Tools needed to remove the spark plug and adjust the gap
Correct functioning of spark plugs is one of the most important conditions for efficient engine operation. It is necessary that only the prescribed type of spark plugs are installed on the engine. If the engine is in good condition, cleaning the spark plugs is a rare operation.
1. Mark the location of the high voltage wires on the spark plugs.
2. Remove the spark plug wire caps from the spark plugs by pulling on the cap, not the wire.
3. Using a spark plug wrench, unscrew the spark plugs from the engine. First, using a vacuum cleaner or a jet of compressed air, clean the area around the spark plugs from dust and dirt so that it does not get into the engine cylinders.
4. Visual inspection of the working part of the spark plugs can show the condition of the engine. If the nose of the spark plug insulator is clean and white, without any deposits, this indicates that the mixture is too lean. This also indicates that the plug is too hot, i.e. the heat from the central electrode is slowly removed. If this is the case, it is necessary to adjust the fuel mixture or replace the plug.
5. If the nose of the insulator is covered with a black coating, this indicates that the mixture is too rich. If the coating is black and oily, this indicates that the engine is worn out and needs to be checked and repaired.
6. If the nose of the insulator is covered with a light brown coating, then the mixture composition is optimal and the engine is in good condition.
7. The spark plug gap is very important because if the gap is too big or too small, the spark size changes, which leads to a decrease in engine efficiency. The gap must always meet technical requirements.
 |
 |
8. The gap is checked using a wire template (left) or a feeler gauge (right).
9. The gap is adjusted by bending the side electrode. The central electrode should never be bent, as this can lead to breakage of the insulator and failure of the spark plug.
10. To bend the side electrode of the spark plug, you need to use a special tool.
11. Before installing the spark plug into the engine, check that the threads are clean and all threads are intact.
12. Screw in the spark plugs by hand and then tighten them to the specified torque. If you do not have a torque wrench, screw in the plugs until you feel resistance, then tighten them an additional 1/16 of a turn on OHV engines or 1/4 of a turn on CVH engines.
13. Connect the high-voltage wires to the spark plugs.
[Information for this article was taken from the website FORDBOOK]