SPARK PLUGS DONT LIE / HOW TO READ SPARK PLUGS

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  • Опубліковано 4 лют 2025
  • #SparkPlug #SmallEngineRepair #LawnmowerRepair #Ngk#Bosch #Champion

КОМЕНТАРІ • 179

  • @THEMOWERMEDIC1
    @THEMOWERMEDIC1  3 роки тому +25

    Thanks for watching! Here is a few tools to help keep those spark plugs in tip top shape!
    Have a great day !
    Spark plug tester
    amzn.to/3paIbzl
    Spark plug cleaner
    amzn.to/3vKzApy
    Spark plug bpm8y
    amzn.to/2RT6KoB

    • @riflebear1711
      @riflebear1711 2 роки тому

      On a kohler 18hp twin that's on a craftsman rider if the plug is oil wet than I can assume the rings are bad and engine needs to be rebuilt? Do I need to buy a compression tester?

  • @needmoreboost6369
    @needmoreboost6369 2 роки тому +116

    Small engine mechanic’s are actually better engine tuner’s than most automotive mechanics

    • @marcnissen578
      @marcnissen578 Рік тому +9

      Thanks for the compliment I’ve been a small engine mechanic for 30 yrs

    • @TrojanLube69
      @TrojanLube69 Рік тому +5

      said no one ever 😂😂.
      There are way more variables to take into account in tuning big engines, specially carbureted engine.
      No saying small engine mechanics are dumber, just not in the same level. Anyone who has touched a wrench in his life will know.
      It’s like comparing a house electrician with an electrical engineer in charge of the city’s electric distribution systems. 😂😂

    • @hentaibodypillow250
      @hentaibodypillow250 Рік тому

      @@TrojanLube69less variables means it’s easier to get it right the first time

    • @TrojanLube69
      @TrojanLube69 Рік тому

      @@hentaibodypillow250 thanks for proving my point. Just like no one says women are better at pulling someone to have sex than man.
      Easier = less skills required.

    • @wesleywigington
      @wesleywigington Рік тому +2

      Dude I have been saying this too people lately and people just kinda looked at me crazy. My arguing point is this I can make a ford,dodge,Chevy run no problem. Now when you start trying to fix a small engine and make it run good/excellent I personally have to go back and do my research. Even then they give me hell

  • @nashguy207
    @nashguy207 3 роки тому +68

    Good videos Jeremy. A plug can tell you a lot. We used to tune our race engine by looking at the plugs.

    • @moss8448
      @moss8448 3 роки тому +4

      remember a 'see thru' plug that you could see the mixture when it fired....always looking for the blue.

    • @armandolee7500
      @armandolee7500 2 роки тому

      Can you do the same with a generator...

    • @realdevbro447
      @realdevbro447 2 роки тому

      Uva

  • @dysfaction
    @dysfaction 6 місяців тому +8

    01:33 Tad too rich but ok
    02:47 Little bit lean
    03:22 Low on compression
    03:58 Scored piston & cylinder
    04:43 Too rich fuel/oil
    05:18 Fuel delivery issue
    05:47 New Spark Plug

  • @williamwaters4506
    @williamwaters4506 2 роки тому +12

    Good video, it always amazes me how so many people never change their air filters.

  • @robertjbender
    @robertjbender 2 роки тому +22

    Wow. Great video. Straight to the point, with clear explanations. You have a gift for teaching. Thanks for posting. Cool Oakley’s. Subscribed.

  • @Vazerin
    @Vazerin Рік тому +3

    Thanks for the video, I have a 1987 TRX250X with low compression and the plug was fouled out, most people don't associate the two, you're the first video that said a spark plug was fouled from low compression, no I gotta figure out if it's piston rings or bad valve

  • @timothymccrary3485
    @timothymccrary3485 Рік тому +2

    Thank you so much I really never knew how to read different scenarios . Very helpful :)

  • @TheRustyRooster
    @TheRustyRooster 3 роки тому +14

    Awesome job explaining whats happening with each plug

  • @rotarythread
    @rotarythread 2 роки тому +8

    I learned a lot from you! My 2016 car sparkplug is still clean at 64k odometer, thank you for sharing this!

