Common Causes of Spark Plug Fouling

The spark plug in your car is one of the important parts that contributes to the smooth combustion process. If it’s damaged or worn out, then it won’t be able to ignite the air-fuel mixture properly. It can interrupt the combustion process causing problems in your engine.

So, you have to check the spark plug regularly and ensure it’s repaired so that you can avoid issues with the engine.

Today, we will understand the symptoms of bad and fouled spark plugs so that you stay informed.

Understanding fouled spark plug:

When there are excessive fuel, oil or combustion deposits, then spark plugs become fouled. It means that the plug is coated or covered with deposits interrupting its work.

You can easily clean the spark plug, however, a heavily coated one with oil, carbon or fuel deposits won’t be easily removed. Then a replacement is the only option.

On the other hand, a worn-out plug might have suffered physical damage or reached its life. You need to replace this plug for it to run smoothly.

Symptoms of worn-out spark plugs:

• Engine misfires

As damaged spark plugs delay the combustion, the engine will misfire. This is the reason why you feel sudden jerking when accelerating. It is also similar to the feeling you get when you release the clutch too quickly.

• Check engine turns on

The latest cars have the systems where it monitors combustion timing. If their constant misfires, then the check engine light turns on.

• Vibrating engine during parking

Damaged spark plugs lead to misfiring cylinders that lead to uneven power delivery. It then leads to engine vibration and irregular running at idle. If you notice unusual vibrations when driving or starting the car, then there might be an issue with spark plugs.

• Trouble when the car starts

In colder months, the engine will take more time to start. It is due to the worn-out spark plugs to start the combustion process.

• Lack of acceleration

When you are driving uphill, damaged spark plugs will not let the car properly accelerate and you feel it harder to climb the uphill path.

• Poor fuel economy

If there is a sudden and unexplained drop in MPG, it might be due to spark plug performance. When there are abnormal fluctuations, then it can be an issue with the spark plug.

All these are the symptoms of the spark plugs that you should use so that you can immediately identify which part of your vehicle is giving trouble when you start the vehicle.

Causes of damaged spark plugs:

Various factors contribute to the damage of spark plugs. The constant rub of high-voltage sparks erodes the material, widening the gap and weakening the spark output. Sometimes, due to a rich fuel mixture, incorrect spark plug parts or engine malfunctions also lead to premature wear.

Some other causes are:

• If the air-to-fuel ratio is too high as it happens due to the incorrect adjustment of the fuel injection system, then it can lead to spark plug fouling.
• If the piston rings and valve seals are worn out, then the oil entering the combustion chamber will be high leading to an incorrect combustion process.
• If the ignition system is not performing properly, then it might be due to a worn-out spark plug.
• When the vehicle is idle for too long or if you are driving at low speed for a long time, then the spark plugs fail to reach the optimum operating temperature. 
• If you use the spark plug with a heat range that is too cold, then it could be due to spark plug damage. 
• If you put the wrong fuel in the car, it can affect the performance of the spark plug. 

All these are the causes of spark plug fouling and can interrupt the optimal performance of your vehicle. 

Final Thoughts

Although the spark plug might seem like a small part, it plays an important role in starting your vehicle. If it’s worn-out, fouled or damaged, then it won’t give the optimal performance of your car. so, you should always let the mechanic check the spark plug condition when you give your vehicle for servicing. Professionals will immediately identify if there is anything wrong with your vehicle.

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