Pioneer 1200 Maintenance Service Manual page 204

13
FE400 ENGINE
Spark Plug Removal
See General Warning, Section 1, Page 1-1.
CAUTION
• Before removal and disassembly, clean the engine.
Remove all dirt from plug base in the cylinder head before removing plug. Use a 13/16-inch deep well socket
wrench or 13/16-inch plug wrench to loosen the plug.
Figure 13-1 Spark Plug
Spark Plug Cleaning, Inspection and Repair
Examine the plug (Figure 13-1, Page 13-2). The deposits on the plug base and electrode are an indication of
the correct heat range and efficiency as well as a guide to the general condition of the engine, fuel and air mix-
ture and ignition system. If all of the above conditions are proper, the spark plug should be a light brown color.
There should be no bridging between the electrode and base. The electrode should not be eroded. Black
color, excessive carbon, and/or a wet plug indicate the fuel is too rich. White, burned or melted electrodes indi-
cate the fuel is too lean or pre-igniting. Oily deposits on the plug electrode are an indication of worn rings,
valve guides, cylinder wall, etc. Also examine the spark plug wire. Remove rubber boot and inspect internal
spring for damage. Inspect spark plug wire for damage and be sure spring coil is securely attached to spark
plug. See following WARNING.
∆
WARNING
• Remove spark plug wire to avoid accidental start up of the engine when servicing vehicle. To
avoid ignition of fuel and serious personal injury or death, never try to start the engine with
plug removed from engine.
Testing the Spark Plug
Check the sparking ability of a cleaned and regapped plug on a sparking comparator if possible. Spark should
be blue and strong and able to jump a 5/16-inch (8 mm) gap.
Setting the Spark Gap
1. Pass a contact point file between the electrodes to produce flat, parallel surfaces to facilitate accurate
gauging.
Page 13-2 2003 Pioneer 1200/1200SE Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance and Service Manual
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General Information