  • @antoniomarc7174
    @antoniomarc7174 Рік тому +2

    That is very good information thanks for sharing this…👍👍👍

  • @danthemowermedic4444
    @danthemowermedic4444 3 роки тому +12

    Love the video man. Not many engine guys read plugs these days!

  • @zijie-he
    @zijie-he 10 місяців тому +1

    Quite true, several years ago i changed spark plugs on an i6 and noticed oil on two of them. The engine ran, but definitely less ideal.
    I think it's simply because the spark plugs are the only thing easy accessible in the combustion chamber.

    • @gregorymalchuk272
      @gregorymalchuk272 16 днів тому

      Which engine was this? A Mercedes Benz I6? Different spark plug sizes have different spark plug anti foulers that look like prechambers and reduce oil fouling.

  • @thetubeschannel
    @thetubeschannel 2 роки тому +5

    Excellent !! went even further than I thought.. Much appreciated, I learned a bit here, will need to remember, ty !

  • @igmugleska966
    @igmugleska966 2 роки тому +3

    This was fascinating. You remind me of hanging out with my dad in the garage. Love your videos.

  • @heathwilson2572
    @heathwilson2572 3 роки тому +3

    I always check the spark plugs in the first season . I’ve seen spark plugs that is all black and i always replace the new spark plug in my Echo equipment .I service all my equipment before spring clean up

  • @moss8448
    @moss8448 3 роки тому +7

    Bought a set of plugs at a local parts store and got home only to find the assholes sold me used plugs and of course I couldn't take 'em back. My fault for not going over each box. Lesson learned.

  • @greglewis3382
    @greglewis3382 2 роки тому +2

    My old Honda gx110 has a black oily looking plug. It burns some oil but still runs good. The exhaust smells like there is too much unburned fuel sometimes.

  • @rowdymclemore4881
    @rowdymclemore4881 6 місяців тому

    I wish I could send you a picture of my banshee spark plugs LMAO 😂🤣😂 one burnt the tab smooth off and packed it full of aluminum!

  • @SQUID_Road_Glide
    @SQUID_Road_Glide 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you sir. On my way to my dealer for an explanation after 1700 miles and one plug that looks like the second to last one, wet below the nut on gap side. 2020 Fat Boy

    • @jonaaa6059
      @jonaaa6059 2 роки тому

      Hi, What was the issue?

    • @SQUID_Road_Glide
      @SQUID_Road_Glide 2 роки тому

      @@jonaaa6059 from Harley, it was a river in Egypt and a hands off statement due to the fact I did my first maintenance with a Harley tech who just opened his own shop. My assessment was faulty piston rings causing a type of blow back coupled with the engine burning rich. Finally a possible faulty install.
      So far, no issues with the replacement Screaming Eagle plugs and wires.

  • @frankcor7977
    @frankcor7977 4 місяці тому

    Thank you for taking the time to show us all of the bad ones. But what about showing what a good spark plug looks like?

  • @jacobbonner1306
    @jacobbonner1306 2 роки тому +2

    Nice plug tutorial chap, thanks.

  • @eastermister1
    @eastermister1 2 роки тому +1

    I enjoyed your video but you didn't really seem to explain why. The spark plug with low compression you said had the correct fuel mixture. What on that spark plug told you the fuel mixture was correct and the compression was low. Would not the same spark plug be an indication of too rich of a mixture? If so how can you tell the difference

  • @CarlosGarcia-ls4hn
    @CarlosGarcia-ls4hn 3 роки тому +3

    Just a suggestion, but can you also show what a perfectly running plug should look like? Thx.

  • @Justin-fq7vj
    @Justin-fq7vj 3 місяці тому +1

    My spark plugs are like me. Old and worn out. The plugs say it's not them it's the ECU. What should I do? Replace the plugs or the truck 🤔 To old to walk far so the truck better start running soon. 🛻🏃🚶🚶

  • @precool
    @precool 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome. Thanks so much. What’s your method of cleaning plugs?

