The procedure for diagnosing spark plugs. Reliable ways to test spark plugs with your own hands A device for checking the operation of spark plugs

A faulty spark plug will result in a loss of vehicle power. If the engine is operated for a long time with a non-working part connected to it, the power unit may be damaged, which will affect the functioning of all vehicle systems. Therefore, it is important to monitor the performance of these elements. To check the spark plugs, it is enough to contact a car service that has the necessary equipment. But you can do without extra costs, since even a beginner can make a do-it-yourself spark plug tester.

There are a number of signs that allow you to notice a candle malfunction even before checking it. The main sign of a problem is the inability to start the power unit due to the lack of ignition in the system. Increased fuel consumption during engine operation is also the basis for suspicion of a malfunction. To compensate for the loss of cylinder power, more fuel must be used.

Spark plug

Among other signs of malfunctioning candles, the following can be distinguished:

1. The presence of flashes, provoked by improper operation of the candles, which is accompanied by interruptions in the functioning of the power unit.
2. Stopping the engine after turning off the starter.
3. Catalyst failure. The spark produced by the spark plugs ignites the fuel supplied to the cylinder. If this element does not work correctly, excess fuel enters the catalyst, after which it is oxidized.
4. The occurrence of difficulties with starting the engine in the cold season.
5. The presence of mechanical defects on the surface of the element.
6. The presence of deposits, painted in black.

All the signs listed above make it possible to suspect candles as the main culprit of the malfunction. These elements must be checked under pressure using special devices that are present in car services. However, there are several methods for checking spark plugs without pressure.

How to check the performance of spark plugs

The design of most cars allows you to disconnect the ignition elements without much difficulty. This facilitates the process of checking candles.

There are several ways to do this procedure without resorting to the help of specialists:

• "to the sound";
• "for a spark";
• using a multimeter;
• using the gun.

The first two methods are the easiest. Even a novice driver can handle them. They do not require special tools and skills. Devices designed for such a procedure are also easy to use. If you wish, you can independently create a device that performs these functions.

Sound check

Violations in the operation of the engine cylinders affect the sounds that it makes. If one of the parts does not cope with its functions, the cylinder does not work correctly, the nature of the sound of the engine changes. This property can be used in diagnostics. You must proceed as follows:

1. Start the engine. Remember the sound they make.
2. Disconnect the wires from each candle (one by one), simultaneously checking for changes. If you disconnect the working candle, the unit will make a noise that is different from the original.
3. A non-working element can be identified if the sound of the engine does not change when the candle is turned off.

This is the easiest verification method available to everyone. No tools are needed for such a diagnosis. However, the method has a number of disadvantages. The first is to use fuel during the test. The second is the inability to establish the nature of the breakdown and its cause. The method allows only to identify the malfunction and replace the element.

In addition, the sound changes are not always so clear that the problem can be detected. In some cases, it is quite difficult to notice the difference. With the help of a spark test, it is easier to detect the problem. A more reliable way: build a stand for checking spark plugs with your own hands.

"Spark" check

The second method is no less simple, but the candle will have to be removed. Therefore, the owner of the car must have a special key designed for this operation. If not, it can be purchased at any auto parts store. To test, you must first remove the element.
First of all, the wire cap is disconnected from the part. Next, it is removed using a special key. Before proceeding directly to the performance test, it is necessary to carry out certain preparatory work. The surface of the candle must be cleaned of deposits, and the gap between the electrodes must be checked with a feeler gauge (you can find out the standard value of this parameter by reading the maintenance manual for the vehicle).

If the gap complies with the regulations, you can proceed to the test. To do this, you need to connect a high-voltage wire to the unscrewed candle and lean the latter against any part of the vehicle made of metal (this is how an electrical contact is created). After turning on the starter, you need to monitor the spark given out by the candle. The absence of a spark is evidence of a defective part. Sparks of red color indicate abnormal operation of the element. The working part gives out powerful and bright blue sparks.

multimeter

Using a multimeter

Despite popular belief among the population, the multimeter is not a device for checking the performance of candles. Its use does not guarantee the detection of a non-working element. However, using this device, you can check the candle for a short circuit inside, as well as the wires leading to it.

