Is it possible to replace the spark plugs?

Automotive spark plugs are part of the ignition system, which can be contact (common on old cars) and electronic. In addition to the spark plugs, thanks to which the piston of the petrol engine moves, the ignition system (contact) consists of a battery, electric wires of various voltage, generator, ignition coil, interrupter, distributor, condenser and ignition lock.

Spark plugs play an important role in the engine's operation, and the slightest failure in their functioning affects the power, the motor starts to "trip" (if only four out of four cylinders work), fuel consumption increases, and in some cases there is a probability of detonation of the engine. In order to avoid such situations, replacement of spark plugs should be made after a run of approximately 30 thousand kilometers or as necessary.

Most models of cars that are found on the Russian market allow you to replace the candles yourself. To do this, most cars need to open the engine, remove the air filter, disconnect the ignition using a key. Using a special candle key, you need to unscrew all the candles and subject them to inspection.

A good specimen can be seen right away - it is distinguished by the absence of carbon deposits, even, most often brown in the "skirt" of the insulator. The presence of carbon deposits on the parts does not mean that replacement of the spark plugs will be absolutely necessary. In some cases, this indicates that the engine runs on rich mixtures, but the oily black coating implies that the part is better to change. Replacement of spark plugs is necessary if they have found traces of aluminum reflow or electrodes are damaged or bent.

For complete confidence in the quality of the candle, it must be checked on a special tester, stand equipped with a barometric chamber or a piezo gun for correct sparking and, if necessary, adjust the gap between the additional and main electrode in accordance with the factory recommendations. Optimum clearance is about 1.5 mm, and this value can be reached both by narrowing the gap (by gently tapping on the side electrode) and by expanding it through equally careful bending.

After correcting the work of the old one or selecting a new kit, the spark plugs are screwed into place, the ignition is connected to them, the filter is installed back, the motor is closed and checked. In an ordinary car, this operation can be done independently in 15 minutes. Car service masters will do it, of course, faster, and thus almost always there is such service, as a choice of spark plugs. Here everything depends on the client.

Replacement of spark plugs should be made on the basis of the characteristics specified in the technical passport of the machine. When changing them, they are installed or exactly the same as those specified in the factory documents, or they can be replaced by copies of other manufacturers having the required characteristics. If the car enthusiast wants the spark plugs to last longer, he can choose options with a side electrode having platinum inserts, or models with several side electrodes (if any).

Important characteristics of the candle in its selection are the following: the length and diameter of the thread, as well as the glow number. If it is short, the combustion products will settle on the threads of the head, and a normal candle will be very difficult to install afterwards. And if it's long, then the same elements will settle on the candle, which will lead to the need for a bulkhead engine. A candle of an inappropriate diameter will not be easy (impossible) to screw in, and an incorrect caliber number will lead to carbon deposits, premature wear of candles, engine failures.