  • @jimgee2676
    @jimgee2676 2 роки тому +3

    do you prefere the v groove over the flat spark plug

  • @jeremybahm2163
    @jeremybahm2163 3 місяці тому

    I have a mudbuddy 5500 they use vanguard engines got 2 carbs spark plug are always black motor runs good idle perfectly starts really easy I leaned my carbs low as they will go still same thing spark plugs black and dry after few minutes of running

  • @sandrastephens1030
    @sandrastephens1030 Рік тому +2

    this was super helpful, thank you!

  • @johndezsi4250
    @johndezsi4250 3 роки тому +1

    Well damn it man guess what I'm going to do I'm going to go pull some plugs and watch the video again and see where I'm at. My wife's going to help we were both watching thanks here we go. I want Cocoa Brown

  • @Mason-fv1zl
    @Mason-fv1zl Рік тому

    I have a problem with a lawnmower where it runs but idles somewhat rough, and it won’t cut grass that well. I took the spark plug off and it was wet, cleaned it off, put it back in but the same thing happened spark plug was also wet again.

  • @karras6239
    @karras6239 15 днів тому

    It may work for small engines like the ones for a chainsaw or things like that, it dosent work for a motorcycle or something larger....
    Reading sparkplugs on a motorcycle is like reading tarot cards. For example my own motorcycle: idle is super lean (19:1) so it pops at decel but also pass emisions and then jumps to super rich (12:1) and despite being the mayority of time accelerating, the lean idel and decel is enough to make the sparkplug look lean ontop of not so good quality gas made for fuel injection.
    I know this numbers because i have an AFR wideband gauge because i tried too many times to "read" sparkplugs and it allways ended up wrong.
    So yes... sparkplugs dont lie, but they mislead if you are with an engine that uses a wide RPM range because its up to the pilot jet, the needle position and the main jet.

  • @LUNARIAproject
    @LUNARIAproject Рік тому

    I bought a bike that has been sitting for 10 years and when I got it the oil was all black as well as the spark plug all black and full of soot. What do I need to do before replacing the spark plug with a new one? Should I clean the inside where it sits or spray it with something first? I've changed the oil and gas and cleaned the carb. The bike ran very bad before and died when reaching 4:th gear after some time and when riding it for a while. So I have it taken apart now since I will be replacing the petcock since it was leaking.

  • @markgabriel4640
    @markgabriel4640 6 місяців тому

    Sir my i ask ? My side electrode is black my center electrode is white? What do you think? Thank you for your answer God bless

  • @Tommy81.519
    @Tommy81.519 8 місяців тому

    A couple plugs have a little bit of oil on them? What could that mean? Valve stem seal? Cover gasket?

  • @irocitZ
    @irocitZ 11 місяців тому

    Good video, lots of great info. Quick question, do you think its ok to use a Champion plug RCJ6Y in place of a NGK BPMR8Y that I removed from an Echo leaf blower? The plug I took out was dry with a redish brown color. Thanks

  • @davidBarrel
    @davidBarrel Рік тому

    thanks. It would be useful to see how a good used spark plug looks like.

  • @hiltonsaona7862
    @hiltonsaona7862 4 місяці тому

    Hey I just bought a boat and the plug gaps were from 0.35 - 0.48. This is from a v6 . I just changed the plugs , when should I pull the plugs just to see how the engine is running ?

  • @AlwaysDiagnoseVehicleFirst
    @AlwaysDiagnoseVehicleFirst 10 місяців тому

    Nice to meet you my brother i like this video! I removed cylinder 1 spark plug and im frustrated because im not comprehending how to read the condition of cylinder 1 spark plug so i can know what is going on inside the vehicle (2003 DODGE CARAVAN SE) engine, can you help me, please?

  • @marcobrownstone
    @marcobrownstone 3 роки тому +1

    Awesome information and diagnosis of spark plugs & possible engine performance as a result of inspection. Well done!

  • @coiamo
    @coiamo Рік тому +1

    you should actually show as well a good old spark plug, as an example of a good looking engine with old used spark plug, so people can judge a good from bad engine

  • @peskycitizen66
    @peskycitizen66 2 роки тому

    Thank you for a Spanish commercial even though I'm on English

  • @muddogsgarage2558
    @muddogsgarage2558 3 роки тому +2

    Can you make a video and help me, I have a Husqvarna two-stroke leaf blower. I have clean the carburetor got a new spark plug check the magneto gap and a new fuel filter and cleaned the air filter and the primer bulb is new. It’s hard to start cold but it will fire up on full choke and then as it warms up it dies off and won’t start back up from there I end up flooding the motor just trying to start it. I hope you can help and have an idea of what’s going on and how to fix it.