To check for a short circuit, you need to proceed as follows:

1. Unscrew the candle.
2. Connect one wire of the device to the input of the element, the second - to its thread, that is, the base.
3. Set up the multimeter (resistance - twenty kOhm).

If a contact was found during the test, the cause of the problem may be defects in the insulator, which leads to a short circuit. If there is a contact, resistance appears, which the multimeter shows. Along the way, you can check the resistance of the wires. In the event that this parameter is lower than necessary, replacement parts are needed.

Piezo gun

Checking spark plugs under pressure with your own hands is carried out using a piezo gun. This is a special stand that allows you to check the candles for performance without unscrewing them from the engine. It looks like a gun with a probe, equipped with a special lamp (serves as an indicator) and a plastic cap containing a core connected to a wire.

Before proceeding with the diagnosis, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the part, which will avoid incorrect results. After that, a high-voltage wire is removed from the element, in place of which a plastic cap is installed. The tip of the gun must rest against the cylinder head. After a few pulls on the "trigger" of the gun, its indicator lamp should flash. This is a sign that the part is working. If this does not happen, the element must be replaced.

A small generator is hidden under the body of the gun, which is the main element that allows you to check the performance of the candle. The advantage of the method is the ability to check without starting the engine and wasting fuel. The device is notable for its low cost (for example, the price of the TEST-M model fluctuates within two hundred rubles).

Testing devices that you can do yourself

There are a large number of schemes according to which you can independently build a stand designed to test candles. A hand-made device will help save money. These devices can be used multiple times. The method is suitable for those who are interested in design and want to have devices of their own production at their disposal.

Checking with a piezoelectric element from a lighter

A cheap way to check is to use a tool made from a simple lighter. It needs to be disassembled. The device will need a piezo element contained inside. The wire coming out of this module can be extended.

To check the performance of a candle, it is enough to connect the wire to the tip of the candle, and attach the body of the piezoelectric element to its body. After pressing the button on the piezoelectric module, a spark should jump. If not, the part needs to be replaced. The design of a simple homemade tester is as follows:

The device has one significant drawback. When working, pressure is applied to the part. With a piezoelectric tester, no pressure is generated. Therefore, the results may be incorrect.

Homemade device for testing candles under pressure

A device that allows such a check has a more complex design. But even a beginner can cope with its assembly. It is easy to get parts for a homemade spark gap. You will need:

• two syringes (one for 20 milliliters and another small one for applying glue);
• goujon (must match the diameter of the candle);
• glue.

After acquiring all the parts, you can start assembling. The procedure is as follows:

1. Cut off the tip of the syringe.
2. An adhesive substance is applied to the resulting cut.
3. A threaded bushing (gujon) is installed. It is recommended to isolate the mount with a sealant.

Stand for testing spark plugs

To check the part, it is necessary to screw it into the threaded sleeve, and then connect the high-voltage wire to it. Close the element body to ground. After that, the engine should be started. The syringe will allow a pressure test. To do this, press on its piston. If there is a weak spark, as in the case of its absence, the part must be replaced.

Thus, even a novice motorist can check the performance of candles. You can use the tools on the market, or create a homemade tester. It is important to remember that the pressure exerted by homemade devices may differ from the pressure that is applied to the candle during operation.

Although such devices do not make it possible to detect minor malfunctions, they can be used to detect a completely inoperative candle.

Spark plugs in a gasoline car engine are designed to create a spark, through which the combustible mixture ignites in the cylinders. Failure of at least one means the impossibility of normal operation of the corresponding cylinder and interruptions in the operation of the engine. However, erratic operation and other engine malfunctions, while having similar symptoms, can also occur for reasons that have nothing to do with spark plugs. Not wanting to spend money every time to buy a new set of the latter, it would be useful for many motorists to find out how do-it-yourself spark plugs are checked?

