What causes a spark plug to turn black?
Black, dry soot on the electrodes and insulator tip indicates a carbon-fouled plug. This can be caused by a dirty air filter, excessive driving at low speeds, too rich of a fuel/air mixture or idling your vehicle for too long.
Simply so, why does my spark plug keep going black on my lawn mower?
An excess of sooty, black carbon deposits may signal a carburetor malfunction, but it also may simply mean that you need to replace the spark plug with one that burns hotter or operate the mower more efficiently.
- The engine requires repeated attempts to start or the engine won't start at all.
- The engine misfires or runs rough.
- The engine starts, but stalls shortly after.
- There is a noticeable increase in fuel consumption during normal equipment use.
Additionally, what causes carbon on spark plugs?
Carbon fouling is an indication of a rich air-fuel mixture, weak ignition, or improper heat range (too cold). Carbon deposits are conductive and can create a path for spark plug misfire.
How do you clean black spark plugs?
To safely clean a spark plug, you should use a wire brush or spray-on plug cleaner specifically designed for this ignition part. You can also use a sturdy knife to scrape off tough deposits. Note: NEVER clean a spark plug with a shot blaster or abrasives.
How do I know if my spark plugs need changing?
What symptoms may indicate my vehicle's spark plugs need replacing?- Rattling, pinging or “knock”-like noises. When spark plugs begin to misfire, you may notice unusual noises from the force of the pistons and combustion not working properly. ...
- Hard vehicle start. ...
- Reduced performance. ...
- Poor fuel economy.
