A properly calibrated spark plug is necessary for proper engine operation. Calibration affects the spark temperature of a spark plug, which is directly related to the combustion of air and gasoline in the engine. If you open the calibration, you will get a larger spark, which is used for some custom engines to maximize efficiency. You can learn how to properly calibrate the plug by measuring and adjusting as necessary. Read the following steps for more information.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Measure the gauge
Step 1. Learn the vehicle's calibration specifications
Whether you are purchasing new spark plugs, you want to review the ones you just purchased before installing them, or you want to review the functionality of the ones you already have installed in your car, you must learn the proper calibration for the two electrodes on the tip. of the spare.
- The measurement for each vehicle will be different, although most are generally between 1 and 2 mm (0.028 and 0.060 inches) You can refer to the user manual of the car, or you can also go to the auto parts store, to to help you find out.
- Modified engines use smaller calibrations to compensate for the amount of power they generate. As a general rule of thumb, if the motor is more powerful, the calibration should be smaller.
Step 2. Choose an appropriate tool for calibration
There are varieties of tools that are used to measure the calibration of a spark plug, and some are more appropriate for modern spark plugs, which sometimes contain somewhat brittle precious metals. Many calibration tools contain a flat edge, which is used to bend the lower electrode of the spark plug, to slightly adjust the gap.
- A coin-style measuring tool is the cheapest option, and it works by running the edge of the "coin" through the opening until it doesn't move. The edge is marked as a ruler, designating the thickness of the edge at the desired point. This is a good tool for checking the effectiveness of older plugs, but you run the risk of opening the plug when using it.
- A wire gauge works the same way as a coin gauge, but has different wire sizes with different lengths on the edge around the coin.
- A razor style gauge is a versatile and effective tool. It resembles a common pocket knife, and contains many blades of different thicknesses, some with wires at the tip and some smooth. It is placed in the opening to measure the gauge of the electrodes. You can also use multiple blades to measure larger openings. They are very effective to wear while adjusting.
Step 3. Clean the spark plug
If you just took it out of its box, it should be in good condition, but if you are checking a spark plug that you use regularly in your car, it is a good idea to use a clean cloth to clean it. Spark plugs can collect a little soot on the contact tip. Therefore, it is recommended that you clean them to obtain a reliable reading when calibrating.
You can use a little quick-drying alcohol (90%) on the contact tips. This will clean them if they are very dirty. Large build-up of combustion material or black tips may indicate that the spark plug is past its useful life. If they are very dirty, you must buy new spark plugs
Step 4. Measure the opening by passing the tool through the electrodes
Place the appropriate sheet or wire in the gap between the spark plug electrodes, or pass a coin across the electrodes to determine the measurement.
Part 2 of 2: Adjust the Calibration
Step 1. Determine if the opening needs to be adjusted
If the tool passes through the opening without touching the electrodes, it means that it is too wide. If you can't get it through the electrodes, the opening is very small, and you need to enlarge it a little bit. If the tool fits to the required size, the spark plug is ready to be installed in the car.
Most normal and iridium plugs manufactured today do not need to be calibrated prior to installation. If you have a custom engine in your car, you may want to check or install the spark plugs in a different calibration. Adjust the spark plugs as required
Step 2. Use the tool to calibrate the lower electrode
When you hold the spark plug with the electrodes facing down, you should gently bend the bottom one to achieve calibration. Fold it in if you want to close the opening, or out if you want to open it slightly.
- Never bend the electrode more than one millimeter (0.02 inch) at a time. It won't take a lot of pressure to do this, so be careful. They are resistant, but not so much. Spark plugs can be very delicate and any fracture can cause failure.
- If you have trouble using the tool for calibration, you can bend the electrode on a flat surface, such as a table. This will help you apply very light pressure on the electrode to tighten it.
Step 3. Remeasure the opening and adjust as necessary
Be careful not to contact the center electrode of the spark plug, as the core of the spark plug could be damaged. If it breaks or short circuits, you will have to dispose of it and buy a new one.
Step 4. Work carefully
If you break the electrode the work will be wasted, and it really doesn't take much force to do it. Use only a little pressure to bend the electrode. And fold it just a little bit more.
Advice
- If the tip colors are different from each other, the motor could have a problem.
- Try to calibrate the spark plug gaps to the same size.
- Do not overtighten the spark plugs. Most heads are made of aluminum and the threads can be easily frayed.
- Spark plugs are relatively inexpensive, and they come in two common sizes: 5/8 and 13/16. If you're not sure what size you need, buy a pack of each to save yourself extra time.