Primary diagnostics on the engine

Of course, for diagnostics, you can contact a car service, where there is a special stand and a spark gap. However, checking the spark plugs, if desired, can be performed independently.

For indirect express diagnostics, you will not need a stand or any other device. It is very easy to carry out an initial check with your own hands. It is necessary to disconnect the high-voltage wires one by one and observe how the engine works. If, when a cylinder is turned off, the nature of the work does not change, then the reason lies precisely here.

However, this method does not guarantee 100% certainty that the fault lies precisely in the candle, since problems with other elements of the ignition system, for example, with the ignition module or with a high-voltage wire, are not ruled out.

Removing and checking clearance

To remove the candle, you will need a candle wrench. First you need to disconnect the high-voltage wire, and then carefully unscrew the candle with the key.

Before checking the gap, it is necessary to clean the candles from deposits. The gap between the electrodes is checked using a flat feeler gauge. indicated in the maintenance and repair manual or on the parts packaging.

Checking the functioning of the removed spark plugs

After checking and setting the required gap, it is necessary to check the sparking. It can be done in various ways:

• check on the car in the removed state;
• checking with a multimeter;
• check with a piezogun;
• verification using a do-it-yourself control device.

Inspection on the vehicle in dismantled state

The scheme is as follows:

1. remove the caps of high-voltage wires;
2. unscrew the candles;
3. connect them with a metal wire through contact heads;
4. close the end of the wire to ground, that is, to any metal part of the car;
5. put on high-voltage wires;
6. crank the engine over with the starter and observe the appearance and nature of the spark.

Using such a spark gap, it can be established that if the spark is weak, then, most likely, the resource of the part is running out and it needs to be replaced.

Checking with a multimeter

Another indirect diagnostic method that does not guarantee 100% fidelity of the result can be implemented using a device such as an electrical circuit tester (multimeter).

Check scheme:

• the device is set to a resistance of 20 kOhm;
• one wire of the multimeter is connected to the contact head, and the other to the center electrode.

If there is a contact (the tester shows resistance), then the cause of the malfunction may be damage to the insulator. Unfortunately, this device is not a spark gap, therefore, the disadvantage of this technique is the impossibility of controlling the spark. In addition, for different types of candles, their own resistance value must be set, which is not always known.

Checking with a piezoelectric tester

Automotive stores sell a special piezoelectric tester (piezogun) with which you can check the spark. Using such a device is simple: you just need to insert a candle into the device and press the button. A working candle, fixed in a gun, will give a spark. You can not purchase a similar spark gap, but make it yourself using a lighter. The end of the wire coming from the piezoelectric block must be connected to the contact head, and the block itself with the button should be pressed against the candle body. Homemade spark gap is ready. If no spark occurs when the button is pressed, the spark plug is faulty.

Error

The main disadvantage of the described outdoor test methods is the difference in pressure (atmospheric and working), as a result of which even a faulty spark plug can spark when checked by a tester, since a spark is required in an engine cylinder under excess pressure to generate a spark than in normal conditions. That is why such methods cannot guarantee 100% accuracy of the result.

A special test stand, available in auto repair shops, simulates the work under pressure in the cylinder, bringing the diagnostic conditions closer to real ones. However, you can make such a device yourself.

Checking with a homemade device

In order to assemble a homemade spark gap, you will need the following materials:

• syringe (20 ml);
• goujon (threaded bushing according to the diameter of the candle);
• glue;
• a small syringe for applying glue;

The assembly scheme is as follows. The nose of the syringe is cut off. Glue is applied to the cut and the adjacent inner plane and the goujon is installed. It will not be superfluous to additionally insulate the fastening of the goujon with wire or sealant. Homemade stand is ready.

Using a spacer is very easy. To do this, you need to remove the candle, screw it into the goujon, put on a high-voltage wire. The body of the candle must be closed to ground. It is better to fix the syringe. After starting the car engine, you need to press on the syringe plunger. If a spark does not appear under pressure, is weak or shifts from the space between the electrodes to the body or the central electrode, then such a candle is faulty.

