NGK points out main inspection points of spark plug on motorcycles

Japanese multinational specializing in ignition systems comments on deterioration, benefits and inspections required for proper maintenance of the item

São Paulo, February 2023 – A significant number of motorcycles and scooters sold in Brazil are monocylindrical and have only one spark plug, which can be accessed easily and quickly on the vast majority of motorcycles. In taking this circumstance into account, a NGK, Japanese multinational specialist in components for ignition systems, advises motorcyclists on the importance of, ease and speed of the candle change procedure to preserve everyone's safety in traffic and reduce fuel costs for owners of two-wheeled vehicles.

Only with visual inspection can the mechanic analyze whether a candle is not working properly. "During maintenance, The professional has the opportunity to examine the old candle identifying other problems in the engine, as the presence of rich mixing, excess fuel, use of poor quality fuel or water infiltration into the combustion chamber from the cooling system", explains Hiromori Mori, NGK Technical Assistance Consultant.

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Main inspection points:

• Candle tip appearance: dark coloring suggests a rich mixture, that is, excess fuel or burning lubricating oil;
• Excess clearance between electrodes: indicates wear of the candles or attempt to adjust the clearance. Candles are produced in specific clearances, therefore it is not necessary to adjust it;
• Rounding of candle electrodes: points wear of the electrodes of the candle that makes it difficult to spark, causing failures and damage to other system components.

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"Assessing whether the sail is specific to a motorcycle may seem like a basic action, but can generate any errors between the mechanics. That is why, NGK provides consultation via website, application table or mobile application so that professionals are informed correctly about the subject", affirms Mori.

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Worn candle and regular exchange benefits

difficulty in starting, irregular slow gait, acceleration failures, increased fuel consumption and pollutant emission levels are indicative of problems in the bike's spark plug that can be noticed by the motorcyclist himself on a daily life. "Using worn candles can cause damage to the ignition system, which will result in deterioration to the catalyst, for motorcycles that have the component, due to fuel that was not burned", says the expert.

"The benefits of keeping the spark plug in good condition range from the correct operation of the engine, easy start, stable idle and faster acceleration to fuel consumption in a way that is more compatible with that specified by the manufacturer and greater protection of the environment", Mori comments.

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Use of special candles

The use of special candles, as the Iridium IX candle line, offers better performance, faster acceleration, more stable idling, ease of start-up and better use of fuel. "As the vast majority of motorcycles in our market have only one cylinder, the cost for installing a special candle is very low, providing an optimal cost benefit", Mori ends.