6/23/2014

Spark Plug Help

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Spark Plug Help

How a spark plug works

A spark plug basically consists of 5 components:
NGK Iridium IX spark plugs are the
most technologically advanced spark
plugs for your high performance
motorcycle. NGK uses a 0.6mm iridium
center diode in these spark plugs to
offer a reliable ignition. The Iridium IX
spark plug is able to offer a consistently
intense spark because of the durability
and extremely high melting point
characteristics of iridium. The intense
spark from the Iridium IX spark plug
improves the throttle response,
acceleration and fuel efficiency of your
motorcycle. Trivalent metal plating on
these spark plugs will make sure they
don't corrode or cause seizing. Sold
individually.

The terminal allows electrical connection from the plug wire to the spark
plug
The ceramic insulator isolates the terminal and center electrode ends from
the ground electrode and houses the resistive element of the plug
The body of the spark plug consists of the threads for installing the plug as
well as a hex for turning the plug with a wrench
The center electrode provides the source point of the spark
The ground electrode provides the destination point for the spark
The operation of a spark plug occurs as follows:
The engine ignition control circuit determines when the spark is to occur. At this
time, a very high voltage pulse is delivered to the spark plug terminal end. The
voltage is so high that electrical current can flow across the gap between the center
electrode and the ground electrode, resulting in a spark. Of course, it is this spark
which ignites the fuel-air mixture that has been drawn into and compressed in the
engine combustion chamber. However simple a spark plug may be, the construction
of one is critical. A spark plug must be able to withstand frequent high voltage
pulses, high pressures, high temperatures, vibration and combustion by-products.
Each of these variables contribute to the possible failure of a spark plug.

M otion Pro Wire Gauge Gapping Tool.

Precise measurement of electrode
gap.Six standard sizes - 0.025", 0.030",
0.034", 0.035", 0.040", 0.045".Six
metric sizes - 0.64mm, 0.78mm,
0.86mm, 0.89mm, 1.02mm,
1.14mm.Two electrode-adjusting
tools.Compact design.

NGK Laser Iridium spa

superior ignitability and
life. Smallest tip diamete
Iridium / Platinum surfa
wear rate providing stab
anti fouling, improved fu
and lower emissionsLas
Iridium center electrode
disc welded to backside
electrode provides long
M etal Plating for superi
corrosion and anti-seizin
and quicker acceleration
economy and lower emi
OEM Iridium spark plu
available.Original Equip
M anufacturer approved
individually.

M otion Pro Ratchet Plu

13/16" ratchet spark plu
specifically for today's w
stroke engines with thos
spark plugs. The ratchet
makes installation and re
plugs very easy. Use on
installation and flip it ov

Spark plug failure

A spark plug can physically be damaged. For example, the electrode can by
melted or burned, or the ceramic insulator can break. Stripped threads can also
occur, but this is likely caused by improper installation. Typically, though, a spark
plug will fail by what is referred to as fouling. Spark plug fouling occurs when the
insulator nose at the center electrode accumulates either fuel, oil or carbon. This
accumulation allows the high voltage to travel along the insulator nose to ground
rather than jumping the electrode gap. A fouled spark plug can sometimes be
cleaned to restore normal operation. Often, however, replacement is the only
solution.
Causes of Fouling:
Continuous low speed engine operation
Spark plug "heat range" too cold (the selected spark plug is incorrect and
cannot reach the correct operating temperature)
Air-fuel mixture too rich resulting in accumulation of fuel deposits around
the insulator nose and electrode
Reduced compression and oil usage due to worn piston rings, worn cylinder
or worn valve guides

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Spark Plug Help

Excessive premix oil in fuel for two stroke engines
Retarded ignition timing
Ignition system not delivering the correct voltage
Spark plug gapped incorrectly
Dirt, moisture or other conductive contamination in and around the spark
plug terminal connection
Failed spark plug wire
Dirt, moisture or other conductive contamination in and around the
magneto/alternator
Loose, broken or contaminated ignition system wiring connections
A spark plug can fail by overheating, which can cause the electrodes to wear
quickly, melt or break apart. The failure mode of the electrode depends in part on
the type of electrode material. Engine overheating has an array of causes and
harmful effects not limited to a spark plug.
Causes of Overheating:
Incorrect spark plug heat range (the selected spark plug is the wrong type
and cannot dissipate the correct amount of heat)
Spark plug not tightened to the correct torque or the gasket is missing
advanced ignition timing
Fuel octane rating too low or excessive engine compression due to excessive
combustion chamber deposits (engine will knock)
Air-fuel mixture too lean
Continuous engine operation under excessive loads
Insufficient engine cooling or lubrication

How to visually check spark plugs

The following images show the visual condition of a spark plug given each
specific problem listed.

Normal spark plug

Dry Fouled spark plug

Wet Fouled spark plug

spark plug With Deposits

spark plug Overheating

Electrode Oxidation

Electrode Erosion

spark plug Overheating

Electrode Melting

Insulator Breakage
Visual inspection images courtesy of NGK. .

How to check a spark plug with an ohm meter

If a spark plug looks normal, but you still suspect it is the problem, you can
check it with an ohm meter in two ways:

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Spark Plug Help

Connect one test lead to the spark
plug terminal and the other lead to the
center electrode (note: you may need
to clean the center electrode to have
good continuity with the meter lead).
If you have a resistor type spark plug,
you should have a reading of several
thousand ohms (around 5k ohms, plus
or minus 1k ohm or so). If you have a
non-resistor type spark plug, the meter
should display very low ohms or zero.
If this measurement shows an open
circuit condition, the plug should be replaced. If the measurement indicates a good
spark plug, proceed to the next test.

Leave the test lead on the spark plug

terminal end and move the other lead
the ground electrode or any place on
the metallic body, below the ceramic
insulator. It is important that you keep
at least one hand from touching the
plug or test lead tip to avoid a false
reading. This measurement should
show an open circuit measurement.
Any measured resistance (even in the
meg ohm range) is bad and will cause
the high voltage pulse to bypass the
high resistance air gap, resulting in no spark or weak spark.

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