Due to the fact that these parts are the main element that sets the cylinders in motion by igniting the combustible mixture, there is a tester for spark plugs. Industrial designs that are available at service stations or sold in specialized stores. But you can do it yourself, which will help the motorist save a significant financial amount. Therefore, how to make a device for cleaning and checking spark plugs with your own hands and the functions of industrial products will be discussed below.

Instruments existing for testing ignition elements

In a spark plug, the most important element is the spark that occurs between its electrodes and ignites the fuel mixture. It is from her strength that the power of the motor and its proper operation will depend. It is clear that if a motorist notices that his power unit is not working correctly, he must first of all make sure that there is a spark, but to do this if the candle is in the engine block is not realistic.

Therefore, the question arises before him, how to check the spark plugs. Of course, you can immediately go to the service station, where professionals will do it for a fee, you can go to a specialized store where you can buy the necessary equipment, or you can do everything yourself.

Consider a device for checking spark plugs sl 100 which is universal, and on its basis all specialized equipment in the service station works.

It is a special box, inside of which there is equipment supplying the necessary current to check the spark plugs, as well as a pressure power unit that can create pressure equal to the engine speed from 1000 to 5000 rpm, that is, the cycle at which the ignition elements work is completely repeated. , which are in the power unit during the operation of the car.

The principle of its operation is as follows:

• candle working part is screwed into a special glass, which has a viewing window, for this, a metal glass with a thread is screwed on its surface to check the spark, where a candle is screwed, on top of which a viewing glass is located so that a spark can be seen;
• a high-voltage wire is connected to the candle to be checked and a high current is supplied, this is done using a device that completely recreates the operation of the ignition coil in the power unit, this is necessary to check the spark plugs for the strength of the resulting spark, which can be observed through the viewing window of the device;
• set of required turns, an important part of checking the operation of these elements is their pressure testing, that is, a motorist or specialist checks the formation of a spark and its strength at different speeds (in the range of 1000-5000 rpm).

It is important to remember that this device will be able to determine even misfires, the reasons for which they occur.

This is done when testing takes place at minimum and maximum speeds.

What can be determined by this device

Testing the ignition elements, therefore, gives the following results, by seeing which the motorist will be able to get a complete picture of their work.

1. spark power. By its color, a motorist can always understand whether it ignites the fuel mixture enough. The strongest spark is white and blue, the weakest is pink. Or maybe it doesn't exist at all.
2. Spark behavior at different speeds. As mentioned above, this device also diagnoses the operation of electrodes under pressure, recreating the minimum and maximum revolutions. Therefore, by observing the formation of a spark at different pressures, the motorist will see the behavior of the electrodes under pressure, and how they form a spark.
3. You can also use this tool to clean spark plugs.. This is done simply. If the electrodes of the candles are made of precious metals, then only a powerful spark is needed to clean the candles. After all, the fuel that should be ignited is missing, without giving additional soot to the electrodes. That is, a powerful spark acts on the surface to be cleaned, which, literally, at high pressure, will begin to burn the carbon deposits formed from the surface of the electrodes.

These important functions are available on the device marked sl 100.

There are also other devices that can only check the ignition elements for a spark. But unfortunately they do not give such an effect as a complete diagnosis of the work cycle.

It must be remembered that a situation may arise in which testing the electrodes will show flawless operation at all speeds, and after screwing them into the power unit, the car will not work well. In this case, the contact group of the ignition switch may be a possible cause of poor engine operation. A short circuit can occur in it, which will affect the current strength in the entire circuit of the machine.

Making a homemade diagnostic device

Of course, if a motorist has a great desire to check the electrodes of the ignition elements on his own, while not making large expenses, he needs to make the above device on his own.

It must be said right away that a home-made device for cleaning and checking spark plugs based on sl 100 will perform the same functions as an industrial one, but its assembly will cost several times cheaper than a store counterpart.

