How to Test a Spark Plug In One Minute

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  • Опубликовано: 7 апр 2019
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    When any of my small engine equipment fails, one of the first things I check is the spark plug. Spark plugs fail way more often than they should because many brands are made with cheap parts. This video shows how to easily test a spark plug before you head out to the store to purchase a new one.
    Spark Plug Removal Tool - amzn.to/2Uviqhq
    Wire Brush for Cleaning Spark Plugs - amzn.to/2VvrkHX
    Brake Cleaner - amzn.to/2UmPQhS
    Multimeter (Cheaper Lower End) - amzn.to/2Z0mF2M
    Fluke Multimeter (Mid Range) - amzn.to/2YUHa17.
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Комментарии • 1,1 тыс.

  • @TightWadDIY
    @TightWadDIY  3 года назад +58

    Here are some parts discussed in this video!
    Spark Plug Removal Tool - amzn.to/2Uviqhq
    Wire Brush for Cleaning Spark Plugs - amzn.to/2VvrkHX
    Brake Cleaner - amzn.to/2UmPQhS
    Multimeter (Cheaper Lower End) - amzn.to/2Z0mF2M
    Fluke Multimeter (Mid Range) - amzn.to/2YUHa17

  • @richardroddenberry2079
    @richardroddenberry2079 Год назад +82

    Good video, I have been changing sparkplugs in small engines since I was 12 yrs old. I am 79 now. You answered my many questions about the actual condition of those spark plugs. Your explanation of how to test them is the best I've ever heard.
    Richard
    Thank you!

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  Год назад +3

      You’re welcome.

    • @fransmith8992
      @fransmith8992 Год назад +2

      do some research. this is not a good method at all. read some of the other replies here where they explain why this is wrong.

    • @stephenlotto4364
      @stephenlotto4364 7 месяцев назад +6

      No you're thinking of your mom who uses a mule to get plowed

    • @stellamatutina3573
      @stellamatutina3573 10 дней назад

      @@stephenlotto4364 🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @rajaibrar5256
    @rajaibrar5256 2 года назад +24

    Comprehensive,short,smart,simple briefing ,thanks

  • @kevinkilloy7608
    @kevinkilloy7608 Год назад +5

    Your video saved me a lot of time. Yamaha Beartracker 250 ran great after carb cleaning and then would not fire 4 days later. I assumed the carb again, cleaned and rebuilt again with new kit. Still not firing. I checked for spark with inline tester and the tester was getting spark. My spark plug was intermittently failing and your video told me how to confirm the plug was shorted. Thank you.

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  Год назад +1

      I’m glad you figured it out!

  • @idaniamairena4191
    @idaniamairena4191 8 месяцев назад +14

    This spark plug ruclips.net/user/postUgkx-6W-PtUzBRTmACHywsECak2ToY2OpjxN is a quality made replacement for the old Briggs and Stratton 799876 which has been discontinued. This plug fits most Briggs and Stratton 625 engines made since 2011. Most of these engines also have the air gap set to .020, but it is highly recommended to check in your user manual for actual application.

  • @pbg0avo
    @pbg0avo 11 месяцев назад +6

    Don't know if you'll get to see this comment. I would like to thank you for your video. I have been flabbergasted trying to get my multi function strimmer going. I always thought I was good with engines. I had a good spark on my coil according to my tester; although my plug didn't seem so good. I reset the flywheel gap, changed the carburetor and just about tried everything but change the plug. I had two plugs which looked in perfect condition, but after doing your test with my own multi meter they both had a zero reading, but a plug from a different machine had a 5+ ~ a bit of a coincedence the two plugs being duds. A lot of people would have given up and put it into a repair shop; who would have charged well over for a repair. I still need to get a plug and try the machine but it seems my problem (fingers crossed) could be solved thanks to you.

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  11 месяцев назад

      I’m glad you were able to get it fixed! Thanks for following along!

  • @andriesviljoen4309
    @andriesviljoen4309 3 года назад +12

    Thanks for this very useful info. At the VW workshop, we had a spark plug tester back in the day where we tested ALL spark plugs, weather old or new. Now you gave me another way to test them....thanks a million☝️🙏

    • @maharaj87
      @maharaj87 2 года назад

      @Andries Viljoen my mk1 is burning a lot more fuel then it used to, any ideas what could be the cause(injected 1.6)

    • @kenwittlief255
      @kenwittlief255 2 года назад +2

      @@maharaj87 your O2 sensor has failed, telling the ECM to inject more fuel than it needs
      or a temp sensor is telling the ECM the engine is at -90°C

  • @springwill
    @springwill 2 года назад +2

    Thanks man. Needed a quick refresher. Not getting any spark on an old leaf blower. Hoping it’s a easy spark plug, but it may be more than that. Keep up the good work

  • @brenthymer7981
    @brenthymer7981 2 года назад +15

    I've never had a spark plug go bad until today. Fantastic video!!! I was able to determine that one spark plug failed.

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  2 года назад

      Thanks! I’m glad it helped!

    • @LumberjackPa
      @LumberjackPa 2 года назад +1

      Me too. This was fantastic although I chased everything else for the better part of two days during this time off from work. Oh well it kept off the streets and out trouble.

    • @1gerard47
      @1gerard47 Год назад

      Swap them.over,easy .

