Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Spark Plug: Testing and Inspection

Spark Plug Inspection:




1. Inspect the electrodes and ceramic insulator for:
- Burned or worn electrodes may be caused by:
- Advanced ignition timing
- Loose spark plug
- Plug heat range too low
- Insufficient cooling
- Fouled plugs may be caused by:
- Retarded ignition timing
- Oil in combustion chamber
- Incorrect spark plug gap
- Plug heat range too high
- Excessive idling/low speed running
- Clogged air cleaner element
- Deteriorated ignition coil or ignition wires




2. Check the electrode gap.
- Adjust the gap with a suitable gapping tool.

Electrode Gap: 1.1 mm (0.043 in.)

Example Of Worn Plug:




- Replace the plug if the center electrode is rounded as shown above:

Spark Plugs: ZFR5F-11 (NGK), KJ16CR-L11 (Nippondenso)

3. Apply a small quantity of anti-seize compound to the plug threads, and screw the plugs into the cylinder head finger-tight.
- Then torque them to 18 N.m (13 ft.lb.).