Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2014 Chevrolet SSFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Spark Plug Visual Inspection
- Normal operation-Brown to grayish-tan with small amounts of white powdery deposits are normal combustion by-products from fuels with additives. Reddish orange deposits can indicate MMT fuel additive which is still used in some markets around the world (will cause misfire and cannot be burned off). MMT fuel additive use should be avoided.
- Carbon Fouled-Dry, fluffy black carbon, or soot caused by the following conditions:
- Rich fuel mixtures
- Leaking fuel injectors
- Excessive fuel pressure
- Restricted air filter element
- Incorrect combustion
- Reduced ignition system voltage output
- Weak coils
- Worn ignition wires
- Incorrect spark plug gap
- Excessive idling or slow speeds under light loads can keep spark plug temperatures so low that normal combustion deposits may not burn off.
- Rich fuel mixtures
- Deposit Fouling-Oil, coolant, or additives that include substances such as silicone, very white coating, reduces the spark intensity. Most powdery deposits will not effect spark intensity unless they form into a glazing over the electrode.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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