    • @23aldeezy
      @23aldeezy Год назад

      What made you check?

  • @marinduque-theheartoftheph
    @marinduque-theheartoftheph 3 года назад +7

    Makes sense 👍 Never thought of this before. Thanks.

  • @alcamerc9923
    @alcamerc9923 3 года назад +24

    Here’s something new. I didn’t know people test spark plugs anymore. I haven’t been in an engine compartment in decades let alone know where the spark plugs are, this from a guy who used to be a shade tree mechanic back in the day in Florida. It is good to know that this technology is still available. Good video.

  • @hphillips7425
    @hphillips7425 3 года назад

    Good video. I replaced one yesterday now I have to compare it to a new one. I will also check the resistor compared to the non resistor. Thanks from West Tennessee

  • @johnevatt518
    @johnevatt518 2 года назад +56

    Great video. Very informative.
    I used to test spark plug wires by grabbing a hold of them. After getting shocked I sure learned my lesson. Always wear a helmet in case you bang your Head on the hood

    • @muwangaherman3832
      @muwangaherman3832 2 года назад

      😅😅😅

    • @user-ei6zy3pv6h
      @user-ei6zy3pv6h 2 года назад +4

      Sorry to say but,,,, the test is incomplete but fun to play with a multimeter. Think of your spark plug like the canary in a coal mine. It will let you know how things are going inside. Garden equipment is notorious for fouling from dirty oil and plugged air box and OLD ETHANOL GAS. add sea foam conditioner to stabilize your fuel . SO, look closely to the tip of the plug where it sparks. A black tip can be from no air flow causing a rich condition or too much fuel or lean is pure white from a vacuum leak likely a hose or carb is loose. Wet is not ...working at all or very little so ideally you want to see off white to very light grey. Oil fouling is obvious from the blue smoke if it runs. If the insulator is cracked and an issue it will back fire or misfire especially under a load . Visually you will see a crack line and feel a crack and see that carbon is in the crack from the arching to ground. USE YOUR MULTIMETER to test the resistance of your leads or plug wires too, if you don’t your test is incomplete. If it misfires under load the wire could be cracked and will be grounding under load. ZAP ZAP ! Take a good look by flexing the wire to open a crack. It will also have a carbon build up from arching to ground. Do a little brake stand in a vehicle or engage the drive on a mower to put a load on the engine warmed up no more than 30 seconds or you will damage your trans. If you have this condition do plugs first, then move on if it is still there and seek a pro for a second opinion. The helmet is a great idea especially if you are standing on wet ground or better yet leaning on a chrome wheel trim in your boxers if you are bare handing a wire. As a friend or neighbor to hold it while you crank it over. Clean some plugs on a small block 100k beauty or stant 6 sure, not a modern car please. The electrode tip where it makes a spark was much bigger, now smaller and fancy metal so it self cleans. Wire brushing or wire wheeling will scratch the porcelain and weaken it . It will look cleaner but won’t last very long like say 20 thousand miles stuff. So, leaving your oil change too long way past 50 % , which also means only 50% of your oil is kind of healthy right ? NO , NOPE , NOT AT ALL, HOT DIRTY OIL , ok I made my point, will not have any lubrications so you can feel it in your fingers. Off of your dipstick feel it compared to fresh. Like your toothpaste the grit is fine. Unlike toothpaste it has to work when it is so hot it will start to smoke dirty oil smokes inside and then stuff happens because it won’t lube the metal to metal anymore so bye bye timing gears and chain on your double overhead variable valve aluminum machine. Please remember what you promised to your mom to wear your helmet.🤠

    • @Rogue_Squatcher
      @Rogue_Squatcher Год назад

      Do you piss on an electric fence to see if it's working too? 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

    • @iyokeobinna2363
      @iyokeobinna2363 11 месяцев назад

      @@user-ei6zy3pv6h
      Wow, let's do business, are you in?

  • @nimalperera5454
    @nimalperera5454 3 года назад +6

    Thank you. I learnt something I did not know before. It is truly helpful.

  • @joeldavidov2484
    @joeldavidov2484 8 месяцев назад +3

    the best explanation and detailed I have ever seen on RUclips

  • @user-cs4us8lc1o
    @user-cs4us8lc1o 9 месяцев назад +2

    Most informative video I've ever watched on how to test something. Voice tone and cadence make it very easy to digest info. Well done ol chap!

  • @klausl.2212
    @klausl.2212 3 года назад +2

    Just genious.
    I will try this method on the spark plug of my XT500

  • @spencerakashaggy5599
    @spencerakashaggy5599 3 года назад +21

    I have never known to be able to test a plug , very informative.👍🏼

    • @murraymachado401
      @murraymachado401 3 года назад

      Any piece of metal with two ends, you're simply testing the integrity of the metal ore causing electrical "Resistance." A single wire strand 10 inches long, touch tester leads to each end (doesn't matter) of the wire strand in OHMS Measuring on your multimeter tool.

    • @timhancock6626
      @timhancock6626 3 года назад

      In the motorcycle workshop I worked in we had a machine that could supposedly test plugs. You could watch a plug on test sparking away merrily on the rig, yet back in the bike the misfire returned until we put a new set of NGKs in, and in many cases it was problem solved. We didn't have the time to sit and wonder why. You just go with what works when your pay packet depends on it.

