In the electronic ignition system, a very high voltage is generated! Be careful, observe all necessary precautions when servicing any system components, including not only the main (ignition module, coil and BB wires), but also related, such as candle connectors, a tachometer and other equipment. Persons with an implanted pacemaker must not be allowed to service the components of the ignition system!
The correct functioning of the spark plugs is largely determined by the efficiency of the engine output. It is important that the correct type of spark plug is installed on the engine (see Vehicle settings and routine maintenance). The need for unscheduled maintenance of spark plugs is extremely rare, provided that the engine itself is in good condition. To avoid accidental damage to the electrodes, do not clean the candles without the use of special equipment.
In most cases, a special spark plug head is required to replace spark plugs (with elastic lining inside) a special tool is also produced complete with a ratchet drive, as well as a set for safely disconnecting the tips of the explosive wires from the tails of the spark plugs, although its use is not strictly mandatory. Using a torque wrench will allow you to achieve the correct tightening torque for the candles.
Tools needed when changing spark plugs
1 - Candle head - Equipped with a special elastic insert, which excludes the possibility of accidental damage to the porcelain insulator when the candle is turned out.
2 - Torque wrench - Not a mandatory tool, provides a reliable guarantee of the correct tightening torque of the spark plugs.
3 - Ratchet drive - Used in conjunction with a candle head and a torque wrench.
4 - Extension - Depending on the model and its accessories, access to spark plugs can be limited to varying degrees, so the use of extensions of the appropriate shape and design will greatly facilitate the procedure.
5 - Spark Plug Gap Tool - Several types of these tools are available - make sure the tool is equipped with a feeler gauge that matches your vehicle's spark plug gap size.
Coal deposits
Symptoms: The presence of soot indicates a too rich air/fuel mixture or a weak spark. Causes misfiring, difficult starting and engine instability.
Recommendations: Check if the air cleaner is clogged, if the fuel level in the float chamber is too high, if the air damper is stuck, and if the contacts are too worn. Try using plugs with a longer insulator, which increases fouling resistance.
Oiling
Symptoms: Lubrication of the candle is caused by wear of the valve stem seals. Oil enters the combustion chamber through worn valve guides or piston rings. Causes misfiring, difficult starting and engine instability.
Recommendations: Perform mechanical repairs and replace spark plugs.
Overheat
Symptoms: Porous, white insulator, electrode erosion and no deposits. This will shorten the life of the spark plug.
Recommendations: Check whether it meets the requirements of Specifications (in Chapter Vehicle settings and routine maintenance) number of glow plugs installed, ignition timing correct, air/fuel mixture too lean, intake manifold vacuum leaks, and stuck valves. Also check the coolant level and check if the radiator is clogged.
Too early ignition
Symptoms: The electrodes are melted. The insulator is white, but may be dirty due to misfiring or foreign particles entering the combustion chambers. May lead to engine failure.
Recommendations: Check glow plugs installed, ignition timing, mixture quality (isn't it too poor), whether the cooling system is clogged and the lubrication system is functioning properly.
Electrically conductive gloss
Symptoms: The insulator has a yellowish color and a polished appearance. It speaks of a sudden increase in temperature in the combustion chambers during sharp acceleration. At the same time, ordinary deposits are melted, acquiring the appearance of a varnish coating. Causes misfiring at high speeds.
Recommendations: Change spark plugs (colder, while maintaining driving style).
Closing the electrodes
Symptoms: Waste products of combustion fall into the interelectrode space. Solid deposits accumulate, forming a jumper between the electrodes. Leads to ignition failure in the cylinder.
Recommendations: Remove deposits from the electrode space.
The normal state of the candle
Symptoms: Grey-brown color and slight wear of the electrodes. The number of glow plugs corresponds to the type of engine and its general condition.
Recommendations: When replacing spark plugs, use spark plugs of the same type.
Ash formation
Symptoms: Soft brownish deposits on one or both spark plug electrodes. The source of their formation is the additives used in oil and/or fuel. Excessive buildup can insulate the electrodes and cause misfiring and engine instability when accelerating.
