An unsuccessful engine start can upset any car owner. Often the cause of the detected failure is the wet electrodes of the spark plug of a gasoline engine. Due to the complexity of diagnostics, the search for an answer to the question of why the spark plugs are flooded usually becomes a “blind” search.
A detailed analysis of the processes occurring in the engine cylinder helps to correctly understand the reasons for this phenomenon. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the type of fuel system and ignition, the season and the characteristics of the spark element.
How do flooded candles work?
Wet spark plug electrodes appear due to the ingress of only two liquids on their surface - gasoline or oil. In the first case, we boldly call the fuel intake system "guilty", and the reasons for the oily contamination of the electrodes are different.
The problem of flooding spark plugs is typical for engines of any system. Both carburetor and fuel injection engines suffer. Regardless of the source of failure, the failure of a plug to function normally is expressed as follows:
- Refusal to start the motor... The malfunction is more common for a cold engine, but it also occurs with the engine when trying to restart it.
- The appearance of a persistent smell of unburned fuel... Gasoline-air mixture, when it enters the cylinder cavity, does not ignite and is thrown into the exhaust system.
- When inspecting an unscrewed candle, damp electrodes or dark carbon deposits are observed.
It is easy to determine, without unscrewing the filled candle, by the absence of grabs when the engine crankshaft is scrolled.
Before deciding what to do with the malfunction of the ignition system, it is required to determine the nature of the malfunction and eliminate the source.
Reasons for constantly flooded candles
Wet electrodes are faults in two main ways. In the first case, the candles will be poured in case of malfunction of the power supply and ignition systems. In the second situation, the parts of the cylinder-piston group are to blame, when oil particles contaminate the electrodes.
The process of mixture formation in the cylinders, taking into account the cold start, is carried out according to the following algorithm. The engine control unit takes into account the outside temperature and the cold state of the engine. Taking into account the oxygen concentration, a decision is made to increase the supply to the injector. There is a deliberate enrichment of the working mixture. Under normal conditions, the engine will start without gaps. But under certain circumstances, the candles will flood without forming a spark:
- Increased clearances of parts of the cylinder-piston group... With a cold engine, this leads to a decrease in compression, which does not contribute to the ignition of the mixture. The factor should not be considered if the problem is identified on a separate cylinder.
- Poor fuel quality... Timely vaporization of gasoline is possible with its high quality and in the absence of dilution with condensate of humid air.
- Uncertain scrolling of the crankshaft by the starter with thickened oil or a weak battery... In this case, an insufficient spark is generated, which does not provide sufficient impulse to ignite the mixture.
All of these factors make up the causes of misfire. Sometimes the factors act as a whole, but it is better to diagnose them separately.
The reason is the candle
It is possible that the factors described do not affect the source of the spark in the cylinder. If she still pours gasoline on the candles, she herself often becomes the culprit. There are two possible situations here:
- Sparking problem... As a result of the operation of the crank mechanism, the formation of pressure is possible, which cannot be overcome during the formation of a spark. This results from a large gap, insufficient current.
- Leakage current. It occurs in worn-out products when the insulating properties of the spark body are violated, and the current flows directly to the ground.
If the owner of the car does not know how to properly test the spark plug, it is worth contacting a specialized service to test the product at the stand.
When replacing candles due to their failure, pay attention to high-quality and durable products. To answer the question which spark plugs are better, follow these rules:
- compliance with nominal sizes;
- selection of a spark source according to the degree of motor boost;
- material of electrodes with a long service life.
If it is impossible to independently determine all the parameters, do not hesitate to consult with the seller.
Sprinkles electrodes with oil
Another common cause of electrode flooding is related to the engine lubrication system. Such a malfunction will befall both the injector and the carburetor engine. It is appropriate to exclude from this list only two-stroke motors, where a separate lubrication system does not exist.
When determining the source of "oiling" of the electrodes, the area of contamination should be considered. In this case, the following circumstances are taken into account:
- Bottom plug contamination... The reason is the wear of the piston system or even damage to the oil scraper ring.
- Accumulation of grease at the top... The appearance of oil is possible due to damage to the valve cover gasket or valve seals.
The causes of damage to engine elements lie in overheating of the motor, operation with an overestimated oil level, clogging of the ventilation duct of the motor crankcase. A detailed diagnosis of the reasons for the refusal should be entrusted to experienced minders.
Other engine malfunctions
Among other reasons for the malfunction of the candle, there are:
- violation of fuel injection pressure and lack of fine spray;
- malfunction of the sensors of the electronic control unit;
- clogged fuel injectors and malfunctioning of the high pressure pump.