    • @scorpio7five
      @scorpio7five 3 года назад +1

      @@timhancock6626 but one should know how it works.

  • @61riosmichael
    @61riosmichael 2 года назад +9

    simple and straight to the point. Thank you!

  • @craigmonteforte1478
    @craigmonteforte1478 2 года назад +1

    Thanks it’s a good day whenever you gain a little knowledge ad today I learned something about Spark Plugs I did not know

  • @marcorivera3663
    @marcorivera3663 8 месяцев назад

    You are amazing !,,there's so much info on all your postings that for sure will keep me busy and repair when problem arises , thank you for you time

  • @stevejohnson1397
    @stevejohnson1397 3 года назад +7

    Learn something new every day. Thanks man.

  • @leeduncan3000
    @leeduncan3000 3 года назад +5

    Thank You. I wish I had information like this years ago.

  • @loreeman9276
    @loreeman9276 3 года назад +1

    I'll try to follow up your lesson, thanks.

  • @graemebagnall6194
    @graemebagnall6194 9 дней назад +1

    Great video, thanks. Nice and clear. My good old dad taught me a lot about stuff, but not that! And I now know yes, my lawnmower’s spark plug is indeed bust!

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  8 дней назад

      Thanks! Glad you had a good dad too!

  • @drchan5893
    @drchan5893 2 года назад +3

    great video sir, this video is very helpful. My generator would not start it only backfires so i thought the engine has spark if it's backfiring but upon testing the plug as you showed, sure enough, the plug was faulty. you saved me from buying a new Generator. thankyou.

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  2 года назад

      Great! I’m glad it worked for you!

  • @mr.tvandenberg7591
    @mr.tvandenberg7591 4 года назад +9

    Very helpful. Answered all my questions. Thank you!

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  4 года назад

      I’m glad you found it helpful. Be sure to subscribe!

  • @ivanvega2821
    @ivanvega2821 9 месяцев назад +1

    Superb video Sir. Thank you for the knowledge transfer!

  • @peterleke7411
    @peterleke7411 2 года назад +2

    Thanks for the heads up. So easy to understand and do.

  • @tommyboya5439
    @tommyboya5439 3 года назад +4

    Thank you for the tip, this was very educational. Awesome!

  • @johnnygoins7457
    @johnnygoins7457 3 года назад +8

    By George I learned something new today, been working on cars since I was little .that entitles you to a subscribe from me ,well done

  • @zarideas2171
    @zarideas2171 2 года назад +2

    Thank you so much for sharing this video! It's very helpful 👍🔔

  • @Valkyrja33
    @Valkyrja33 3 года назад

    Thank you. Very informative and clear.

  • @Ihaveseenthings577
    @Ihaveseenthings577 3 года назад +10

    If you are not familiar in the automotive industry with the Ohms symbol, start preparing to look for another line of work, not even for a weekend warrior....I test my spark plugs by telling my helper to hold it with the cable in the " distributor " while I crank the engine to check for spark, now be sure you can outrun the helper....🙂🤙

    • @kmancos
      @kmancos 2 года назад +2

      Oldest trick in the book. Still a good one. The other was to charge a condenser, then toss it to the "new guy" saying "catch!" Yep, he gets 20,000 volts for a fraction of a second. And hates you. Until he pulls the same trick on the next new guy...

    • @puduy5509
      @puduy5509 2 года назад

      😀

  • @djc4446
    @djc4446 3 года назад +6

    very thorough and informative with good camera view so i could see. Thankyou

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  3 года назад

      DJ C444 You are welcome. I’m glad you found it helpful.

  • @jorgecastro1894
    @jorgecastro1894 3 года назад +2

    Great explanation, thanks!

  • @kb3svj
    @kb3svj Год назад +2

    I never knew that there were resistors in some plugs. Thanks for the good tutorial.

  • @jameschoiwk5573
    @jameschoiwk5573 3 года назад +27

    It's a nice video. In my opinion, in order to check whether the spark plug has failed or not, it is necessary to check the insulation resistance between the stud terminal and the shell (ground) in addition to the internal resistance. Insulation resistance is to check whether there are any defects that reduce insulation performance, such as internal cracks or pinholes, and can be measured using a mega-tester. In most cases, carbon deposition in the spark plug firing end is caused by incomplete combustion of fuel injected into the combustion chamber due to misfire caused by various factors other than the spark plug's defects. Please note.

    • @TheReal1953
      @TheReal1953 3 года назад +7

      Well, I learned something! The 'megga-tester'......your regular VOM tester only puts out about 9 volts max. Megga testers can put out up to 1,000 volts. The higher voltage forces insulation resistance problems to show up faster.

    • @chrispomphrett4283
      @chrispomphrett4283 2 года назад +1

      It's Megger.

    • @davidturner5418
      @davidturner5418 Год назад +3

      I made a bench top spark slug tester from an old CRT TV EHT circuit,

    • @nelinho1981
      @nelinho1981 Год назад

      Make a video 🤠

  • @45auto82
    @45auto82 2 года назад +3

    Pretty cool test! When I was much younger, and still in the military, I only had a motorcycle for transpo and I tried sandblasting my plugs to clean them. It ruined them, altho they came out very clean! I still don’t know why that occurred.

