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.
Spark Plug Inspection
- Inspect the electrodes and ceramic insulator.
- Burned or worn electrodes may be caused by:
- Advanced ignition timing
- Loose spark plug
- Plug heat range too hot
- Insufficient cooling
- Fouled plug may be caused by:
- Retarded ignition timing
- Oil in combustion chamber
- Incorrect spark plug gap
- Plug heat range too cold
- Excessive idling/low speed running
- Clogged air cleaner element
- Deteriorated ignition coils
- Burned or worn electrodes may be caused by:
- If the spark plug electrode is dirty or contaminated, clean the electrode with a plug cleaner.NOTE:
- Do not use a wire brush or scrape the iridium electrode since this will damage the electrode.
- Use a chemical cleaner such as Carb Spray to clean contamination on the electrode.
- When using a sand blaster spark plug cleaner, do not clean for more than 20 seconds to avoid damaging the electrode.
- Do not adjust the gap of platinum tip plugs (A); replace the spark plug if the gap is out of specification.
Electrode Gap:
Standard (New): 1.0-1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in.)
- Replace the plug at the specified interval, or if the center electrode is rounded (A). Use only the spark plugs listed.
Spark Plugs:
NGK: PFR7G-11S
DENSO: PK22PR-L11S
- Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the plug threads, and screw the plugs into the cylinder head, finger-tight. Then torque them to 25 N.m (2.5 kgf.m, 18 lbf.ft).
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:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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