How to replace spark plugs atv


Sixity How To: ATV and UTV Spark Plug Installation

WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR ATV/UTV SPARK PLUG(S)

Generally speaking you will want to replace the spark plug(s) after each 100 hours of use. This assumes of course that your engine is running normally and you are not experiencing problems like a "rough engine" or an engine that fails to catch while the ignition is turning over. If these occur it's time to pull the plug and determine if it is the problem or some other component is the cause.

WHILE YOUR AT IT:

Actually pulling the plug, inspecting and replacing it only takes 5 to 10 minutes. However, unlike a car you can't pull a handle and pop the hood to get to the spark plug. On an ATV you have to remove plastic (exterior panels) to expose the plug and depending on your brand that could be a lot of plastic. Pulling off parts is the real time consumer for this task.

Because it takes a bit of work to "open up" your ATV it's a good idea to check a couple of items while they are easily accessible. Make certain that the bolts on the battery cables are firmly attached to the battery posts. A common "won't start" problem is often the result of hard riding loosening the bolts from the battery terminals.

Your exhaust system is another component that is accessible in most models when you have sufficient exterior panels removed to get to the spark plug. Check the bolts holding the pipe to the engine to ensure a secure fit.

DISCLAIMER:

The steps we provide below are general in nature and are not meant to replace the instructions found in your OEM owner's manual. Obviously different brands have different engine mounting configurations meaning the location of the spark plug and how easy it is to access will vary. When in doubt, follow the OEM instructions. Our tips are intended to show you that this repair can be done as a DIY project saving you professional labor costs and a more enjoyable ATV experience.

THINGS YOU'LL NEED:

  • Shop rags
  • Screwdriver (to remove exterior panels)
  • OEM Spark Plug Pulling Tool or a socket, driver and extensions
  • Wire Gauge
  • Socket wrench set
  • OEM Manual
  • "Fine" Sandpaper
  • WD 40

REMOVING THE SPARK PLUG

  1. Refer to your OEM manual to determine which piece(s) of plastic you need to remove to gain access to the spark plug. If you don't have the manual check the manufacturer's site online and see if they have one for download.
  2. Remove the plastic.
  3. If you are unsure where the spark plug is just follow the spark plug wire (blue or red) to the boot. The plug is under the boot.
  4. Spray a little WD 40 around the boot and the surrounding area and then wipe clean. The last thing you need is debris falling into the engine once you have pulled the plug.
  5. Grab the spark plug wire boot and pull in the same direction that the plug is pointing. This may require a bit of effort so look to see where your hand is going to go when the boot snaps free to avoid a scraped knuckle.
  6. With the boot off slide the OEM plug puller tool over the plug and turn counterclockwise to unscrew. If you don't have the manufacturer's tool use a socket, driver and extension and do the same thing. If the plug is difficult to move, spray a little WD 40 around the base and wait a minute.

INSPECTING THE SPARK PLUG

  1. Even if you plan to replace the plug with a new one, inspect it and see if it's wet or smells of raw fuel. If so you may have a break in the engine seal. If you have pulled it just to clean it you can use WD 40 or fine grade sandpaper to remove carbon buildup. Use the gap gauge to set the gap and then reinstall.
  2. If the starter works but the engine won't catch it may be the plug or the spark plug wire. Clean and set the gap of the plug and then connect it to the spark plug wire. Hit the ignition and see if the plug gives off a good spark. If it doesn't, try the same test with a new plug. If there is still no spark the problem is most likely a faulty spark plug wire.

INSTALLING THE SPARK PLUG

  1. Basically you are going to do the same steps as "remove" only in reverse.
  2. Make certain the new plug is set at the correct gap.
  3. Insert the plug and tighten by hand if you can. Use the plug puller tool or socket for the final quarter to half turn. Do not over tighten the plug. Most ATV engine blocks are made of soft metals and you can damage them if you apply too much pressure to the plug.
  4. Check the connections inside the spark plug wire boot for dirt or carbon and clean if needed. Place the boot over the plug and push down until you hear it snap into position.
  5. Before you go to the effort of reinstalling the plastic, press the starter and make certain your plug is firing.
  6. Reinstall the plastic.

