Spark Plug – How Do I Read, The Condition Of My Spark Plugs

You can determine a great deal about, your engine’s, overall operating condition. Usually, just by examining, the spark plugs insulator color.

So, a quick inspection can not only tell you, if it’s time for spark plug replacement. But, can also speak volumes, about your engines condition as well.

Consequently, if your vehicle has a little less spunk lately, it might be time for a spark plug change.

Is your engine running too lean? Too rich? Is there an issue with, oil control or ignition timing? Or is everything, just fine with your engine? Spark plug problems are common.

In general, a light tan/gray color tells you that, the spark plug is operating, at optimum temperature. And, that the engine, is in good condition.

What A Spark Plug Can You, About Your Engines Condition

Condition	Clues	Probable Causes	Remedies
Normal plug	Brown or grayish- tan deposit on side electrode.	As a result, everything’s fine.	So, just clean and re-gap the spark plug.
Carbon-fouled plug	Black, dry, fluffy soot on insulator tip and electrodes.	Overly rich fuel/air mixture, dirty air filter, too much driving at low speeds, or idling for a long time.	So, switch to “hotter” plug. (The higher the plug number, the hotter the plug.)
Oil-fouled plug	Wet, black, oily deposits on insulator tip and electrodes.	Oil may be leaking into cylinders, past worn pistons or poorly adjusted or worn valves.	Clean and re-gap the spark plug, or replace it, but find out, where the leak is coming from.
Burned plug	Blisters on insulator tip, melted electrodes, burned stuff.	Engine overheating, gap is too wide, wrong or loose plugs, overly lean fuel/air mixture, or incorrect timing	Therefore, replace the spark plug.
Worn plug	Severely eroded or worn electrodes	Plug has been in there too long	Therefore, replace the spark plug.

Dark coloring, such as heavy black, wet or dry deposits, can indicate:

• An overly-rich condition.
• Too cold a heat range spark plug.
• A possible vacuum leak.
• Low compression.
• Overly retarded timing.
• Too large a plug gap.

Wet deposits, may be an indication of:

• A breached head gasket.
• Poor oil control from rings.
• Valve train problems.
• An extremely rich condition.

Depending on the type of the liquid, present at the firing tip.

Also, look for any signs of fouling or excessive heat. Because, this will help prevent, further deterioration of performance and possible engine damage.

1. Normal Condition.

• So, an engine’s condition can be judged by, the appearance of the spark plug firing end. Consequently, if the firing is brown or light gray, the condition can be judged as good. As a result, the spark plug, is functioning optimally.

2. Dry and Wet Fouling.

• Consequently, there are many different cases. If the insulation resistance, between the center electrode and the shell, is over 10 ohms, the engine will started normally. But, if the insulation resistance, drops to 0 ohms, the firing end is fouled, by either wet or dry carbon.

3. Overheating.

• When a spark plug overheats, deposits that have accumulated on the insulator tip melt. As a result, giving the insulator tip, a glazed or glossy appearance.

4. Deposits.

• Consequently, oil leakage, fuel quality and the engine’s operating duration will, influence the accumulation of deposits.

5. Lead Fouling.

• Consequently, lead fouling usually appears, as yellowish brown deposits, on the insulator nose. So, a resistance tester at room temperature, will not detect this. Because, lead compounds, combine at different temperatures. Finally, those formed at 370-470°C (700-790°F) having the greatest influence on lead resistance.

6. Breakage.

• Hence, thermal expansion and thermal shock, due to sudden heating or cooling, can cause breakage.

7. Normal Life.

• A worn spark plug, not only wastes fuel, but also strains the whole ignition system. This is because the expanded gap (due to erosion), requires higher voltages.

8. Abnormal Erosion.

• So, abnormal electrode erosion, is caused by the effects of corrosion, oxidation and reaction with lead. Finally, resulting in, abnormal gap growth.

9. Melting.

• Above all, overheating, will cause spark plug melting. As a result, the electrode surface, is rather lustrous and uneven.

10. Erosion, Corrosion and Oxidation.

• The material of the electrode has oxidized, when the oxidation is heavy, it will be green on the surface. As a result, the surface of the electrodes, are also fretted and rough.

11. Lead Erosion.

• So, the tip of the ground electrode, looks chipped and its surface may be thinned. Another condition unique to leaded gasoline. Consequently, this condition is caused by, lead compounds, that react chemically with the electrodes at high temperatures. Furthermore, this makes the electrode material (nickel alloy) weak and brittle. Finally, this is caused by, too much lead in the fuel.

Conclusion

So, to keep your engine operating efficiently, don’t mix plugs, in varying states of wear. Either replace all the plugs, with new ones or clean and reinstall, all the old ones.

Thank You !