Can a bad spark plug cause an engine to knock?
Yes, a bad spark plug can cause engine knock. So can a lot of other components on a car, but engine knock aka pinging or detonation happens when something is wrong with the ignition of the fuel-air mixture inside the cylinder. When a car is experiencing engine knocking you typically hear a “pinging” noise coming from the engine.
Why do spark plugs get hotter with higher octane fuels?
This leaves more heat indications in spark plugs from lower octane fuels. Engines that run hotter due to lower-octane gasoline may burn off more residuals in some cases, whereas more residuals may build-up from an engine using higher octane fuels.
Who was the inventor of the spark plug?
Lenoir is known for developing the first internal combustion engine, which burned a mixture of coal gas and air. The air-fuel mixture it aspirated was ignited by a “jumping spark” ignition system, which he patented in 1860. Lenoir’s ignition system created sparks by using high voltage electricity to jump an air gap.
Why does my spark plug have a weak spark?
A spark plug may also simply be gapped incorrectly, and by adjusting the gap you may see the poor performance go away completely. It is also true that the spark plug may be receiving a weak electrical impulse from the coil or distributor, thereby causing it to have a “weak” spark.
What causes a spark plug to stop working?
Most of the damage that an engine sustains when “detonating” is from excessive heat. A spark plug can deliver a weak spark (or no spark at all) for a variety of reasons. Defective coil, too much compression with incorrect plug gap. Dry fouled or wet fouled spark plugs, insufficient ignition timing.
What causes a spark plug to pre ignite?
Pre ignition most often leads to detonation. Plug tip temperatures can spike to over 3000°F; during the combustion process (in a racing engine). Most often caused by hot spots in the combustion chamber. Hot spots will allow the air fuel mixture to pre ignite. If the piston can’t go up (because of the force of the premature explosion).
What to do if spark plug goes into cylinder?
If you want, you could have a mechanic do a compression check on each cylinder. This will show possible bent valves or other possible problems. Some mechanics also have a diagnostic scope or camera that can be put into each cylinder via the spark plug hole. With this tool you can sometimes see physical damage inside the cylinder.
What causes carbon to foul the spark plugs?
If a fuel injector is clogged or sticking open, extra fuel can cause carbon problems. If the mass air flow sensor or oxygen sensors are not accurately reporting the air coming into the engine or the oxygen content in the exhaust stream, it could cause a rich-running condition that can cause carbon to foul the spark plugs.