Your snowblower spark plugs might be bad if:
- The engine has a rough idle.
- You have trouble starting your snowblower.
- The engine of your snowblower misfires.
- There is engine hesitation or surge.
- There is high fuel consumption.
Are you worried that your snowblower spark plugs are bad? Read this helpful guide to find out what to do!
Why should I check my engine spark plugs?
The electrodes on your spark plugs have to be sharp and clean in order to create the strong spark that spurs ignition.
The dirtier and more worn your spark plugs are, the greater the pull on the rewind. There is a greater amount of energy needed to create the spark you need.
If your engine hasn’t been turned on recently, your snowblower may not start or you might have to tug on the rewind many times to start the engine. If this is the case, a damaged spark plug might be the reason.
These problems can also cause oil dilution, deposits on the cylinder head, and excessive fuel consumption.
When should I check and replace my spark plugs?
You should check and/or replace your spark plugs once a year, according to the owner’s manual, and if your snowblower won’t start.
Another good rule of thumb is to replace them after 100 hours of use. Clean them every 20-30 hours of use and check the gap.
If you do this, your spark plug will stay clean and you will also know if something is wrong with it.
You can keep a log of how long you use your snowblower each time it storms so that you have a rough idea of when to clean them and when to replace them.
How long do spark plugs last?
How long your spark plugs last depends on how much you use your snowblower.
If you live somewhere that never sees more than an inch or two of snow a few times a year, your spark plugs can potentially last for years. However, there is a low chance that they will function optimally for years on end.
But if you clear driveways to make money, 100 hours of use may only take a few weeks to reach.
How can I make my spark plugs last longer?
Although it’s not a bad idea to change your spark plugs frequently, it can save you money to recondition your old plugs instead.
When you remove an old spark plug, there will probably be buildup on the outside of it. This is usually why the part fails.
According to Eastwood Garage, a media blaster can recondition the electrode by blasting the residue off.
What should I do before putting my spark plugs back in the engine?
Before you put a refurbished or new plug into your engine, blow out any debris inside of it with canned air.
By reducing the dust inside the cavity, you will help the spark plug work optimally. You can also treat the threads with a high-quality anti-seize compound.
This will help you remove the plug in the future, but you can’t get any on the electrode.
You can also use a carburetor cleaner to clean the electrode. This will get rid of ceramic dust or anything left over from the manufacturing process. It is also a good way to make sure there is no anti-seize on the tip.
What are some signs that I need to replace my spark plugs?
If you’re not keeping track of hours, these are some signs that your spark plugs need to be serviced or replaced.
- The engine has a rough idle.
- You have trouble starting your snowblower.
- The engine of your snowblower misfires.
- There is engine hesitation or surge.
- There is high fuel consumption.
How can I inspect my spark plugs?
You need to inspect your spark plugs for common signs that your spark plugs are damaged. Here is a list of steps to check your spark plugs.
- Disconnect the lead of the spark plug. Clean surrounding the spark plug to avoid depositing debris in the combustion when you remove the plug.
- Remove the plug using a socket.
- Inspect it for deposits, electrodes that have burned, or cracked porcelain. These are all signs that you need to replace your spark plug.
- Check the gap and adjust it if you need to.
How do I change my spark plugs?
Replacing your spark plugs isn’t hard.
When you need to tune up your snowblower at the beginning of the season or store it at the end, you can get a tune-up kit. This will come with parts and fluids for you to use.
According to AFC Spark Plug, there are a couple steps to changing your spark plugs.
- Find the correct spark plug and adjust the gap settings.
- Disconnect the spark plug lead and take it out with a socket.
- Replace your new spark plug. Be careful not to make it too tight and put back the spark plug lead.
What are some helpful tips to know about my spark plugs?
Here are some things to keep in mind.
You can find the spark plug at the back of the engine. It appears to be a wire with an L-shaped cap at the end of it that connects to the engine. You might need to take off a plate to reach your spark plug.
The gap between your electrodes is usually meant to be around .03 inches.
It can be hard to get the spark plug boot off of the engine. Don’t be scared to yank it hard.
What are some other things to consider before changing the spark plugs?
First you should check your ignition system.
Look for a faulty ignition switch, corroded, damaged, or broken wire, an improper spark plug gap, faulty ignition coil, and faulty spark plug wire.
Then make sure you have enough fuel, and that it isn’t stale or contaminated. Sometimes water can get in the fuel tank while it’s in storage.
If everything seems to be in working order, your spark plugs are probably to blame.
