Spark Plug Inspection - Acura 3.5 RL Manual

Ignition System

Spark Plug Inspection

1. Inspect the electrodes and ceramic insulator for:
Worn or deformed
electrodes
Damaged
gasket
Cracked
insulator
Burned or worn electrodes may be caused by:
Advanced ignition timing
Loose spark plug
Plug heat range too hot
Insufficient cooling
Fouled plug may be caused by:
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 coil or ignition wires
2.
Improper gap
Oil-fouling
Carbon deposits
Cracked center
electrode insulator
3.
4.
Do not adjust the gap of platinum tip plugs; replace
the spark plug if the gap is out of specification or if
the center electrode is rounded.
Electrode Gap:
Standard 1.1 mm (0.043
Service Limit
Replace the plug at the specified interval, or if the
center electrode is rounded as shown below:
NOTE: Use only the spark plugs listed below.
Spark Plugs
PFR5L-11 (NGK)
PK16PR-L11 (DENSO)
Apply a small quantity of anti-seize compound to
the plug threads, and screw the plugs into the cylin-
der head finger-tight. Then torque them to 18 N-m
(1.8 kgf-m, 13 Ibf-ft).
in)
1.3 mm (0.051 in)
Platinum tip plug:
Do not adjust the gap;
replace the spark plug if the
gap is out of specification or
if the center electrode is
rounded.
ROUNDED ELECTRODE