Replacing the spark plug is a simple DIY task that almost anyone can accomplish in a minimal amount of time.

 

- End of Procedure -


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How To Fix My ATV Spark Plug Getting Black

In many ways, the spark plug in your ATV is its beating heart. Not only does the spark plug start the engine in the first place, but it also keeps firing a spark every revolution of the engine (or every second revolution if you have a four-stroke).

Electrical energy is sent through the spark plug, causing a spark of electricity to jump the small gap if the voltage is high enough. This spark is in the perfect position to ignite the mixture of gas and air in the combustion chamber.

The importance of the spark plug to your ATV, UTV, or snowmobile’s operation means when something goes wrong with it, you’ll know pretty quickly. Spark plugs that appear white have likely been overheating. Those that are yellowing are typically affected by rust. These issues can be resolved by replacing the spark plug.

But what if your spark plugs keep turning black? This is an interesting conundrum, as there are a few possible reasons for charred or dark spark plugs. In this article, we’ll look at the top reasons your spark plugs are turning black and how to stop it from happening again.

Is the engine flooding?

Engine flooding occurs when fuel sits in the engine without being burnt. When the engine floods, this fuel can reach the spark plug, causing it to blacken and ultimately stop working as required.

It’s pretty easy to flood an ATV, UTV, or snowmobile engine if you’re not careful. Starting up the engine and then immediately stopping it often results in flooding because the fuel hasn’t had time to be burned. In this case, your vehicle may refuse to start up because the spark plug is covered in fuel.

For a quick fix, you can remove the spark plug and clean the area of fuel. Dry off the spark plug, and you should be back in business. You may be better off simply replacing the spark plug with a new one, though, to ensure it will work perfectly.

You can release the drain screw of the carburetor to drain all the fuel from the carb. If the engine is flooding due to a mechanical failure, you’ll need to get to the bottom of the issue. But removing and cleaning a carb is a relatively complex affair.

Inside the carb, the float level is critical to flooding. Too high, and the pilot circuit will be flooded with fuel. Too low, and the main jet lacks fuel at high speeds. The float level has a particularly low tolerance, often 1.5-2.5mm but sometimes only 1mm.

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Is there an oil leak?

Another culprit for black spark plugs is an oil leak. Oil can make its way to the spark plug through a faulty gasket, worn washers, or old O-rings.

If you can’t find the leak there, the valve guides or piston may be leaking oil. You’ll need to replace the part that’s leaking oil and replace the spark plug that’s been compromised.

Is the fuel mixture too rich?

If your carburetor is running too rich (i.e., too much gas), then this can cause calcium deposits to build up on the spark plug. If your mixture is too rich, you’ll likely also be noticing other symptoms, such as excessive black smoke from the exhaust.

These carbon deposits are a pain because electricity always seeks the path of least resistance, and carbon is an excellent conductor! The electricity will no longer be performing its duty to spark the gas correctly, resulting in poor performance overall.

Though there are a few reasons your fuel mixture could be too rich, in this case, the most likely cause is old engine oil. If you leave too much time between oil changes, you’ll see the results of the neglect here at the spark plug (alongside damage to other mechanics).

Resolve the issue by replacing your engine oil. New oil will break down the built-up carbon, so it gets stuck in the oil filter. And remember to keep changing your oil regularly.

How often should I change my spark plug?

In general, expect to replace spark plugs every 100 hours you ride your vehicle. As usual, this is just a general guideline, as hard riding or a hot climate can prematurely put a spark plug out of commission. 

Thankfully, spark plugs are relatively inexpensive, and it’s easy to change them yourself. First, remove the spark plug wire by hand. Take a wrench to unscrew the old spark plug, and use it again to install your new spark plug, ensuring it’s tight.

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