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  2 года назад +1

      You could have damaged the white part.

    • @blueplasma5589
      @blueplasma5589 Год назад

      old tester machines use to have a sandblaster cleaner section on the machine but they found that the grit left in the plug would be deposited into the cylinder....

    • @uredskivid
      @uredskivid Год назад

      @@blueplasma5589 No grit if ya clean em good

  • @dt1133
    @dt1133 5 дней назад +2

    thank you finally someone who explain it this good.

  • @hervemathieu2733
    @hervemathieu2733 2 года назад

    Thank you
    For sharing your knowledge.

  • @adamdelarozza1985
    @adamdelarozza1985 Год назад +5

    When checking resistance; use the apex of the probe to pierce the metal being measured, 'you don't touch the side as you can ground out the probe like you seem to have, use the tip! Also, setting the meter at the Lowest setting will Not damage the meter when checking components out of circuit, there's no voltage! .
    I use to check out components on an old analog Simpson Meter, It gives a better sense of current flow, when you can see the meter deflection! With a digital meter the numbers are not as easy to read and easily mis-read.

  • @MrOnelegnick
    @MrOnelegnick 3 года назад +3

    Wow, much faster ways to test them !

  • @tinkmarshino
    @tinkmarshino Год назад

    this is a good vid for folks that are beginning to trouble shoot motors.. it will eliminate the guess work about plugs that every at t he start wonders.. Well done son!

  • @rmax5150
    @rmax5150 3 года назад +4

    Had no idea some spark plugs had resistors in them. I'm a idiot, lol! New subscriber due to this video. Thanks for posting this! 😎

  • @hormazdirani1431
    @hormazdirani1431 Год назад +5

    Faulty spark plugs were always a bit of a mystery to me, especially since most of them look shiny and new.
    Now that I know how to test them, it sure will reduce the guesswork and help to separate the fishing anchor from the good ones. 👍

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  Год назад +4

      This test more shows bad spark plugs than identifies a 100% good one. It can’t stress test the plug.

    • @1gerard47
      @1gerard47 Год назад

      @@TightWadDIY stress test is when it's under load,a multimeter can't do that.

    • @1gerard47
      @1gerard47 Год назад

      @@TightWadDIY plug leads the same.

    • @Old-Sole
      @Old-Sole 10 месяцев назад

      You cannot test spark plugs with a multimeter!

  • @miguelasantiago9543
    @miguelasantiago9543 Год назад +1

    Nice video Big Brother. Knowledge is power!
    Thank you so much!

  • @johnnygill5866
    @johnnygill5866 3 года назад +1

    Thanks very much for the help I need that info

  • @tonyreyes9969
    @tonyreyes9969 3 года назад +20

    On German Bosch Spark plugs R0, R1, R5 means Zero resistance, 1000 ohms resistance and 5000 ohms resistance respectively. Spark plugs are best tested using an engine Analyser with Oscilloscope when they are under load, meaning when the engine is running and on different load conditions.

    • @woodsie5474
      @woodsie5474 3 года назад +14

      You must be a mechanic, as I have experience in this also. You are correct. However, few people have such access. He is using the meter most people would have to make a generalized assessment as to the plug being within the range of useful life.

    • @nikolaikalashnikov4253
      @nikolaikalashnikov4253 Год назад

      Sounds like a *_Catch-22_* where you "test under load" while the engine is running, yet you cannot get the engine to start because the *_Spark Plug_* might be bad ?
      ...Or, do you take the *_spark plug_* out & put it into a known good engine ?

  • @leomattil7931
    @leomattil7931 2 года назад +5

    This knowledge was I look ing for but you gave me the answer!

  • @vesandreev8500
    @vesandreev8500 8 месяцев назад

    Is the 5-6K ohm measure (for resistor spark plugs) valid for cars too or just for motorcycles and lawnmowers?
    Thank you.

  • @raghunandananrajagopalan3678
    @raghunandananrajagopalan3678 3 года назад

    Good Information...Nice presentation. Thank you.

  • @alanjenkins7346
    @alanjenkins7346 3 года назад +3

    Didn't know you could test plugs. I would always put plug in spark plug wire ground and hit starter to see how much spark there was. Thank you

    • @grahamturner6119
      @grahamturner6119 3 года назад

      Is it any good testing something that works on over 1000volts with a 9vòlt multi meter /i don't think so/ how can you do a imsulation break down test with 9volts imposible /not posible joker

  • @thephilpott2194
    @thephilpott2194 3 года назад +85

    Note that this test may identify a 'plug that needs replacing, but it cannot identify a 'plug that is fit for further service. The reason for this lies within ordinary multimeters, which will typically be applying perhaps 6 to 8 volts during the test. A spark plug operates at a pressure somewhere between 8 and 11 atmospheres, and is fed many thousands of volts.
    A crack in the porcelain insulator will not allow undesirable current leakage from positive to negative electrodes until the 'plug sees this high operating voltage.....which this meter is not able to supply.
    A failed suppression resistor within the body of the 'plug can however be isolated by this test.
    Unfortunately there is no substitute for a dedicated spark plug testing machine, (try finding a garage that has one of these now!) and the charge for using this would cut into your budget for buying a new 'plug...so it's not worth it unless the 'plug is rare or very expensive. Not a great idea to clean 'plugs with a wire brush, steel from the brush can potentially deposit onto the porcelain insulator tip and set up unwanted conduction of electricity. Sorry to be so negative!