    • @THEMOWERMEDIC1
      @THEMOWERMEDIC1  3 роки тому +2

      I have videos in my 2
      Stroke playlist. Sounds like the carb is
      Flooding. I’d replace it but before
      I did that I’d do a crankcase vacuum test

    • @muddogsgarage2558
      @muddogsgarage2558 3 роки тому +1

      @@THEMOWERMEDIC1 ok thanks I will do that

    • @jerrysoutherland662
      @jerrysoutherland662 3 роки тому +4

      I have 125b husqvarna leaf blower,doing the same thing,did a vacuum and pressure test with a mityvac the carburetor would not hold pressure,showed to be the needle leaking,replace the carburetor and it runs great.

  • @jason6325
    @jason6325 Рік тому

    Hello sir. I have a 2 stroke dirtbike. Has good compression. But the plug is saturated. You think the carb is the issue? Thanks.

  • @bmint
    @bmint 2 роки тому +1

    The first one, the acceptable one.. That is an interesting electrode.. what brand plug is that?

    • @bmint
      @bmint 2 роки тому

      The brand new cmh is what every plug electrode I’ve ever seen in Canada look like except fine wire plugs, they have a needle.. did you add the notch/groove?

  • @Dayporter-j3m
    @Dayporter-j3m 2 роки тому +5

    Is it normal for the thread to have a bit of engine oil?

  • @darrenbrown7134
    @darrenbrown7134 7 місяців тому

    Great for moped engine / fuel mix diagnosis!

  • @valterbeicinha9633
    @valterbeicinha9633 Рік тому

    Is the last one rich on oil or rich on gas pu rich on both?

  • @netxzero3993
    @netxzero3993 2 роки тому +1

    Does spark plug really increase power comparing two different sparkplug and bnew condition?

  • @ImplantedMemories
    @ImplantedMemories 10 місяців тому

    Does this logic also apply to 2 stroke engines ? Or are we talking about 4 Stroke only ?

  • @iamdaniel3670
    @iamdaniel3670 11 місяців тому

    own a honda city 2019. mileage only 27000 km , honda dealership recommends to change at 100,000KM / 5 years. pls kindly advice. have no issues changing them as per honda service recommendation... but i would like to know if iridium spark plugs are actually a time based thing. thanks.

  • @Big_Johns
    @Big_Johns 3 роки тому +2

    Nice video Jeremy, you have sparked my interest. Ha!!

  • @audiomonster303
    @audiomonster303 Рік тому

    I am trying to get a Honda 185s Big Red running. It only runs well on choke and the new spark plug after 10 mins of running smelled like burnt electronics? It seems lean? thoughts?

  • @Youtubelombocustoms50
    @Youtubelombocustoms50 11 місяців тому

    Hi can I send you a video of my spark plugs if you can tell me how it's running . I just deleted my catalytic convertor and now it seems it's running to lean and it has slight hesitant and little misfire .when you put under loan only

  • @stocks4bt
    @stocks4bt 2 роки тому +1

    When mechanics say an "engine is running rich" what does that mean in layman terms

    • @smiling.buddha
      @smiling.buddha 2 роки тому +1

      It means that in the air fuel mixture, there is more fuel than needed that results in black soot. This may be due to bigger jets or low float height in the carburettor. Other possibility is, it can also be correct amount of fuel but less air due to clogged air filter which again results in to black soot.

