FixVault

Spark Plug Inspection

  1. Remove the ignition coils and the spark plugs (see IGNITION COIL AND SPARK PLUG REMOVAL/INSTALLATION  ).
  2. Inspect the electrodes and the ceramic insulator.
    • Burned or worn electrodes may be caused by these conditions:
      • Advanced ignition timing
      • Loose spark plug
      • Plug heat range too hot
      • Insufficient cooling
    • Fouled plugs may be caused by these conditions:
      • Retarded ignition timing
      • Oil in combustion chamber
      • Incorrect spark plug gap
      • Plug heat range too cold
      • Excessive idling/low speed running
      • Clogged air cleaner element
      • Deteriorated ignition coils
        Fig 1: Identifying Spark Plugs
        G07340694Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  3. Replace the plug at the specified interval, or if the center electrode (A) is rounded, or if the spark plug gap (B) is out of specification, or if the spark plug electrode is dirty or contaminated. Use only the spark plug listed.
    NOTE:
    • Do not use a wire brush or scrape the iridium electrode since this will damage the electrode.
    • When using a sand blaster spark plug cleaner, do not clean for more than 20 seconds to avoid damaging the electrode.
    NOTE: Do not adjust the gap of iridium tip plugs.

    All models except PZEV 

    Spark Plugs 

    NGK: ILZKR7B-11S 

    DENSO: SXU22HCR11S 

    Electrode Gap 

    Standard (New): 1.0-1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in) 

    PZEV model 

    Spark Plugs 

    NGK: DILZKR7A11GS 

    Electrode Gap 

    Standard (New): 1.0-1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in) 

    Fig 2: Identifying Center Electrode And Spark Plug Gap Of All Models Except PZEV
    G07340695Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
    Fig 3: Identifying Center Electrode And Spark Plug Gap Of PZEV
    G07340696Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  4. Install the spark plugs and the ignition coils (see IGNITION COIL AND SPARK PLUG REMOVAL/INSTALLATION  ).