MX-3 L4-1597cc 1.6L (1992)
Spark Plug: Testing and Inspection
Checking Spark Plug For Wear, Damage, Or Deposits
1.
Inspect spark plugs for:
^ Incorrect gap.
^ Carbon deposits.
^ Cracked center electrode insulator.
^ Burned or worn electrodes.
^ Fouling.
2.
Burned or worn electrodes may result from:
^ Excessive mileage.
^ Lean fuel mixture.
^ Advanced ignition timing.
^ Loose plug.
^ Plug heat range too high.
^ Insufficient engine cooling.
3.
Plug fouling may result from:
^ Rich fuel mixture.
^ Retarded ignition timing.
^ Excessive oil consumption.
^ Incorrect plug gap.
^ Plug heat range too low.
^ Excessive idling / low speed running.
^ Clogged air filter element.
^ Faulty coil or ignition wires.
4.
Platinum type plugs may have a small diameter center electrode surrounded by the insulator. It is normal for electrode and insulator tip to have a
rounded appearance that would indicate excessive wear in standard plugs.
5.
When replacing plugs, adjust gap to 0.039 - 0.043 in (1.0 - 1.1 mm) and torque to 11 - 17 ft lb (15 - 23 Nm).