  • @YoniiXP-sc2tz
    @YoniiXP-sc2tz 9 місяців тому

    I have a question my evinrude 200 2 stroke outboard it has some oil on the spark plugs it looked wet but very light is thrat something alarming

  • @shrimp8004
    @shrimp8004 Рік тому

    How come top radiator hose never has a pressure on it an gouge go to one temp an stay never even barely moves

  • @FurbyRestorer
    @FurbyRestorer 2 роки тому +2

    I ordered a Husqvarna 128ld. Whenever I got done breaking it in I noticed that it sounded very rich in the low speed needle so being the mechanic I am, I leaned it out and made sure it sounded a bit rich in the high speed needle and it did so I started to use it. Whenever I was done I let her cool off and then I took the plug out to see what type of mixture it was running at. and to my surprise 1/4 of the porcelain was black and the rest was still white. So I tried to richen the high speed a bit more and after holding the throttle fully for about a minute I took the plug out again but it was the same color and instead of it being dry carbon around the threads, it was a bit wet. Does it take more than 30 minutes for the color of the porcelain to change? And also does anyone know the oem specs of the needles?

  • @brocky78
    @brocky78 2 роки тому

    generator fouling new spark plug instantly with dry black powdery deposits , any ideas , do I need to increase decrease air/fuel mixture have done approx 1800 hrs use?

  • @jacek1235
    @jacek1235 2 роки тому

    Hello. Can you help me tune the carburetor on the 4t scooter? The problem is in the composition of the mixture, the candle is clean, as if there is not enough fuel, I raised the needle, the level in the chamber is set, the nozzles are clean, the valves are set

  • @walterbutler4933
    @walterbutler4933 11 місяців тому

    Excellent video. New subscriber!

    • @THEMOWERMEDIC1
      @THEMOWERMEDIC1  11 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for the sub new videos coming soon

  • @davebean2886
    @davebean2886 Рік тому

    What about a plug that quickly goes to charcoal black?

  • @Dnasty1
    @Dnasty1 Рік тому

    How were you able to tell if that was oil or fuel on the spark plug? Mine is very wet on the threads like your last one but it was a much lighter color. I was assuming it was oil.

  • @lowellwhite8810
    @lowellwhite8810 3 роки тому +2

    Very valuable info. Thank you

  • @perfblue_n
    @perfblue_n 3 роки тому +1

    Hello!! I have a Sthil fs94r and it’s revving up then completely shutting off,then takes forever to crank back up and then it won’t rev up at all. Spark screen has been cleaned but didn’t fix anything. Any tips?

  • @H3R854LIF3
    @H3R854LIF3 Рік тому

    Why not just clean and adjust the gap why replace if its still good?

  • @jiebah
    @jiebah 9 місяців тому +1

    Very helpfull, thanks!

  • @WilliamSchober-l8g
    @WilliamSchober-l8g 5 місяців тому

    Ah thanks for sharing that.

  • @allanwilsonrazo4723
    @allanwilsonrazo4723 3 роки тому +1

    I used a wd-40 in cleaning a spark plug, what i the effect if i repeated it more frequently?

    • @brianwalker1933
      @brianwalker1933 3 роки тому +2

      No harm will be done. I use carburettor cleaner and a toothbrush to clean my spark plugs, then use compressed air to finish off the cleaning process.

  • @theshamsi
    @theshamsi 3 роки тому +2

    Very nice video; keep up the good work
    I have a Honda Car with 1.3 IDSI engine having 8 spark plugs. The engine is powerful but the only center two spark plugs get really black after one week driving. I replaced old park plugs with new NGK spark plugs but the problem is same.
    Can you kindly guide which is causing this issue?

    • @billsmith2212
      @billsmith2212 2 роки тому +2

      A rich issue ? Leaking injectors ? Someone needs to diagnose it .

  • @TomDobyMowerRepair
    @TomDobyMowerRepair 3 роки тому +2

    wonderful, thank you for this video brother

  • @Big_Johns
    @Big_Johns 3 роки тому

    Any idea why your last few videos show up and then switch to "Private" and can't be viewed?

  • @MisterManseattle
    @MisterManseattle 5 місяців тому

    Pulled all 8 of my delco copper plugs from my 5.7 1999 GMC Yukon SLT. All 8 were half bright white and the other half dark in color. Motor has 219k and plugs had approx 9k on them. Is that from leaking spider injectors?