    • @libertyfox7486
      @libertyfox7486 2 года назад +2

      Good info, but air blow after wire cleaning is always best

    • @frankdavidson9675
      @frankdavidson9675 2 года назад +1

      i use a tiny blaster from harbor freight works like majic that is the only to clean the carbon from porcelain that is pathof least res. wire brush will not go down in there ir rinse after blasting just like new plug when i finish

    • @kareno8634
      @kareno8634 2 года назад +1

      Thanks! even tho i may not totally understand. - all info seen & read here, can't HtURT. : }
      TRUTH may HtURT sometimes, but LIES Always do. TRUTH Has Value some refuse to Invest.

    • @fransmith8992
      @fransmith8992 2 года назад +1

      you are 100% correct. this guy is giving bad advice. he does not know what is wrong with what he is doing.

    • @mattsphotos749
      @mattsphotos749 Год назад

      spot on Fran , some people don't know what they don't know ..the test will only find a total failure , proper testing often needs to be done under operating conditions , to find intermittent faults or partial failure his requires an oscilloscope .

  • @pacedestudio
    @pacedestudio 3 года назад

    Thanks a Ton for the Demo...as it has been a question in my mind from a long time as how confirm technically if a Spark Plug is working or shot ...++++++++

  • @lucashunter5443
    @lucashunter5443 2 года назад +2

    This was a very helpful video, thanks

  • @PLINKER
    @PLINKER 3 года назад +20

    Never knew that thanks!

  • @user-wt8jp4qx6l
    @user-wt8jp4qx6l 3 года назад +5

    Great video. Just want to add something from my own experience. I had a petrol lawn mower that started great and ran for 5 mins, then died. Did this everytime, time after time. Once it had cooled enough for me to check, the spark plug appeared fine. - sparked strong, no carbon, etc. So I spent hours checking the carb and fuel lines thinking the problem must be there. Last shot, I decided to order and put in a new spark plug anyway. Problem sorted! So, a cold/cool spark plug may test as fine, but the same plug when warmer, or hotter (metal expands!), may be faulty. You live and learn :D

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  3 года назад

      Interesting. I’ve never heard of that happening.

    • @stephencrouse6032
      @stephencrouse6032 2 года назад +1

      Not only can that happen on the plug but other ignition components such as the windings in a magneto.

  • @ROVITTv
    @ROVITTv 3 года назад

    Thanks for the tutorial

  • @richardrumplik7023
    @richardrumplik7023 2 года назад +1

    Thanks, fast easy to understand and you spoke well any easy to understand what you said!

  • @icecreamtruckog3667
    @icecreamtruckog3667 3 года назад +31

    Testing a spark plug with dc continuity on low voltage is a test that is not rely testing the plug to the fullest. For instance the insulation might have a crack in it and the spark could be sparking inside the plug and not where it is suppose to, or a false positive test. And a high voltage AC current jumps across where DC can not cross. And checking the gap to be the correct distance is also important.

    • @andrewcarter504
      @andrewcarter504 2 года назад +1

      That's not rely testing? Surely it should read that's not really testing!

    • @dipling.pitzler7650
      @dipling.pitzler7650 2 года назад +1

      But if the test done like shown and the continuity reads zero then the plug is defective regardless if it would somehow work by bridging over gaps using higher voltages.

  • @QF2653
    @QF2653 2 года назад +6

    When checking threads to center you should be on the highest scale.

  • @erikandreassen6531
    @erikandreassen6531 Год назад +1

    Great how to check. I've found there are 2 resistor types the good one, they have a solid core, the bad ones have carbon grains in the these are deceptivly nasty as they grains over time break down into smaller pieces and settle. Once this happens it sparks internally slowly destroying the grains and the longer they are used the worse it gets plus you get carbon tracking internally making them "look good" even if the gap is now to big to actually fire. Unless you have something like electronic ignition with similar output to a cars (they just keep ramping up the voltage until it can spark but also making for hard starting even on cars).

  • @fernandocerdenia4673
    @fernandocerdenia4673 2 года назад +2

    Thanks, very informative

  • @arthurforteza3912
    @arthurforteza3912 3 года назад +17

    Why did you not test the entire metal cvr of the busted splug to confirm damage inside, tnx for response nice video?

    • @willchamberlain3352
      @willchamberlain3352 2 года назад +1

      Probably because they are testing for different problems. The test he performed checks for a bad resistor or other problem with the inner electrode. The other test checks for a conductivity between the inner and outer electrodes which shouldn't exist. Having a bad inner electrode doesn't mean testing the outer electrode will confirm the problem. Once he found the first problem, he stopped.

  • @FantaBH
    @FantaBH 3 года назад +6

    Very nice and informative video but You indeed forgot one thing. If porcelain is broken below the metal surface, most likely you will not get any ohm reading but still when the spark plug working, the voltage which produces a spark is very high 10k or more volts, and such voltage will jump to the ground there where is the closest spot. Cracked porcelain inside of spark plug will cause spark jump there not where it should.

