Common causes of spark plug carbon fouling or dry fouling 1. However, when an issue is causing incomplete combustion, if the firing temperature for some reason drops too low, or if the fuel-to-air ratio becomes too rich, the plug may no longer be able to burn off all the carbon.Ĭarbon residue will gradually begin accumulating to the firing end of the plug until it eventually fouls completely. Meaning, it will burn off any carbon deposits and thereby avoid fouling. How does it happen? Carbon fouling occurs when carbon residue, for some reason, is adhering to the firing end of the spark plug.Īs long as the fuel-to-air ratio is correct and the spark plug runs at the right temperature, the plug is self-cleaning. Symptoms: Hard starts, power loss, rough idle, slow acceleration, misfiring, sputtering, poorer fuel economy, increased emissions. Carbon fouling or dry fouling: Grey to matte black appearance A carbon fouled spark plugĪppearance: A carbon fouled plug has a grey to matte black fluffy appearance that is evenly distributed over the center electrode, ground electrode, and the porcelain tip. This type of coloring on a spark plug is not considered fouling. Normal condition: Brown or light grey appearance A normal spark plugĪppearance: When a spark plug is operating at an optimal temperature in an engine that’s in good condition, it will get a brown, almost tan, or light grey appearance. Take note of whether there is a coating on the insulating tip and electrodes, what color the coating has if it is evenly distributed, and whether it is wet or dry.Bring the plug to a well-lit area and examine the firing end closely.Use a spark plug socket to remove the plug from the engine.Remove the spark plug wire boot from the spark plug by pulling it away from the engine.If you know how to read its appearance, it will not only tell you when something is wrong with the engine it will even tell you what may be causing the problem. It is said that a spark plug is like the canary in a coal mine. The old spark plug may tell you why it has fouled how to read different types of spark plug fouling Without a strong and consistent spark, the plug can no longer ignite the fuel/air mixture properly, which causes misfiring and further fouling. This causes the current to leach from the tip, past the insulator, and into the metal shell, where it will ground out without creating a spark. The coating on a fouled plug prevents the insulator tip of the plug from doing its job.Įlectric current will always choose the path of least resistance, and the deposits covering the ceramic insulator have less resistance than the insulator itself. The ceramic insulator prevents the current from going straight to ground. On a clean and undamaged spark plug, electricity is sent from the coil through the plug’s center electrode, creating a spark when it bridges the gap over to the ground electrode. Which substance is causing the fouling will usually determine the appearance of the plug. Several substances can foul a spark plug, but the most common are: Use a spark plug with an iridium or platinum ground electrodeĪ spark plug is considered fouled when the ceramic insulator, center electrode, and a ground electrode at the firing tip becomes coated with a foreign substance such as fuel, oil, carbon, or coolant.Make sure you don’t leave the choke on too long.Can you install a plug with a higher heat rating to prevent fouling?.How to prevent your ATV spark plugs from fouling. The head gasket or intake manifold is leaking.Common causes of coolant fouling spark plugs.Common causes of spark plug oil fouling.Oil fouling: A blotchy and inconsistent black or shiny black finish.Fuel injector related issues that cause wet fouling Carburetor related issues that cause wet fouling The engine is flooded from multiple failed starting attempts Common causes of spark plug fuel fouling / wet fouling.Fuel fouling / wet fouling: Wet and dark/black appearance.Cold weather riding on fuel-injected ATVs The electrical system is weak or defective, causing a weak spark Continuous low-speed driving, driving short distances, or prolonged idling Common causes of spark plug carbon fouling or dry fouling.Carbon fouling or dry fouling: Grey to matte black appearance.Normal condition: Brown or light grey appearance.
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