A small engine jounrey
What’s the different?
Starting a small engines journey without some basic know of good old spark plugs, the mother of all parts.
What does a spark plug do? In simple terms, it’s what runs the engine. Without a spark there is no way that the engine will run. True if there is no gas in it, it won’t start but it will still spark and try to turn over. So, you can see why the spark plug is so important. Now for a quick run-down for them that may be new to small engines like me. A 4-stroke engine has 4 stages.
Most 4 stroke engines only have one spark plug as well as 2 stroke engines (expect some bikes) also only has one. Well, I bet some of you are wondering why a car has 4 to 8 spark plugs, and a small engine don’t Here we go.
1. Intake stroke-air and fuel are drawn into the cylinder. And the intake value is open
2. Compression stroke-the intake and exhaust values is closed; the piston is moving upward compression the fuel and air.
3. Power stroke- Bingo this is where the spark plug fires the compressed air and gas driving the piston down with a force powerful enough to turn the crankshaft as to start it all over again.
4. Exhaust stroke- The last stage. It opens the exhaust value letting the burned gas to leave the engine.
This is a brief expiation why the spark plug is so important. So now what dude? Dude we are going to learn how to chance the plug. Well to replace a spark plug we will need a special wrench called a spark plug wrench. Kool name huh?
The first thing you need is to know the size of the spark plug. Then you must Fineout what wrench or socket you will need. Just like everything else in this world there are many different types and sizes of plugs and sockets There are 5 drive sizes out there. You have1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″ and 1″ You can find them here. The most common sizes you will be using is the ¼”,1/2” and ¾” You can get a good tool kit that comes with most of the tools you need to remove the plugs and most repairs.
How do we know if a spark plug is bad or not? I know that i said the spark must spark to fire the engine.
But if the plug is bad, it can still spark but not enough for it to fire. So, what is the answer?
A SPARK PLUG TESTER Of course what else would we call it Man. Great where can we get one of them? what even does one look like? You can click here to view an image and get one. Every good shop has one and doesn’t breck the bank or your pocket to get one. Can you get away with not having one? Well yes but having one makes life a whole lot easier. You can get one at any auto store even hardware store or Amazon.
Pull the ignition wire off the end of the spark plug. (don’t just grab and pull hard. You can ruin
the boot)
- . Attach a spark plug tester to the ignition wire, an put the other end on the plug (read the direction on the package)
- Turn the ignition ON. (Check for a light that shows if you’re getting a spark. Does the light not turning on mean a bad plug? No but it’s the first thing to try is replacing the plug. (We will get into more later
- . Use your spark plug wrench and replace the plug with the same model number or better. (I talk will about types of plugs later in a different post.)
There man you now know how to test and chance your own plugs. You can practice on the small engines you have at home. You are now on a journey of small engines. There may be no turning back
Recent Comments
6
I don't mess around in the new computerized engines too much, but I sure remember the days of pulling a plug, check the spark and gap, and replacing the rotor, condensor, etc.. Small engines are basically the same. What would you say the spark plug that keeps WA running is?
🤔 That's a good question, Jim! There are so many possible answers! I'll have to think on this, my friend!
Jeff
The wonderful people here that gives there support and love.thats the spark plug the spark to get this running is the traing.That make go timing
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Reminds me of the old lawnmower we use to have. We would take out the spark plug and use sandpaper on the points if dirty and then fire up the mower. We use to get years out of one spark plug.lol.
Stephen