Therefore, in order to make it yourself, a motorist must stock up on some patience and buy (find in his garage) some parts.

Its detailed scheme is shown in the photo:

The main elements for its manufacture will be the following details:

• automotive ignition coil, you can use a used one, but in working order;
• a metal glass with a viewing window, a candle is screwed in there, and a tonometer is connected, with a device for creating pressure, it can be 203 mm in diameter;
• tonometer with pressure booster;
• terminals for connecting the device to electricity;
• parts that convert low current to high current.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in this device, and it is easily made at home.

The main condition is the availability of high-quality parts with which such a device will be manufactured. It is done in a garage, but saves a lot of time and money.

It is important to remember that on the Internet you can find a lot of tips for making such a device. If the motorist does not have sufficient knowledge, but has a great desire to do it, then it is better to turn to a specialist for help.

The device made by him will still be cheaper than the store counterpart.

A device for testing these elements of the power unit carries such functions as the ability to see the spark created by the candles and determine its strength, as well as test the operation of these parts under various loads, similar to those that occur in the combustion chamber.

Spark plugs are one of the most important elements of an internal combustion engine, without which the car's power unit will not work. Therefore, determining their performance is one of the first steps in determining the reasons for the impossibility of its launch. There are several ways to troubleshoot spark plugs. We will talk about each of them in detail in the material below.

What signs indicate a malfunction of candles

A high-quality and serviceable spark plug is able to work for a long time. For classic parts, it is no more than 50 thousand kilometers (but, in most cases, the service life does not exceed 35 thousand km), while for iridium it can be up to 90 thousand kilometers. However, this figure is highly dependent on the quality of fuel and lubricants that the driver uses. Therefore, malfunctions of these parts may appear much earlier than the designated period.

The first sign of incorrect operation of the candles are problems with the engine, as well as its incorrect operation (especially at idle). In nine out of ten cases, the reason for this is problems with the mentioned part. In addition, an indirect sign of a malfunction is an increased consumption of gasoline and an increased content of harmful substances in the exhaust gases. Externally, a faulty spark plug can also be identified by traces of gasoline or on it, however, to do this, it will need to be unscrewed from the cylinder block.

If the above signs are found, it is necessary to start diagnosing candles as soon as possible. To do this, there are many ways of varying degrees of complexity. The choice of a particular test option depends on your skills, available tools and equipment. A full description of each verification method is provided in the next section.

Eloquent evidence of problems with spark plugs can be an indicator on the dashboard of the vehicle. However, it signals a large number of various malfunctions, so only a specialist with the appropriate equipment can carry out an accurate diagnosis.

How to check for faulty parts?

The best way to identify a failed spark plug is to contact a specialized vehicle maintenance service. If for some reason this cannot be done, the following diagnostic methods will come to the rescue:

1. First. It is necessary one by one to disconnect the high-voltage wires from the spark plugs that come from the ignition distributor-breaker. Having disconnected the wire, you should listen to how the internal combustion engine works. If nothing changes, the spark plug that the disconnected wire went to was not working and needs to be repaired or replaced. If the sound has changed, the part is working and you need to continue the search using the procedure described above.

2. The second way. It is recommended to resort to it if the first option did not work. To do this, you need a candle from the cylinder block, then attach a wire to it and bring it to the cylinder block. A bright and powerful spark should jump between the contact of the candle and the metal of the engine. If this does not happen, there is a clogged or broken spark plug. It needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Checking spark plugs with a digital multimeter

Despite a fairly common opinion among non-specialists, it is impossible to check the performance of spark plugs in an internal combustion engine using a multimeter. This device can only determine the presence of a short circuit inside the part. To clarify this point, it is necessary to attach one probe to the inlet of the candle, and the second to its thread.

However, a multimeter is the best suited for determining the breakage of high-voltage wires that supply electricity to candles. If the resistance value is lower than indicated in the documents, the wire must be replaced with a new one.