    • @frankdavidson9675
      @frankdavidson9675 Год назад

      kind of far fetched the ground of a spark plug is where the threads are along with hook on the bottom when a plug fails its easyer for current to flow in the carbon to gd that jump a gap so no spark if you clean that dirty plug its good as new can remember last time i bought new plugs been cleaning with blaster for years

  • @barrykilts4506
    @barrykilts4506 2 года назад +1

    I’d never thought of this but got it soon as I came to your video picture,great idea

  • @gilbertwilson648
    @gilbertwilson648 3 года назад +2

    Learn something every day thanks

  • @keithminchin1817
    @keithminchin1817 Год назад +10

    The problem with this test shown is that the multi meter will only apply around 6V to the spark plug and does not test the ceramic insulator integrity. The spark plug runs in the kilovolt x 10 range which increases as as load is placed on the engine which is why many ignition faults such as spark breakdown occur under load like driving up a hill. Contaminants on the insulator, carbon deposits wear of the electrode and cracking of the ceramic insulator often cause faults. The best way to observe the real performance of an ignition system is by using an oscilloscope. A Megga (insulation tester) could be used but even that is only testing at around 1.0kv….

    • @jacobuszwanenburg1629
      @jacobuszwanenburg1629 Год назад +1

      True but people generally do have a multimeter and not a oscilloscope

    • @karhukivi
      @karhukivi Год назад

      Agreed, a multimeter cannot test for HV breakdown which is how most sparkplugs fail.

    • @frankdavidson9675
      @frankdavidson9675 Год назад +1

      @@karhukivi set your ohmeter on the highest ohm setting if you get a reading tiptop to bottom hook its carbon buildup on the post at bottom of plug you can clean that carbon out by by blasting plug is good as new been doing this for years

    • @karhukivi
      @karhukivi Год назад

      @@frankdavidson9675 Thanks!

    • @jiyushugi1085
      @jiyushugi1085 Год назад

      Gotta use a plug cleaner/tester. They can test the plug's performance under pressure. Any aircraft repair shop has one. Bike shops used to, but most probably don't anymore.

  • @paulmueller9065
    @paulmueller9065 2 года назад +139

    Just because the plug passes a resistance test does not mean that it will fire correctly under combustion. Fouled plugs can cause shorting through the insulator at the firing end without you knowing unless you have a special plug tester/ cleaner. These testers were used many decades ago before mechanics realized it was a waste of time. Just buy a new plug and correct the fouling problem.

    • @frankdavidson9675
      @frankdavidson9675 2 года назад +31

      i am 88 yrs old worked on engs a long time can not remember last i bought a new plug i just blast old dirty oily plugs to restore like new ( small blaster harbor freught sells works very good at 100 psi with fine media then rinse in a little gas to remove any media laying around the post------- i read this carbon path only on highest ohm scale try it next time

    • @manolomanoki9915
      @manolomanoki9915 Год назад +19

      Yeah ser thats the problem with "mechanics" that only know to change things

    • @paulmueller9065
      @paulmueller9065 Год назад +10

      @@manolomanoki9915 Our intelligence is revealed by the reasoning of our statements and spelling correctness or lack of.

    • @a1nelson
      @a1nelson Год назад +12

      Absolutely agree. No doubt this technique will find _some_ failures, but I’ve had a couple cases were the plugs will only fail hot. A mechanic friend of mine confirmed that this is not all that uncommon. Presumably, there can be some internal fractures that somehow open up - perhaps by being pulled apart by the expanding steel on the ends. Regardless, this test would be useless on them. Even in this economy, the hit to the wallet by a new plug is much preferred over a headache from a dodgy one.

    • @a1nelson
      @a1nelson Год назад +2

      @@frankdavidson9675 I usually hit fouled plugs with a bit of brake cleaner and a wire bush. A blaster does sound like an effective plan, if you have one available.

  • @teshokao3999
    @teshokao3999 3 года назад +1

    Brief and concise. A good one.

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  3 года назад

      Happy to hear you found it helpful.

  • @archiegoodheart7951
    @archiegoodheart7951 9 месяцев назад +1

    That was a really nice tip! Thank you.

  • @Jodyrides
    @Jodyrides 2 года назад +11

    As the electrode gap erodes away, it takes more saturation of the coil for the spark to jump the gap. Don’t bother testing or cleaning or re-gapping old spark plugs. If you’re going to go to the trouble of removing them, put new ones in.
    I never never never use Champion spark plugs in anything I ever own if I can help it. They do not recover after the first heat cycle to 100% performance..I have experienced it first hand when I roadraced motorcycles.. I won six championships, two time national champion racing motorcycles. Champion gave me boxes of spark plugs free. I tried them, I experienced 300, sometimes 500 RPM loss after the first heat cycle. They are like firecrackers. They’re only good once

    • @krusher74
      @krusher74 2 года назад +1

      it a shame a company wastes the world's resources on something not fit for its purpose (not the first time i have heard bad things about champion)

    • @5150powder
      @5150powder 2 года назад

      That is the biggest load of horse shit ive ever heard. Now just for one minute here come back down to reality for me and have a think about this... If that were true, how would champion still be in business after all these years?

    • @GripFreak
      @GripFreak 2 года назад

      @@5150powder perhaps you need to re-read his comment? You obviously didn't understand what he said. What he stated is 100% correct!

