How To Read ATV Spark Plugs With Spark Plug Color Chart
How to Read ATV Spark Plugs
Learning how to read atv spark plugs will become very valuable for any atv owner! By learning how to read spark plugs, you can learn about your engine's operating condition, diagnosis engine issues and know when they need to be replaced!
Normal Spark Plug- Looks Grey to Light Golden-Brown Color. This is ideal, and means the spark plug and engine mixture are operating properly. Normal Conditions can be judged by the spark plugs firing end's appearance. If the firing end of the spark plug is brown or light Grey, the condition can be judged as good and the spark plug is functioning properly.
Overheated Spark Plug- Looks White, Blistered, Melted Electrode. This notes the spark plug heat range is too hot for operating condition of the atv engine or plug is not properly gapped and/or torqued onto head.
Excess Deposits Spark Plug- Looks Bumpy, Chalky Buildup. This should be a warning of poor fuel quality, Improper oil has been used for premix/injected, or you have an oil leakage into combustion chamber.
Wet Spark Plug- Looks Shiny, Wet and Black. Can be caused from Prolonged low rpm operation, Fuel to oil ratio is too rich (oil fouled) or Excessive use of the choke (gas fouled).
Dry Spark Plugs- Looks Black w/ Soot Buildup. Spark plug heat range is too cold for the operating conditions, ignition system problems causing a weak or intermittent spark, can be an indicator of an air/fuel mixture that is too rich, the carburetor settings are incorrect, or the flame arrestor is dirty or has mounting problems.
