Inspection of spark plugs

Check spark plugs for deposits and wear. If you are not going to replace them, then you need to thoroughly clean the candles. This can be done with either a very fine sandpaper or a small flat file. Do not use a wire brush. Please note that any contamination (and the brush leaves traces of metal) will reduce the effectiveness of the candle. Spark plugs can be cleaned with a special spark plug cleaning machine, which can sometimes be found at service stations. If the candles are clean, the electrodes must be flattened (file). Use a special file, not an emery stone or something like it, as emery leaves dirt (dust, plaque). The electrodes must be completely flat with sharp edges; rounded edges can reduce spark plug stress by up to 50%.



Check the spark plug gap before installing it. earth electrode, (the one that has an L-shape and is connected to the body of the candle) should be parallel to the center electrode and the gauge wire of the specified size should enter the gap with little resistance. The correct spacing for all Accords and Preludes covered in this book is 1.0-1.1mm.

NEVER (!) do not adjust the gap on a platinum-tipped spark plug.

Always check the gap even on new spark plugs; each specific spark plug may require a different gap for use in different engines. Do not use a flat gauge when measuring gap as the measurement will be inaccurate. A wire-type tool kit for plug gap work usually includes a bending tool. Use it to adjust the ground electrode to get the required distance. Never bend the center electrode. In addition, some care is required not to bend the side electrode too much or too often; he can break (weaken) and completely come off inside the engine, requiring removal of the cylinder head to remove it.