    • @5150powder
      @5150powder 2 года назад

      @@GripFreak he got a bad batch. Thats all.

    • @1gerard47
      @1gerard47 Год назад +1

      Champion were the word ,the main man in plugs Long time ago,NGK.no problem ever,never had a bad one,44 years in the industry, looking back,ring condensers and points were a pain always failing,cbs bounce causing ignition timing problems, connecting a timing light, the strobe would be erratic, old mini's.

  • @62ejo
    @62ejo 3 года назад +3

    Thxs nice too know......Does this also apply to plugs for a car??

  • @harrisonayodi1529
    @harrisonayodi1529 29 дней назад +1

    Short and precise. Great

  • @octaviojimenez9274
    @octaviojimenez9274 29 дней назад +1

    appreciate the thorough explaining of the sparkplug.

  • @lon602
    @lon602 2 года назад +5

    Good video. Would've been nice to see a cutaway view of the bad plug to see how it failed.

    • @livewire2759
      @livewire2759 Год назад

      It's pretty much impossible to get a spark plug apart without destroying it, and therefore destroying evidence of the failure. Even cutting it in half would likely shatter the porcelain and the fragile center electrode.

    • @deeeeeeps
      @deeeeeeps Год назад

      @@livewire2759 Diamond saw.

    • @livewire2759
      @livewire2759 Год назад +1

      @@deeeeeeps Do you have a diamond saw? I sure as hell don't. LOL

  • @christianperspective9527
    @christianperspective9527 2 года назад +7

    How to test spark plug resistance in one minute. There are several other factors that can affect spark plug failure even though the resistance may be good The insulator may be cracked the spark plug may be fouled or worn out. Check the ceramic insulator on the inside of the spark plug with a light and a magnifying glass. Look for carbon tracking leading from the electrode along the insulator to the body. The shape of the electrode should have a squared edge on the end of it, as the spark plug wears the end of the electrode becomes rounded. A squared edge give a much better cleaner spark than a rounded edge. Also check the insulator on the inside of the spark plug for wetness or oil fouling as these things may provide a path for the spark to bypass the insulator. Last but not least the gap is important. Also the shape of the grounding tab that you bend for the gap this can also be rounded or thinned out on a well worn spark plug. Dont bend it back and forth more than necessary to simply set the gap, you dont want that thing falling off inside the engine

    • @prestongodsey3567
      @prestongodsey3567 Год назад

      I'm gonna disagree on the square edge gives a better spark. If that is correct, then about every racer from smoky yunick to Richard petty has been wrong. Electricity like air and water, flows easier across rounded edges, square edges cause turbulence and hot spots, which are both bad.

    • @christianperspective9527
      @christianperspective9527 Год назад

      @@prestongodsey3567 when you buy a new spark plug the electrode has a nice sharp square edge on it, never heard of rounding the electrode off on purpose. I'm not so sure what Richard Petty does to his race car spark plugs but I know he doesnt enter any race with a lawnmower engine.

    • @prestongodsey3567
      @prestongodsey3567 Год назад

      Power secrets by smoky yunick. There is an entry about preparing spark plugs. Also 20yrs of n2o foxbody mustangs + 35yrs of 2stroke bikes and quads has taught me plenty about plugs

    • @prestongodsey3567
      @prestongodsey3567 Год назад

      Most often I can tell what fuel and how much of a spray is being used by looking at the plugs. They say 10k hrs to be a master, I'm a grand master of plugs at this point

    • @prestongodsey3567
      @prestongodsey3567 Год назад

      Sadly EV's are making that knowledge redundant at an extremely quick pace.

  • @Goldwing1500rider
    @Goldwing1500rider 3 года назад +2

    Good lesson here!! Spark plug 101 !!

  • @balbirsinghgill1595
    @balbirsinghgill1595 2 года назад

    Very good knowledge and to the point, thanks bro,

  • @tracyjames2193
    @tracyjames2193 3 года назад +5

    Extremely helpful yes sir thank u so much for the education! I just gotta figure out how to use my damn meter now 😂😳

  • @vidiupload4174
    @vidiupload4174 2 года назад +5

    FWIW - The two-part vertical line on the left of the Ohm scale represents the symbol for infinity turned 90 degrees from horizontal. Consequently, if you see the mark, the meter is measuring infinite resistance.

    • @mareksumguy1887
      @mareksumguy1887 2 года назад

      Why did they make it a “1” and not an “8”??

    • @vidiupload4174
      @vidiupload4174 2 года назад

      @@mareksumguy1887 I'm just guessing - I think that the figure 8 is more obviously a specific number, whereas a I (as opposed to a 1) can be considered a symbol, rather than a number. Anyway, the convention is to use a I and have it understood that it represents ∞. Also, a 1 represented by I would probably have a decimal point associated with it to distinguish it from ∞.
      There could also be an additional pragmatic reason: I uses less battery power.

