combustion or a mixture that is too rich with too much gasoline or too little air. If the candle is charred, too much oil could get into the combustion chamber. At first it is enough to clean them with a brass brush.īut a conscientious checker also looks for breaks and cracks in the insulation when examining the candle, checks for wear on the electrode, looks for damage to the sealing ring and traces of burns on the insulator. Discoloration can already indicate malfunctions.Īll of these features show a professional very precisely whether the combustion in the respective cylinder is running exactly as it should. The damage pattern of the spark plug can differ from cylinder to cylinder or be identical for all plugs. If the spark plugs are worn out, they need to be replaced. If a malfunction occurs, troubleshooting continues. Sometimes the wrong spark plugs are simply installed. Even then, the spark plugs provided by the vehicle manufacturer must be installed. The ceramic insulator should be light brown in color at the tip. Whitish deposits indicate overheating due to a too lean mixture (e.g. The testing of spark plugs essentially consists of two sections. After the spark plugs have been removed from the engine, the inspection begins with a comprehensive visual inspection. With experience, you can immediately see the condition of the spark plug, and the motor from the appearance of the spark plug. If the electrode looks fawn and is dry, everything is usually fine. External condition: visual inspection of the spark plugs Signs of possible defects on the spark plugs are above all misfires, for example when accelerating and delayed starting of the engine when starting.Īlways check the appearance of the removed spark plugs first. The condition, discoloration and damage of the spark plug say a lot about whether the car’s engine is working optimally or not.
Regular testing and regular replacement of the spark plugs generally takes place as part of the inspection and maintenance appointments, but it is something you can do yourself if you have a little mechanical skill.
#Testing spark plug how to
How to test spark plugs: Regular checking of the spark plugs is bestĪ car’s spark plugs are no longer as easily accessible as they were in previous generations of vehicles. Before you look at the mechanical aspects of how to test a spark plug, you must remove the cladding and covers. Checking and testing is therefore a little more time-consuming. If spark plugs malfunction, reduced engine performance is just one of the possible consequences. If the spark plugs of an engine are not in top condition, the combustion in the cylinder does not run optimally. Other components of the car, such as the catalytic converter, can then also be damaged and thus also the environment. Therefore, it is useful to know how to test a spark plug regularly. In many cars, if the engine control light comes on while driving, this can indicate a defective spark plug. However, all of these symptoms can also occur if other components are defective. If a spark plug has problems generating sparks, the engine will no longer run optimally. This is often noticeable in a loss of performance and increased fuel consumption. If no spark is formed at all, it will not ignite. This is particularly noticeable when the engine is not running smoothly or when the engine is jerking while driving – sometimes the engine simply cuts out.Ī defective spark plug can sometimes also only be found during an emissions test, which will reveal if the exhaust gas values are incorrect or an error message is stored in the control unit.
When the yellow engine control light flashes or the engine suddenly starts running unevenly, you should go to the workshop as quickly as possible . If you ignore these signals, you run the risk of costly engine damage . Sometimes these are “only” defective spark plugs. And in most cases, changing the spark plugs is quick and doesn’t leave a big hole in your wallet. But be careful: In addition to the signals described above, there are other signs of defective spark plugs.
How to test spark plugs: Regular checking is advisedĮxternal condition: visual inspection of the spark plugs Concise guide outlines how to test spark plugs, including checking external condition, resistance and ignition spark.įind more car and motorcycle guides, tips and advice CONTENTS
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