What happens if the spark plug gap is too big?
However, if the spark plug gap is too large, the spark is unlikely to consistently “jump” across the long distance between electrodes, thus leading to a rough-running engine or one that doesn’t run at all. Fortunately, spark-plug gaps can be easily adjusted by mechanics, including many amateur do-ityourselfers.
What makes a spark plug work so well?
There are two electrodes separated by a small gap; as the current approaches the end of one electrode, it effectively “jumps” across the gap to the opposite electrode and creates a visible spark. One of the key factors that makes a spark plug work well, or not, is the size of the gap between the electrodes.
What are the symptoms of a narrow spark plug?
Spark Plug — Narrow Gap. The duration of the spark has less travel distance, thus not remaining hot enough with sufficient charge to ignite the air-fuel mixture. The symptoms of narrow gap include a noticeable (continuous) cylinder miss, hard starting if all the plugs have narrow gaps, rough idle and engine hesitation.
What does it mean when a spark plug does not fire?
A spark plug that does not fire, resulting from a narrow gap, will appear black or wet when inspected. The black or wet appearance indicates unburned fuel. Excessive spark plug gap results when the voltage has too far to travel.
What happens if spark plugs are not gapped?
The incorrect spark plug gaps can cause uneven firing of individual spark plugs and delay engine combustion; both of which can cause an engine to miss or idle erratically. For an engine to run at optimal levels, its spark plugs have to be gapped according to factory specifications.
The symptoms of narrow gap include a noticeable (continuous) cylinder miss, hard starting if all the plugs have narrow gaps, rough idle and engine hesitation. A spark plug that does not fire, resulting from a narrow gap, will appear black or wet when inspected. The black or wet appearance indicates unburned fuel.
Can a high voltage spark jump the gap?
A high voltage spark jumps the gap, producing ignition fire. Spark plug specifications, which include type, heat range and gap, will be found in the owner’s repair manual.
A spark plug that does not fire, resulting from a narrow gap, will appear black or wet when inspected. The black or wet appearance indicates unburned fuel. Excessive spark plug gap results when the voltage has too far to travel.