    • @kenwittlief255
      @kenwittlief255 2 года назад +1

      your statement is not correct
      the 1 on this meter simply means the reading is higher than the full scale (range) selected. If the meter is set to the 2kΩ range then any reading over 2,000 ohms will display the one. It does not mean infinity. This matters. If you are testing a 5kΩ spark plug and you put the meter on the 2kΩ range, it will display 1 - that does not mean the spark plug is bad (open), it means you are on too low of a range setting.
      On other meters, like a Fluke, it will display OL - for over limit of the range selected.
      Others will display the full scale limit - you have to know your meter

    • @vidiupload4174
      @vidiupload4174 2 года назад

      @@kenwittlief255 Interesting. Good explanation.

    • @1RAYGC
      @1RAYGC 2 года назад

      The 1 simply means that the measurement is over range or too high for the meter setting.

  • @gevi9080
    @gevi9080 3 года назад

    very informative.👍🏼 thanks

  • @mustafabaktr3502
    @mustafabaktr3502 Год назад +1

    Thanks for clear explanation, I have chainsaw, 20 hp mercury outboard machine and also analog multimeter. Now I know what to do.

  • @sboy1955
    @sboy1955 2 года назад +4

    This is a good video and thanks for making it. However folks need to know that this simple test can detect a bad plug - BUT - most bad plugs can also pass this simple test. So like a lot of reviewers have said below, it’s really not a good way to test spark plugs.

  • @lowandslow3939
    @lowandslow3939 3 года назад +7

    That’s all well and good but you didn’t even mention gapping the plug. Used plugs need to be checked for the proper gap between the electrode and the ground (hook). Even new plugs should be checked and adjusted. For the price of plugs, I always toss the old ones and replace with new when doing an engine service.

  • @emilianogubat7551
    @emilianogubat7551 3 года назад +1

    Thanks to your video! I just learned this how to tester a spark plug if it's working or not.

  • @giftndlovu8559
    @giftndlovu8559 2 года назад +1

    Simple , smart and good presentation

  • @isaacwhite7411
    @isaacwhite7411 3 года назад +4

    must correct you on resistance and continuity,if there's a low reading at the base the threaded part and electrode it means it has high continuity not high resistance .

    • @jordanv.8707
      @jordanv.8707 2 года назад

      I too must correct him for posting video saying "in under one minute" but has 6:18 of video i didnt even watch it. Probably was entertaining.

    • @isaacwhite7411
      @isaacwhite7411 2 года назад

      yea he screwed the resistance thing up saying there should be no resistance when there should be high resistance .

  • @cunnings309
    @cunnings309 2 года назад +16

    You say for the second spark plug "there's no reading so there's no resistance" . In fact, no reading means an infinite resistance ( because no current can pass in the electrode). the higher the number is, the highest the difficulty to current to travel. From an old motorcycle mecanic.

    • @georgeiceman867
      @georgeiceman867 2 года назад +1

      Or is open

    • @chrisbaggesi72
      @chrisbaggesi72 2 года назад +2

      @@georgeiceman867 and open circuit and a circuit with infinite resistance are the same exact thing . this is a dumb ass video

    • @kenwittlief255
      @kenwittlief255 2 года назад

      you are right
      no resistance would read 0.0000 Ω

  • @Spitfireseven
    @Spitfireseven Год назад

    This is the only video I've seen testing spark plugs. It was worth it!!!

  • @jvls9873
    @jvls9873 2 года назад +1

    learned something new today, thankd bud

  • @wmcomprev
    @wmcomprev 2 года назад +4

    Just a technicality, you said there was no resistance between the center electrode and the ground (screw in portion). This isn't quite accurate since resistance is the amount of blockage offered to the flow of electricity, you do still have resistance (in fact, a lot of it). It should actually be infinite resistance. Had you said no continuity between the center electrode and ground, I'd agree with you.

    • @dforge8917
      @dforge8917 2 года назад

      Well said ! Now I don't have to . Thanks. :-)

    • @frankdavidson9675
      @frankdavidson9675 2 года назад

      any meter reading on highest ohm setting is bad needs cleaning ----center elec. and gd should be infi.

  • @roberttaylor465
    @roberttaylor465 2 года назад +4

    Great but faulty spark plugs can be fine until under compression, hot or cold in the cylinder, it's far better just to replace them.

  • @listenlearn5445
    @listenlearn5445 2 года назад +1

    Great and very useful information. Thank you….

  • @AnthonyFrancisJones
    @AnthonyFrancisJones 7 месяцев назад +1

    Excellent - thanks for making this!

  • @MrFERENGI
    @MrFERENGI 3 года назад +3

    thanks, I have the meter but no idea how to use it.

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  3 года назад

      There is a lot to learn about them. I don’t know everything. I learn new features as I need them.

  • @elecrticityelectronics8591
    @elecrticityelectronics8591 3 года назад +30

    The résistance of the spark plug does from 6 kilo ohm to 15 kilo ohm, not 6 to 15 ohms.

    • @hun44k56
      @hun44k56 3 года назад +1

      3:34

    • @citec123x
      @citec123x 3 года назад +1

      Even better, 3:26 **lol**

    • @JSuparman
      @JSuparman 2 года назад

      @@citec123x Even even better, 3:24 - LOL

  • @rondoe8364
    @rondoe8364 2 года назад

    Very helpfully thanks guy much appreciated

  • @whittler07
    @whittler07 23 дня назад +1

    Very good in explaining everything to understand!

    • @TightWadDIY
      @TightWadDIY  18 дней назад

      Thank you for the kind feedback.