Spark Plug Inspection

^ Inspect the terminal post (1) for damage.
- Inspect for a bent or a broken terminal post (1).
- Test for a loose terminal post (1) by twisting and pulling the post. The terminal post (1) should NOT move.




^ Inspect the insulator (2) for flashover, for carbon tracking, and for soot. These conditions are caused by the electrical charge traveling across the insulator (2) between the terminal post (1) and the ground. Inspect for the following conditions:
- Inspect the spark plug boot for damage.
- Inspect the spark plug recess area of the cylinder head for moisture, such as oil, coolant, or water. A spark plug boot that is saturated causes arcing to ground.




^ Inspect the insulator (2) for cracks. All or part of the electrical charge may arc through the crack instead of the electrodes (3, 4).




^ Inspect for evidence of improper arcing.
- Measure the gap between the center electrode (4) and the side electrode (3) terminals. Refer to Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Control System Description.. An excessively wide electrode gap can prevent correct spark plug operation.
- Inspect for the correct spark plug torque. Refer to Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Control System Description. Insufficient torque can prevent correct spark plug operation. An over torqued spark plug, causes the insulator (2) to crack.
- Inspect for signs of tracking that occurred near the insulator tip instead of the center electrode (4).
- Inspect for a broken or worn side electrode (3).
- Inspect for a broken, worn, or loose center electrode (4) by shaking the spark plug.
^ A rattling sound indicates internal damage.
^ A loose center electrode (4) reduces the spark intensity.
- Inspect for bridged electrodes (3, 4). Deposits on the electrodes (3, 4) reduce or eliminate the gap.
- Inspect for worn or missing platinum pads on the electrodes (3, 4), if equipped.
- Inspect for excessive fouling.
^ Inspect the spark plug recess area of the cylinder head for debris. Dirty or damaged threads can cause the spark plug to not seat correctly during installation.