Usually, these reasons are clarified after the first negative results of the primary diagnosis. In this case, doubts like “what to do” are resolved by a comprehensive diagnostics of the operation of the internal combustion engine systems.
Directions of elimination of the situation
When candles are filled with gasoline, it is usually sufficient to dry them. It is enough to unscrew them from the seat and turn the engine to purge the cylinders with air for 10-15 seconds, and treat the electrodes with a stream of hot air.
The closed blowdown method can also be used. Here you need to know how to use the controls correctly. With the gas pedal fully depressed, the crankshaft is scrolled. Abundant streams of air also dry the candles. On subsequent release of gas, the incoming gasoline ignites.
With regularly working unstable candles, we choose further actions based on the causes of the malfunction. It is better to replace damaged spark plugs and repair a serious engine malfunction.
In frosts or cold weather, many are faced with the fact that flooded the candles... This phenomenon is especially common. on cars with high mileage... As a result, the spark plug cannot provide the proper spark to start the car.
Reasons why it floods candles
- The candles have served their time. Old candles are unable to produce a powerful spark and thus are unable to ignite the fuel in the desired way. In this case, you need to replace the candles.
- Ignition module. Although it is a reliable element, it does not last forever. The price bites him and in order not to waste money and time in vain, replace it with a known good one... If the car starts, then feel free to go to the store for a new part.
- Injectors are the most vulnerable element of the fuel system. For high mileage nozzle nozzles clogged and the fuel from them begins not to be sprayed, but simply to pour, thereby flooding the candles. There is only one way out. Remove injectors and carry them to diagnostics.
- Coolant sensor. Perhaps the most incomprehensible reason at first glance. Let's figure it out: when the engine is started, this sensor sends a signal to the ECU of the electronic engine control unit. The sensor transmits the coolant temperature to the ECU and he already, based on this reading, determines how much fuel to supply. If the coolant sensor is defective, then it will give incorrect values, and the ecu, in turn, will either not top up or supply an excessive amount of fuel. In either case the car will be difficult to start, and in cold weather when the oil frozen in the crankcase is added to this. This makes starting the engine very difficult.
How to start a car
First of all, do as experienced car owners advise. Press the gas pedal to the floor and turn the starter for 10-15 seconds, then release the gas... The car should start.
If this method did not help, then you need to unscrew the candles and dry them. It is better to ignite on a gas burner or gas stove. Ignite only the part of the candle on which the electrode is located... Then sand the candle as shown in the photo.
Now we go to the car. Do not screw in dry candles right away... To get started, do this: turn the starter for 10-15 seconds, thereby you dry a couple of cylinders. Then try to start the engine.
On my own I can say that the method with calcining helped me.
Of course, these actions must be carried out if you are sure that the battery has the correct voltage e. If the battery is weak, then these methods will hardly help.
The advantage of a good car is its trouble-free operation. However, some cars create problems for their owners when starting the engine. The cause of the problem does not always lie in a discharged battery or a lack of fuel in the tank. Candles are often the culprit in gasoline engines.
Excessive amount of fuel does not allow spark formation in a timely manner. This results in an imbalance in the cycles. At the same time, not all novice motorists understand why they flood spark plugs, although there may be several reasons.
Ignition problems often occur during the cold season. With an open storage method, a frosty morning can bring trouble to the car owner.
It will be possible to identify the problem by some indirect signs:
- rotation by the starter of the crankshaft is present, but seizure does not occur;
- a distinct smell of gasoline spreads through the exhaust system, which is heard especially during the rotation of the starter;
- unscrewing the candles, you can notice the remains of fuel not only on the electrodes, but also on the threads, and the underside is covered with dark carbon deposits.
It is important to know that the injector fills the candles with gasoline in frost much less often than carburetor counterparts do.
There are certain features when filling candles in a car with an injection power supply system and a carburetor one, but in both cases, the common thing is the presence of the fact that fuel has entered the chamber and the absence of its ignition. In this case, the contacts are in the liquid, sparking does not occur, and further normal operation of the motor becomes impossible.
Wet spark plugs: causes
Based on the practice of most motorists, the following circumstances are the predecessor of flooding:
- Filling with low quality fuel. In winter, an important factor is the purity of gasoline from unwanted components that have a direct impact on the quality of ignition. An excessive amount of paraffins minimizes the ease of starting in such cold conditions. Do not forget about the presence of condensate in the tank, collecting from temperature extremes.
- Breakdown of the ignition system. Difficulties are created not only by candles, but also by the work of high-voltage wiring. For old, long-used candles, gaps are distorted, there are defects on the body or on the electrodes. The consequence is the absence of a spark. It is important to monitor the performance of the system as a whole.
