NGK recommends practical actions to prevent damage to the item and vehicle
São Paulo, March 2023 Improper handling of spark plugs can cause risks to the component and engine. The exchange performed by an unskilled person is capable of causing damage to the engine and the sails. The breakage of the spark plug can cause material to fall into the combustion chamber, leading to severe engine damage, and cause damage to the head thread that drives up repair costs. Other problems can be generated, such as reducing durability and overheating.
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For the correct handling of the item, a NGK, Japanese multinational specialist in ignition system, shares eight important tips for drivers to implement on a day-to-day basis. check out:
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- Identify the engine and check the correct application of the spark plug – NGK provides application tables, online consultation through the website, electronic catalog and App;
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- With the engine off and cold, Carefully remove ignition cables or coils. Observe the ignition order so as not to reverse and cause failures. In some vehicle models, To perform the removal it is necessary to first move other components, as the intake manifold. Check the specificity of each engine;
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- Search for each type of candle to choose the specific tool for removing the item. Some vehicles require special tools for this activity, like the bi hexagonal candles, common in some vehicle lines;
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- Note the key fitting to the candle and the alignment, The tilt of the key, can lead to the breaking of the candle on removal;
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- Take advantage of the fact that the candle has been removed and check the flame retardant tip (Candle tip) to identify wear and burn conditions. This item is very important because it indicates oil and water contamination in the combustion chamber, as well as use of poor quality fuel. In the isolator (white part where the cable and coil fit), Make sure there are no flash over marks, passage of electric current between the tip of the sail and metallic castle (metal part). If yes, joint replacement of cables or coils is required. Finally, Check for signs of oxidation on the terminal pin and, if necessary, Replace cables or coils;
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- On installation, The alignment of the sail thread with the head thread should be observed. It is recommended to thread manually, so as not to damage it. An additional precaution is to clean your hands so as not to contaminate with waste, as oil and grease, The Insulator (white part of the candle in which the cable or coil fits) and cause flash over;
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- Torque (force applied in the grip) It is very important when tightening the sail and will prevent future damage to the screw of the sail and head. Another precaution to be taken is the alignment of the tool to avoid damage to the candle, as insulator crack. The characteristics of modern motors make it necessary to apply specific clamping torque through the use of the torque meter at the time of installation;
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- For motors that have a candle with a directional side electrode, or with predetermined positioning in the combustion chamber, Applying an incorrect torque changes the position of the spark plug in the chamber. This can cause fault codes to be generated in the injection system. For this type of candle it is recommended to change it whenever it is removed. In the reinstallation there is no way to guarantee the correct positioning in the combustion chamber.
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"In the old engines, that have as a constructive characteristic the positioning of the candle in a more accessible place, The change of the sail can even be carried out by the driver himself - valid for enthusiasts-, if he possesses skill, knowledge and the right tools", afirma Hiromori Mori, NGK do Brasil Technical Assistance consultant. For new engines, Disassembling components is complex because of the layout, that makes it difficult to access, a qualified professional is needed to perform the task.
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The NGK expert points out that a faulty spark plug can lead to misfires and damage to other engine components, and cause an increase in the consumption and level of emission of pollutants. "For the perfect operation of the engine, Preventive maintenance is the best choice", Mori points out.
