Editing Reading spark plugs
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==Magnifier== | ==Magnifier== | ||
It's imperative that a light source with a magnifier be used to read plugs, because the plug insulator at the deepest point is one of the things that is looked at. If the light source isn't uniform from reading to reading, the slight coloring differences can be misread. The idea is to have repeatable conditions. | It's imperative that a light source with a magnifier be used to read plugs, because the plug insulator at the deepest point is one of the things that is looked at. If the light source isn't uniform from reading to reading, the slight coloring differences can be misread. The idea is to have repeatable conditions. | ||
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[[File:Rich18.jpg]] | [[File:Rich18.jpg]] | ||
− | Black or brown | + | Black or brown specs: This is an indication of detonation usually caused by a heat range that's too hot. The plug gets so hot that it will start to detonate the fuel before the ignition fires, this cause a double flame front and reduces the efficiency of the combustion process as these two flame fronts collide with each other. |
+ | The black spots are the result of the fuel deposits being burned onto the porcelain by the double flame front. Go one or two heat ranges colder and it should go away. | ||
+ | Once you correct the plug heat range which removes the secondary ignition source, and/or address a lean air/fuel mixture, you can reset the total timing for optimum power.<br> | ||
{{Warning}}Do not underestimate the damage this condition can cause your engine. Correct this by whatever means necessary. | {{Warning}}Do not underestimate the damage this condition can cause your engine. Correct this by whatever means necessary. | ||