Using a special gun

The most reliable way to determine if a spark plug is broken is to use a special gun. This device creates the same conditions in which the candle works in the cylinder block. This avoids an error in testing when a spark plug sparks at atmospheric pressure, but does not cope with the task assigned to it after installation in the cylinder block.

The scheme for checking a candle using a stand gun is very simple:

It is necessary to unscrew the candle from the cylinder block of the internal combustion engine.

After that, insert it into the “gun”, as indicated in the documentation for the device.

Then pull the trigger on the gun.

If the indicator lights up, the spark plug is working properly. Otherwise, it needs to be replaced.

Checking the spark plug for performance is not a very complicated procedure that can be done at home. However, when performing the operations described above, be especially careful. Since failure to follow the described procedure may result in electric shock.

As you know, performance (SZ) plays one of the key roles in the functionality of the power unit of an auto engine. The failure of these elements entails certain problems that any motorist should be aware of. How to do the motor yourself at home and how to identify a malfunction - read below.

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How to identify faults?

It is not so difficult to identify the performance of the SZ on your own - this can be done both by visual inspection and by analyzing the performance of the engine. One of the main symptoms of a breakdown of the SZ is non-standard engine operation. In particular, we are talking about the difficult start of the power unit, its unstable operation, in particular, at idle.

But besides these symptoms, there are many other signs, which are listed below:

1. In particular, we are talking about the rotation of the crankshaft. The crankshaft rotates at the required frequency, but the power unit does not start, because the system does not ignite, that is, the air mixture is ignited.
2. The presence of flashes in the cylinders. If flashes of the air-fuel mixture occur in the cylinders, this can lead to unstable engine operation. In particular, the internal combustion engine will work intermittently.
3. Bad engine start. In principle, the engine can start, but if the starter stops working, the engine also stops.
4. Increased fuel consumption. If there is no ignition of the air-fuel mixture, then the engine power is either reduced or completely lost. Accordingly, the compensation of engine power is carried out as a result of supplying an increased portion of fuel to the cylinders. Ultimately, this leads to excessive fuel consumption.
5. Catalyst failure. If the system does not ignite, the air-fuel mixture cannot ignite. That fuel that does not ignite will enter the catalyst and oxidize, thus contributing to its failure.
6. Problems in starting a cold engine. At the moment when the driver turns the key in the ignition, cold SZ can collect condensate, which in itself is a good electrical conductor. If the gap between the SZ electrodes is increased, the breakdown voltage level should be increased. However, at home it is impossible to increase it, since the electricity will go through these very electrodes and the ceramic cone.
7. Another, no less important sign is the presence of traces of mechanical damage on the surface. This indicates, if not a complete breakdown, then at least the incorrect operation of the SZ, which over time can lead to its failure.
8. The presence of soot and deposits on the electrodes SZ. In addition, if the SZ smells of fuel, this indicates a malfunction of the system itself, as well as candles.
9. High-voltage cables on the NW can also contribute to the deterioration of engine performance. Especially if this wire is damaged.

Two SZ - with and without plaque

Diagnostic methods

How do you check the spark plugs with your own hands in your car? SZ, which is one of the main components of the system as a whole, needs periodic diagnostics and regular maintenance, especially if motor maintenance is carried out. Basically, SZs are available for diagnostics, so dismantling them and checking them is not a problem. After removing them, it is advisable not to confuse them, so fold them in order.

So how do you check spark plugs yourself? There are several options that allow you to make the most productive diagnosis of SZ. To perform the verification procedure, first you need to disconnect the high-voltage cables from the NW that go to the distributor. If it is necessary to identify a specific non-working SZ, it is necessary to remove it and listen to how the motor functions. If the sound of the engine remains the same when dismantling the candle, then the malfunction lies precisely in it.

spark test

Spark diagnostics is one of the most popular and used test options. How to check the spark on a candle at home? To begin with, clean the SZ from soot and dirt. Then, using the probe - a device for adjusting the gap - adjust the distance between the electrodes. Then, after working with the probe, a wire is put on the candle, after which it is applied to the metal part of the car's engine.