Recommendations: If deposits build up rapidly, change the seals to prevent oil from entering the combustion chambers. Try changing the brand of fuel.
Wear
Symptoms: Rounded electrodes with little build up on the tip. The color is normal. Causes engine start difficulty in cold, wet weather and increased fuel consumption.
Recommendations: Replace spark plugs with new ones of the same type.
Detonation
Symptoms: Insulators may be chipped or cracked. Insulator damage can also result from inaccurate spark plug gap adjustment. May damage pistons.
Splashing
Symptoms: After misfiring for a long period of time, deposits may loosen while maintaining the operating temperature in the combustion chamber. At high speeds, deposits flake off the piston and adhere to the hot insulator, causing misfiring.
Recommendations: Replace spark plugs or clean and reinstall old ones.
Mechanical damage
Symptoms: May be caused by foreign material entering the combustion chamber or caused by the piston hitting a spark plug that is too long. Lead to cylinder failure and piston damage.
Recommendations: Remove foreign particles from the engine and/or replace
Engines OHC 1.2 and 1.4 l
For ease of installation, mark the BB wires with tape according to the sequence of cylinders 1 to 4. Sometimes the appropriate marking may already be on the BB wires.
1. Disconnect the BB wires from the spark plugs. In this case, pull only on the plug, and not on the cable, or use a special puller.
2. Remove the spark plugs using the appropriate spark plug wrench. At the same time, make sure that the key does not warp, because. this can lead to the destruction of the ceramic insulation of the candle. Opel recommends using the 20.8 mm HAZET 900KF head for this purpose.
In heat protection tubes (engines since 09.1994) spark plugs are installed with a 16 mm hex, like a DOHC engine.
3. Check the removed spark plug against the condition map shown in the photographic insert to give a good idea of the overall condition of the engine.
4. Before installing the candle, make sure that the threaded tip is tightly screwed on, and the threads on the body and the outer surface of the candle are well cleaned.
5. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Torque spark plugs 25 Nm.
Engines DOHC 1.4 and 1.6 l
1. Remove the oil filler cap.
2. Remove the bolts (1) and pull out the retaining strips of the BB wire cover from the rubber strips (2) on the cylinder head, open the cover of the BB wires and remove it.
Removing the retaining straps of the cover of the explosive wires
3. Close the oil filler cap.
4. Remove PCV hoses (1) And (2).
Removing the PCV Hoses
5. Disconnect the BB wires from the spark plugs using the puller found on one of the spark plug connectors.
Disconnecting the BB wire from the spark plug using a puller
6. Spark plugs on DOHC engines are deeply recessed into the spark plug niches, so you will need a key drive extension to turn them out. Putting the head on the candle, connect the drive and, gently turning the collar counterclockwise, unscrew the candle.
Removing a spark plug from a deep niche with a special key
1 - Crank with ratchet drive
2 - Extension
3 - cardan joint
4 - Candle head with elastic insert
5 - spark plug
7. Compare the removed spark plug to the condition map shown in the photographic insert to give a good idea of the overall condition of the engine.
8. Before installing the candle, make sure that the threaded tip is tightly screwed on, and the threads on the body and the outer surface of the candle are well cleaned.
9. Thread one of the new spark plugs into the appropriate hole in the engine by hand. After making sure that the candle is not skewed in the thread, tighten it with the required force (with a torque wrench handy). To facilitate the process of baiting a candle, pull a piece of flexible fuel hose onto its shank. This eliminates the possibility of thread breakage, since at the slightest biting, the hose will simply begin to turn. Proceeding in a similar manner, install all the remaining candles.
10. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Tighten the spark plugs 25 Nm, and the bolts for fastening the cover of the explosive wires - with a force 8 Nm.
Features for DOHC 1.0 and 1.2L engines
1. Remove the ignition module (see chapter Engine Electrical Systems).
2. Remove the spark plugs with a spark plug wrench.
3. Installation is carried out in the reverse order.
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