Why Spark Plugs Are Important for Motorcycles – Detailed Discussion

A spark plug is a very important part for any car or bike with a combustion engine. It is mainly used to correctly control the air and fuel mixture ratio in the engine's combustion chamber. And to maintain this mixture ratio and ensure the engine's power supply, spark plug care, cleaning, and changing are very important. Today we will learn about spark plug care, cleaning, changing, and all other details.

Various Parts of a Spark Plug

To understand why a spark plug is so important, first you need to know which parts make up a spark plug and how to take care of it -

1. Terminal Nut - This is a metal part connected by a wire to the spark plug's ignition coil, through which high voltage electricity is transmitted to the center electrode.

2. Corrugated Ceramic Section - This is the outer part of the ceramic insulator that controls heat and prevents the spark plug from overheating.

3. Top Insulator Piece - This is the upper part of the ceramic insulator that surrounds the center electrode. Its main job is to handle excessive heat and high voltage.

4. Hexagonal Piece - This is a metal shell that can be opened with a wrench when changing the spark plug. Its size may vary depending on the spark plug.

5. Metal Shell - This is the outer part of the spark plug that encloses the insulator and electrode.

6. Gasket - It is located at the base of the spark plug, whose job is to hold the spark plug to the engine cylinder head.

7. Threaded Piece - This is a metal shell that holds the spark plug to the engine's cylinder head with a screw.

8. Insulator Nose - This is a part of the ceramic insulator that stays outside the metal shell. Its main job is to protect the engine from any faults due to excessive heat dissipation and pre-ignition.

9. Center Electrode - This is a metal rod located at the center of the spark plug and creates a spark in the air-fuel mixture. Depending on the application, it can be made of copper, nickel, or platinum.

10. Ground Electrode - Also called an earth electrode, it creates a hollow space inside the spark plug for the spark to form.

From the detailed discussion above, you can understand that the spark plug is a very important part of the engine. It performs several functions to maintain engine protection and continuous performance.

Why Spark Plugs are So Important

Engine protection and continuous performance are linked with spark plug care. Here's why keeping spark plugs clean is important -

1. The primary function of a spark plug is to generate power in the engine by creating a spark in the air and fuel mixture. An uncontrolled spark can not only disable the engine's power but also cause accidents.

2. A significant amount of heat is generated inside the engine during spark creation. It ensures that the amount of heat does not increase excessively or decrease too much, which could disable the engine.

3. To get proper performance from the engine, a correct fuel supply is needed. And for this, spark plug care is necessary to ensure that all engine cylinders work correctly.

4. The spark plug ensures that the engine's fuel is properly utilized. If it fails, the engine can emit harmful hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and other toxic substances.

5. Spark plugs are necessary to maintain engine life, and keeping them clean is even more crucial. This is because they control spark, heat, and proper fuel supply inside the engine; if they fail, all engine activities are disrupted.

Spark Plug Care - How to Know If There's a Problem

Usually, a bike's performance indicates whether the spark plug is fine or if it's time to change it. Bikes with engine indicator lights usually notify immediately when it's time to clean or replace the spark plug. Nevertheless, during regular bike check-ups, the condition of the spark plug should be observed, and care should be taken. Spark plug problems can be identified in several ways -

- If the engine has difficulty starting

- If the engine misfires, meaning not all engine cylinders get a spark at once

- If the bike's acceleration decreases

- If the engine shakes or vibrates while running

- If fuel efficiency decreases, meaning the bike consumes more fuel than necessary

- If excessive smoke is emitted from the exhaust

How to Check if Your Spark Plug is Okay

If you want to take care of your spark plug, you can observe it in various ways. Simple tests will suffice to verify the condition of your spark plug.

1. Remove the spark plug from the engine and observe if there are any cracks or other damage on it. Also, note its color. A good spark plug is usually light brown when clean.

2. Observe the gap between the center and ground electrodes using a feeler gauge or spark plug gap tool. If the gap is more or less than the manufacturer's specified measurement, adjust it.

3. Perform a spark test. To do this, remove the spark plug from the engine and place it on a clean, unpainted surface of the engine. Then start the engine and see if a spark is generated. If the spark plug is clean, a bright blue spark will be visible. If you see a weak orange spark, you will understand that the spark plug needs to be changed.

How to Clean Your Spark Plug

The best way to care for a spark plug is to clean it regularly. This can make a big difference in the bike's engine performance. The most common method for cleaning spark plugs is to use a brush and carburetor cleaner. You can follow the steps below -

1. Detach the spark plug from the engine.

2. Carefully wipe off carbon deposits, oil, or other contaminants clinging to the spark plug with a soft brush. Be careful not to damage the ceramic insulator or electrodes.

3. If it's still dirty after brushing, you can use carburetor cleaner or brake cleaner. Spray the cleaner on the spark plug, let it sit for a while, then clean it again with a brush.

4. After the spark plug dries, reattach it according to the instructions.

How to Change Your Spark Plug

If you notice any damage while caring for your spark plug, you must install a new one. Even if a cleaned spark plug performs like new, it is recommended to change spark plugs at regular intervals. A new spark plug can be easily installed in the engine.

1. Keep a spark plug socket, wrench, gap tool, feeler gauge, and clean cloth nearby.

2. Observe the gap of the new spark plug and set it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3. To remove the old spark plug, first disconnect the spark plug wire and ignition coil. Afterward, unscrew the old spark plug with a wrench.

4. Wipe the spark plug hole with a clean cloth.

5. Place the threads of the new spark plug into the engine cylinder head.

6. Tighten the spark plug with a socket wrench and connect the plug wire or ignition coil.

7. Start the engine and test if the spark plug has been changed correctly.

So, you understand that the spark plug is one of the most important parts of motorcycle maintenance that keeps the engine running. So, without delay, to know the price of spark plugs, visit the country's best motorbike marketplace Bikroy. And for any information related to spark plugs, keep an eye on Bikes Guide.