- Low battery power. It is worth waiting for problems at a low charge level - by 40-50%. When the ambient temperature drops, not every battery is able to work, giving the maximum power sufficient to rotate the starter and the full functioning of the ignition system. The result is the supply of fuel to the cylinders, however, ignition is not carried out, the spark plug electrodes are poured.
In reality, the electronic control unit takes into account the external temperature, the current heating of the engine, the mass of oxygen in the air sent to the engine, etc. A command is sent to open the injectors, which enriches the mixture with fuel, facilitating a cold start. At primary idle speed, the automation helps the stable operation / starting of the power plant.
Such events can negatively affect engines with significant wear of the cylinder-piston group. There will be a small compression inside, at the lower permissible limit. An additional negative will be a slightly shrunken battery, thick oil and soot deposits on the contacts of the candles. As a result, the consequences will be noticeable:
- low quality gasoline enters through the nozzles, which evaporates weakly due to the low ambient temperature;
- the crankshaft lowered into thick grease is hardly rotated by the starter;
- in a cooled engine, cold parts are not expanded, and due to the low temperature, gaps in the cylinder-piston group are noticeable and compression is reduced;
- a weak spark is generated due to contamination of the spark plug contacts with soot.
Even some of the problems from this set can lead to difficulty in starting the motor or starting intermittently. Accordingly, most of the listed parameters will have to be monitored.
It is important to know that if one of the candles is poured regularly, then it is necessary to check the state of compression in a particular cylinder.
Filling in the presence of a spark and rotation of the starter
Experienced motorists are faced with situations when a spark appears, the starter rotates, but the lower part of the candles is filled with gasoline. Do not delude yourself with the presence of a fire, since this event can occur irregularly under pressure, and can be lost during the operation of the motor.
The cause of the event is overpressure in the cylinders. It will be possible to identify the event and the factors driving it when monitoring a car at a stand that simulates a combustion chamber.
We recommend paying attention to the valve timing, because their failure will be the cause of wet electrodes... In injection internal combustion engines, motorists must check the operation of the bypass valve located on the fuel rail. If you exclude its problems, you will need to find out the gasoline pressure in the rail, because the manufacturer regulates this parameter. Sharp fluctuations and going beyond the specified interval (larger / smaller sides) can block the start of the internal combustion engine or stimulate the flooding of contacts for spark ignition.
Diagnostics will need to be carried out for the sensors of the electronic control system and for the injectors. An example of a failure is sending invalid data from the coolant temperature sensor. In such a situation, the control unit unreasonably over-enriches the fuel mixture. Much less often, the culprit of incorrect impulses is a failed electronic control unit or a failure of its software. In this case, problems will manifest themselves not only with the ignition.
Oil problems
The contacts of the spark plugs can be filled not only with fuel, but also with oil. Facts are found on both carburetor and injection engines. One or more cylinders may fail.
When the candles are thrown with oil, then first of all it will be necessary to identify whether the filling is from the bottom or from the top. This is noticeable by which part of the candle is more dirty. If lubricant accumulates inside the spark plug well, it is necessary to check the tightness of the cover valve gasket, as well as the seals located nearby.
If there is visible black carbon deposits on the unscrewed plug in the area of the threads, then oil seeps out of the well. Accordingly, pouring is carried out from below. It will be necessary to measure the compression in the cylinders, because the chance of failure of the oil scraper rings is significantly increased. Events can happen to them:
- a crack has appeared;
- bedding occurred;
- the mating surfaces are worn out.
It can also cause wear on the liner or cylinder block wall. Additionally, we recommend checking the condition of the directional valves, valve stem seals, possible cracks in the block head through which grease penetrates.
Dealing with the consequences
Let's figure out what to do if the candles are flooded. If the motorist is sure that this has happened, then it is worth drying them in one of the chosen ways. Most operating instructions for machines with an injection fuel system recommend immediately unscrewing them from the socket with a candle wrench.
At the next stage, dry the engine by scrolling the starter without candles for about 10 seconds. After drying, we return the spark arresters to their nests and try to start in the normal mode.
It is allowed to start the engine with the option of purging the cylinders when the candles are filled. In many situations, this option will make it possible to start the power plant without additional removal of parts. The purging of the cylinders in the injection engines is carried out when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed during the start and the starter is cranked for 10 seconds. Then let go of the pedal and try to start up in a classic way.
It is important to understand that by depressing the gas pedal during purging, the driver opens the maximum throttle valve, which stimulates maximum air penetration into the cylinders and ensures drying of wet surfaces.