  • @rja62b
    @rja62b 3 місяці тому +1

    not sure what you mean by fuel? Those spark plugs have oil on the threads but not sure why you didn't talk about them

  • @CG-iu1nq
    @CG-iu1nq Рік тому

    So if there’s nothing on the plug that probably means I’m not getting fuel?got spark

  • @ef0418
    @ef0418 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for all

  • @timothylanders3189
    @timothylanders3189 9 місяців тому

    Mid to dark grey or Cocoa/tan is good ;)

  • @TheToolsOfWizeChoice
    @TheToolsOfWizeChoice 2 роки тому

    great vid. Thank You

  • @D4x4Bronc
    @D4x4Bronc 3 роки тому +1

    I'm bad for never changing spark plugs

  • @gabrielplaysguitar7728
    @gabrielplaysguitar7728 2 роки тому

    Mine runs too rich idk how to fix it when I turn it on the idle builds up idk

  • @asimenyemweso9575
    @asimenyemweso9575 2 роки тому

    My motor ihave changing some prugs but misfire

  • @theracerdude
    @theracerdude 2 роки тому +1

    When reading plugs should I be starting with a new plug? Like if it’s rich, can I make a carb adjustment put the same plug in and will it show too lean? Or should I put a new plug in?

  • @tomasofaolain3117
    @tomasofaolain3117 Рік тому

    This guy is awesome

  • @thompsonbrian8791
    @thompsonbrian8791 2 роки тому

    Mine was white what could that mean 😢

  • @JonathanGarcia-pz9kw
    @JonathanGarcia-pz9kw Рік тому

    I put a new battery on my ski and it starts good on the first start but after awhile riding it struggles to turn I have to wait till it cools down a little I was wondering if it was the spark plugs does anyone know ??

    • @THEMOWERMEDIC1
      @THEMOWERMEDIC1  Рік тому

      It’s probably the water pump impeller

    • @JonathanGarcia-pz9kw
      @JonathanGarcia-pz9kw Рік тому

      I was also thinking old gas maybe , I felled it up with new gas for the first time in 8 months yesterday

  • @MrTchupam
    @MrTchupam 2 роки тому

    Omg my 4 spark plugs are all different and each one like on of these… ☹️

  • @lcgcano
    @lcgcano Рік тому

    Low compression issue is my engines problem then.

  • @rickv4473
    @rickv4473 2 роки тому

    Can i replace only 3 out of 6 plugs? 3 are hard to get to

    • @THEMOWERMEDIC1
      @THEMOWERMEDIC1  2 роки тому +1

      Why would you only want to change three?

    • @rickv4473
      @rickv4473 2 роки тому

      @@THEMOWERMEDIC1 i just bought the car at 100k mi. I figure it needs plugs changed. Just wondering if changing 3 is gonna causr any problems, to replace the back 3 i would have to loosen motor mounts n tilt engine forward. Its a fwd chevy uplander 08

  • @Pgan803
    @Pgan803 Рік тому

    Should also show a plug from a good engine

  • @jamescameron7633
    @jamescameron7633 2 роки тому

    Good info bro cheers

  • @stephenj.p.ingley4033
    @stephenj.p.ingley4033 2 роки тому

    Perfect...Thanks

  • @bijoykb4382
    @bijoykb4382 Рік тому

    Hii dear friend👭👬👫

  • @Quest4Unknown
    @Quest4Unknown 2 роки тому +1

    Show the top end of the plug will ya!

  • @robbyjay8119
    @robbyjay8119 2 роки тому

    Good times..👌

  • @LS-uv5jf
    @LS-uv5jf 3 роки тому

    Very interesting

  • @micmike
    @micmike 2 роки тому

    Don't you think it would be valuable to show what a used plug that was in a good running car should look like?

  • @noahgamingvideos1584
    @noahgamingvideos1584 Рік тому

    Cap the burnt stuff is the carbon

  • @daveknight1531
    @daveknight1531 2 роки тому

    Good video but should have compared it to a well tuned one instead of a new one

    • @THEMOWERMEDIC1
      @THEMOWERMEDIC1  2 роки тому

      The first plug I showed was about as good as you’re going to get with a dirty old two cycle engine

  • @retiredhappy466
    @retiredhappy466 2 роки тому

    A spark plug is the "sole" of an engine.

  • @jimwesselman
    @jimwesselman 3 роки тому +5

    Can you tell the sex of the person operating the equipment?🤪 great video!👍🏻