This is done in order to create the necessary electrical contact. If you do not know how to check the spark plug in this way, then just turn on the starter and try to start the engine. If the spark is blue and appears immediately when you try to start the internal combustion engine, then this indicates that the SZ is working. If the spark is red or not, then the candle must be changed.

Checking with a multimeter

You can use a special device for testing - it is called a tester or multimeter. It should be noted that the tester is not a test stand, stands are usually used in service stations and are not used for home diagnostics. Using the tester probes, you can measure the device for a short circuit inside.

In general, the multimeter is a fairly simple device in terms of operation, which has a simple design. To diagnose a short circuit, throw one probe of the tester onto the output of the SZ, into the other probe - onto its base. If at the time of connection you saw a spark, then everything is fine with the candles, you can use it further (the author of the video is Dmitry Maznitsyn).

Pistol check

There is another option for checking the performance of devices at home. To do this, you will need a special gun for checking spark plugs. Such a device appeared a long time ago, but it has become widespread among domestic motorists relatively recently.

In this case, the spark plugs are checked under pressure, the procedure is as follows:

1. SZ is installed in a special connector of the device, after which a cap is put on it.
2. When the candle is fixed, it is necessary to press the so-called trigger on the device, after which the motorist needs to be most careful.
3. If, after pressing the trigger, you notice a spark, while the lamp on the gun lights up, this indicates that the part is working.

It should be noted that this verification option has not become widespread among our motorists because it cannot give full confidence in the performance of the SZ. This is because the procedure is carried out under pressure, and the pressure in the gun is significantly different from that used in the automotive system. But on the other hand, the method of checking with a pistol will allow the driver to be completely sure that the SZ does not work if this was revealed during the diagnostics (the author of the video is Nail Poroshin).

Self-cleaning SZ

The SZ cleaning procedure is a rather important issue for any motorist. It must be understood that during self-cleaning of the candle, you must be the most careful and attentive, otherwise you can simply ruin the SZ.

To clean up, you can use several methods, a detailed description of each of them is given below:

1. The manual cleaning procedure is the most popular method because it does not require additional equipment. Care must be taken during manual cleaning. Since careless actions can lead to damage to the electrode. Do not use sharp objects for cleaning. To do this, you can use a hard metal or toothbrush, fine-grained sandpaper is also suitable.
2. In some cases, sand can be used for cleaning, by the way, this option is one of the most effective. You will need a container of sand and a drill. A candle is installed in the drill, which is placed in the sand with the end with the electrode, after which the drill starts at low speeds.
3. Using a sandblasting machine - this method is more relevant for specialized stations. To remove deposits and soot, several types of sand are used, the method itself is carried out with the action of compressed air. It should be noted that this method is one of the most effective.
4. The chemical cleaning option also allows you to effectively get rid of deposits. For this, several means can be used - vinegar, acetone, Fairy detergent. You can also use a carburetor cleaner or rust remover for these purposes. In addition, some motorists use the Coca-Cola drink - as practice shows, this method is also quite effective.
5. For cleaning, you can use acetone or any rust remover. One of these products must be applied to the surface, while the layer should be about 3 mm. The candle must be held for about 40 minutes, then rinsed with plain water. Use a wooden stick or match to clean the tip.
6. The use of Silita. SZ are placed in a jar, after which the container is filled with silite, and then succumbs to the pressure of hot water, eventually a chemical reaction occurs. Then you need to wait an hour, after which, using a regular toothbrush, you can clean the surface of the electrode.
7. "Grandfather's" method of cleaning - using vinegar. The candle is placed in a container with vinegar for one hour. Further, a few drops of electrolyte must be added to the solution, after which the SZ is cleaned, for this you can use a toothpick. For more information about cleaning and how to determine the cause of soot, see this.

Experts do not advise checking the operation of candles by removing caps on a running engine. Firstly, it can shock, and secondly, you can burn the coil or switch.