Even after purging, the engine may not start in some cases. Then you will have to dry the candles, first unscrewing and pre-cleaning from carbon deposits. You will need a medium-hard brush. To remove moisture, a building hair dryer or oven is suitable, after which control the gap between the electrodes.
After such operations, it is worth purchasing a new set of candles, since the resource of the old ones is significantly reduced after annealing. Replacement is usually carried out after 15-25 thousand km of run, regardless of the external state... With frequent pouring, it is necessary to get rid of the cause that causes it, and not the consequences.
The starter turns, but the car does not start, many motorists begin to look for a problem in the battery. But sometimes that's not the point. In winter or autumn, when the air is humid or cold, starting the car in the morning can be a real problem. It turns out that quite often it floods the candles when starting the engine. Let's see why this happens. And how you can fight these.
Why does it flood the candles
Before proceeding with active actions, you need to understand at least a little what happens to the candles when the key is turned in. When the starter starts to move the valves of the engine cylinders, that is, it tries to start the engine, gasoline is mixed with air in the cylinder chamber, after which it ignites from a spark with candles.
Therefore, we can conclude that without a spark, a micro-explosion will not occur in the combustion chamber of the engine, and it will not start. However, at subzero temperatures (-10 and below) or due to insufficiently high temperature of the mixture of gasoline and air, chemical reactions do not occur, and the mixture does not ignite, as a result of which the candles are filled with fuel and stop working. Now let's figure out what to do if the candles are flooded, when transport is needed right now and there is no time to wait for the arrival of the master.
We fix the problem ourselves
To fix the problem with your own hands, you must at least know where the spark plugs are. There are several ways to solve this. The first is the installation of a new kit, of course, if there is one. It is advisable not to throw out the old ones, but simply put them in the garage. In order to remove the candles, you will need a special one that almost every motorist has. However, the method is not suitable for everyone, due to the lack of a new kit.
Now let's look at the way in which the use of old candles is provided. The fact is that they are not spoiled, but simply filled with gasoline, but drying alone is also not enough. Therefore, we need an oven in which we can heat the candle to a high temperature and change the color to red. Such an event is carried out in order to get rid of fuel residues and the actual soot formed. But here you need to remember that in this case, firstly, the ceramics of the candle deteriorates, and secondly, polishing will be required before installation.
What to do if candles are flooded, or Another solution
This method is used by almost all motorists, due to the high efficiency and simplicity of the method. To do this, we do not need to leave the car, because we will carry out the so-called candle blowing. We fully squeeze out the accelerometer (gas) part, while turning the starter, at this time a large amount of air will flow to the cylinders and candles, which is drying. With all this, the throttle valve must be fully open.
It should be noted that this method is applicable to both injection and carburetor engines. The only thing to be wary of is that your battery will not withstand such loads - it will sit down even before the candles dry. Again, due to the fact that the throttle valve is open to maximum, gasoline does not flow to the combustion chambers, which is what we need. Now you know what to do if the candles are flooded, but you need to consider the sequence of actions on injection vehicles as a separate item.
Injector spark plug problem
You probably know that new cars don't have this problem. This is due to sufficient compression. Of course, the quality of the fuel also plays a role: unfortunately, it is not first-class, it is often diluted, which interferes with the normal ignition of the mixture in the cylinders. Also contaminated injection nozzles prevent normal
In principle, the situation is resolved quickly enough. To do this, remove the candles, dry them, set them back, check the gaps and start the engine. Since injection candles practically do not differ from carburetor ones, the process of cleaning them is exactly the same. They can be unscrewed and then cleaned with a metal brush, no heating is required in this case. But sometimes the carbon deposits are so strong that you can't do without it. Typically, a fully charged battery and a fully functional starter motor will allow the engine to start without too much trouble.
How to prevent candles from flooding
As noted above, on new cars the question does not arise: what to do if the spark plugs are flooded, since this does not happen. But you can get rid of this on any car, you just need to comply with a number of important requirements. Firstly, you need to use a special engine oil that does not thicken at low temperatures, this allows you to start the engine without much effort and stress on the battery and starter.
Secondly, high-quality fuel will not allow you to flood your candle. What if good gasoline is hard to find? This is another question. At the very least, you should not look for a gas station with minimal prices, so you just run the risk of running into diluted fuel. The injector nozzles must always be adjusted and cleaned, this will have a positive effect on the moment of start-up.
Let's sum up
In conclusion, I would like to say that the car must be prepared for operation in the cold season. To do this, you need to switch the filter from the "summer" mode to the winter mode. It is also recommended to fully charge the battery to make starting easier. As for the candles themselves, it is advisable to always have a spare set with you, because it is not known where they can be poured and what to do then.
