Tools for removing spark plugs and adjusting the spark gap
Replacing spark plugs
Proper functioning of spark plugs is one of the most important conditions for the efficient operation of the engine. It is essential that only the specified type of spark plugs be fitted to the engine. With a good engine, cleaning spark plugs is a rare operation.
1. On models 1.8 and 2.0 liters, to access the spark plugs, you must remove the ignition coil, mounted in the center of the casing of the cylinder head cover. Remove the electrical connector (indicated by an arrow) on the left side of the ignition coil and unscrew the 6 mounting bolts. Pull the ignition coil up and unscrew the spark plugs.
2. On some models, the air tubes must be removed to access the spark plugs.
3. On 1.6 liter engine models, if there are no marks on the high-voltage wires, they must be marked so as not to be mistaken during their further installation.
4. Clean the spark plugs using a brush, vacuum cleaner or compressed air to prevent dirt from entering the engine cylinders after the spark plugs are removed.
5. Unscrew the spark plugs using a spark plug wrench (see fig. Tools for removing spark plugs and adjusting the spark gap).
6. Visual inspection of the working part of the spark plug can show the condition of the engine. If the nose of the spark plug insulator is clean and white with no deposits, this indicates that the mixture is too lean. It also indicates that the candle is too hot, ie. heat is removed slowly from the central electrode.
If this is the case, then you need to adjust the composition of the mixture or replace the candle.
7. If the nose of the candle insulator is covered with a black coating, then this indicates that the mixture is too rich. If the coating is black and oily, then this indicates engine wear and the need to check and repair it.
8. If the nose of the insulator is covered with a light brown coating, then the mixture is optimal and the engine is in good condition.
9. The gap between the electrodes of the spark plug is of great importance, because. if the gap is too large or too small, the size of the spark changes, which leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the engine. The gap must always comply with the technical requirements.
10. Checking the gap is carried out with a wire gauge or feeler gauge. The gap is adjusted by bending the side electrode. The central electrode must never be bent, because this can lead to breakage of the insulator and the failure of the candle.
11. Before installing the spark plug in the engine, check that the threads are clean and that all threads are intact. Before installing the spark plug in the engine, you can lubricate the threaded part of the spark plug with a special copper-containing non-stick compound.
12. To screw the spark plug into several turns, you can use a piece of rubber hose, into which, on one side, insert the spark plug insulator and, turning the hose, wrap the spark plug into several turns. Then you need to remove the rubber hose and screw the candle to the required torque.
13. On models with an engine displacement of 1.8 and 2.0 liters, install the ignition coils on the spark plugs, secure them with bolts and connect the electrical connectors.
14. On engines with a displacement of 1.6. liter, install high-voltage wires in accordance with the markings and all previously removed elements that prevented access to candles.
Checking the ignition system
1. On models with a working volume of 1.6 liters, check the condition of the high-voltage wires, which must be clean and dry, and must not have traces of electrical breakdown and oxidation. On models with a volume of 1.8 and 2.0 liters, check the condition of the primary connectors of the ignition coil, which should also not have traces of oxidation.
2. Check the internal condition of the spark plug tip, which should show no signs of corrosion, which is a hard white powder. Install the spark plug firmly onto the spark plug.
3. Replacement of candles is made in a set.