HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-04-23, Page 17THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23,1997 PAGE 17.
Check your spark plugs regularly
Spark Plug Trouble - Shooting Chart
! - Usually $ - Often # * Rarely
St
a
r
t
i
n
g
tr
o
u
b
l
e
(C
o
l
d
)
St
a
r
t
i
n
g
tr
o
u
b
l
e
(W
a
r
m
)
Ro
u
g
h
id
l
e
Mi
s
f
i
r
i
n
g
He
s
i
t
a
t
i
o
n
wh
i
l
e
ac
c
e
l
e
r
a
t
i
n
g
In
c
r
e
a
s
e
d
fu
e
l
co
n
s
u
m
p
t
i
o
n
Pi
n
g
i
n
g
/
k
n
o
c
k
i
n
g
Possible bause Remedy
$$$#Electrode gap too small Adjust according to owner's manual
j #$$$Electrode gap too wide Adjust according to owner's manual, or replace
worn plugs
######Insulator cracked Replace spark plug
#####i Incorrect spark plugs, incorrect spark position Install correct plugs, according to owner's manual
!.#$i i i Worn spark plugs Replace
#Spark plugs incorrectly tightened Check with torque wrench, replace.plugs if necessary
$##$##Conductive connection between electrodes Remove plug, clean, and replace; install new plug
if necessary
$##I $$Abnormal deposits on insulator nose or
ground electrode
Replace plugs and check engine
$$#$i Fuel quality, especially octane Try higher octane fuel (older cars may need higher octane
due to engine aging)
$$#j j j »Incorrect ignition timing, worn or cracked
wires, cracked distributor cap
Check, repair, adjust
i j j $I i #Fuel system, automatic choke Check, repair, adjust
from all automotive stores, as are
cans of compressed air for blowing
the area clean. If necessary, use a
little penetrating oil to help ease tne
threads - don't use excessive force,
or you might break the plug off in
the cylinder.
3. Remove each plug in turn, and
wipe the plug hole seat clean with a
dry cloth, wiping from the inside
out to keep dirt from falling into
the engine. Put the old plugs in
order on a piece of newspaper or a
rag for inspection - the condition of
the plug can warn you of impend
ing engine problems. Look for
excessive white or grey deposits
(ash), black gooey deposits (oil), or
worn or cracked electrodes (need
tune-up).
4. Plugs are gapped at the
factory, but it's a good idea to
check them with your own gapping
tool to make sure they're right for
your engine.
5. Screw the new plugs in until
finger tight. Use a torque wrench to
tighten to the manufacturer’s
specifications. If you have no
torque wrench, your best move is to
get one - they cost between $15
and $100, depending on quality,
much less than the cost of the
engine work you might require
through improper spark plug
installation.
6. Replace the spark plug wires,
in order. Check each wire for
cracking or corrosion, and replace
Continued on page 19
How can something so small and
plain be so important to your
engine? It delivers the spark of life
to your cylinder. No spark, no
explosion, no motion. It's worth
spending a little time to make sure
your spark is reaching each
cylinder at the right time, and is hot
enough to ensure efficient
combustion.
Your owner's manual will tell
you how often to change your spark
plugs, and will also tell you what
type, size and heat range are best
for your engine. Some new types
have platinum electrodes that will
practically eliminate electrode
wear, improving vehicle perform
ance and fuel economy.
If you are a do-it-yourselfer,
changing your spark plugs is easy:
1. Carefully remove the wires by
twisting gently one quarter turn and
lifting straight off. Be careful with
the wires, and always pull by the
boot, not the wire. Each wire should
be numbered’on the insulating
surface. If not, or if the numbers
are hard to read, use masking tape
to number them yourself.
2. Loosen each spark plug, and
blow area clean so dirt can get into
the engine. Special spark plug
wrenches or sockets are available
SOUTH END AUTO
MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION
• FUEL INJECTION SERVICE •
• ELECTRONIC TUNE-UPS •
• AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE • BALANCING •
• COMPLETE BRAKE SERVICE • GENERAL REPAIRS •
SERVICING ALL MAKES AND MODELS
Box 309 Blyth, Ont. NOM 1 HO Phone: (519) 523-4424
SAVE 10% on the following car care productsCARTER'S WEST END GARAGE
AND BODY SHOP
EXHAUST AND BRAKE COMPLETE COLLISION REPAIR
SPECIALISTS AND PAINTING
WHEEL ALIGNMENT & BALANCING
OWNER-OPERATOR
HARVEY CARTER
215 HURON ST., BOX 728 PH: (519) 482-9363
CLINTON, ONT. NOM 1LO FAX (519) 482-3534
Blue Diamond -one step glaze Armorall -protectant
425 ml pt# 298 protects and beautifies
Autosol -metal polish
100 g pt# 1000
vinyl, rubber & plastic
500 ml pt# 10500
Rain X -glass treatment
See better, drive safer
200 ml pt# RX713
Spray Nine -multi-purpose
germicidal cleaner
700 ml pt# K1
Wash ’n Wax -one step, shampoo
and waxing system
455 ml pt# 851
Specials in effect until
Saturday, May 3, 1997