The same applies to engine oil: it must be selected according to the manufacturer's recommendations. And do not pour mineral oils instead of synthetics. I would also like to note that if it did not work out the first time, then it is advisable to wait 20-25 seconds before starting the second. It must be remembered that re-enrichment of the mixture of air and gasoline can happen at any time, even when everything is in order. But after reading this article, you already know what to do if candles are flooded, so you will always be ready for such a problem and its elimination.
Not so long ago I wrote how to clean spark plugs from carbon deposits (you can), the article is really useful with many photo and video materials. But today I want to talk about another problem, it happens that in the morning in the parking lot (especially in winter) we cannot start the car. I must say that if you did not start the car the first time, then it is already more difficult to do this, it can simply fill in the spark plugs. You "turn" the engine a second and third time and many more times (until the battery runs out), but the car will not start. And it's not always a breakdown, it's just that the car's candles do not give the correct spark, as ordinary motorists say (like us, with you) the candles are flooded. Let's talk today why this happens and how to avoid it …… ..
What does it mean - "flooded" spark plugs?
For beginners, this is not always clear, this question. Everything is very simple. As we already know in an internal combustion engine, during operation, several processes occur.
The first is the supply of the fuel-air mixture (when the fuel is mixed with air and supplied to the engine cylinders).
The second is the compression of this mixture by the engine cylinders (valves closed, the piston goes up, reaching its maximum point).
The third is ignition (a spark is applied to the candles, whereby this compressed fuel ignites, a mini explosion occurs, and the piston moves down)
The fourth is the exit of these exhaust gases (when the burnt fuel leaves the engine piston, through the valves and then the gas exhaust system - the muffler).
But when it is cold outside, freezing temperatures, the third cycle of "ignition" does not always happen. That is, the fuel mixture (gasoline + air) enters the engine cylinders and does not ignite. Thus, the fuel simply floods the candles., they become wet, and on such candles the formation of a spark is almost impossible... If the candles get wet and then "turn" the engine, then you only aggravate the situation, because the cycles go on - no ignition occurs - the candles get more and more wet from the fuel.
Why is there no spark and flooding?
Everything depends on the device of your car (), as well as on the state of your car's battery.
Battery
The main culprit is this. At low temperatures, it does not create the required voltage on the engine plugs, a weak spark is not capable of igniting the fuel. Because of this, the candles begin to flood, after which the process is only aggravated.
Advice! Before the winter period, be sure to check the battery, if in the summer you can still ride on a weak battery, then in winter this will not work!
Carburetor
Simple but outdated fuel injection system. An improperly adjusted one can pour fuel into the combustion chambers, if at positive temperatures it still rolls, then with the onset of cold weather, excess fuel simply floods the candles. And it becomes almost impossible to start a car with a carburetor. Also, the carburetor has no fuel delivery gauge. That is, if you have not started the car, it will still "pour" gasoline in the volume in which it is configured.
Advice. Be sure to properly adjust the carburetor before winter. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to start in severe frosts (I know from my own experience).
Injector
More progressive, but also more complex system. At low temperatures, the on-board computer forces the injectors of the injector to supply more fuel to the air mixture in order to improve - enrich the composition. However, if the car has a "weak" battery, there is not enough spark to ignite the fuel, thus flooding the spark plugs on the injector. But you still need to be able to fill the injector! Unlike the carburetor, the injector has many sensors that monitor the engine and fuel delivery. If the car does not start, then the fuel is not supplied in a large volume, and therefore the filling of candles can be reduced to a minimum.
Advice! If the car does not start from the first or third time, wait five minutes, then try again. If it does not start again, then you need to charge the battery and clean the candles.
What to do if the spark plugs are flooded?
1) First, charge the battery, most likely it is discharged.
2) You need to unscrew the old candles and put new, dry ones, if there is a spare kit.
3) The filled candles must be dried. We unscrew and carry them home. and put them to dry, for example on a battery. If you are in a hurry, you can dry on a gas burner, only without enthusiasm, you do not need to glow red!
4) If you are in a hurry, you can try to start the car with filled candles. To do this, we squeeze the gas pedal all the way and try to start the car. The air that enters the cylinders can dry out the candles a little! At the injector - the on-board computer turns off the excessive fuel supply, thus drying the candles. And the carburetor does not create increased pressure in the cylinders, I would even say there is a rarefaction, which is also able to draw out excess fuel. But for this you need a well-charged battery, and if you have a "weak" one, then you will not be able to dry it in this way.
