OEM Buick Park Avenue Spark Plug

Buick Park Avenue Spark Plug Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Spark Plug
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  Q: What steps should be taken to ensure the correct installation and inspection of a spark plug to avoid driveability issues on Buick Park Avenue?

  A: Verify that the proper Spark Plug is installed to prevent driving problems and ensure that it has a suitable heat range which will help avoid plug fouling or pre-ignition failure from using a plug with poor heat resistance. The terminal post needs an inspection for damage verification while testing its stability through twisting and pulling motions. Successfully steady base position verifies its safety. The insulator needs inspection for flashover or carbon tracking since electrical charge movement from terminal post to ground can cause problems while looking for boot damage alongside moisture in the Cylinder Head recess. Verify the insulator has no cracks that would allow arcing instead of electrode contact by examining it (3, 4). Also check that the gap between center electrode and side electrode matches design specifications to ensure proper performance. Professional technicians should check the correct torque setting for spark plugs because low torque generates operational problems but high torque can break the insulator. The insulator tip should be checked for tracking indications and both the side and center electrodes need inspection for wear, breakage and looseness or damage which produces a rattling sound when shaken. Verify the electrodes (3, 4) have no bridge formation from deposits and inspect platinum pads on these electrodes (3, 4) when present. No debris should exist in the recess area of the Spark Plug because any damage or dirt can stop the plug from seating properly when you put it in. The visual inspection of the spark plugs reveals a brown to grayish-tan coloration with minimal white particles under normal conditions but carbon fouling appears as dry black carbon due to multiple factors consisting of rich fuel mixtures, fuel injector leakage, high fuel pressure or faulty air filters or incorrect combustion, reduced ignition voltage, weak coils, worn ignition wires, improper Spark Plug gap or prolonged idling. Electrode spark intensity reduces when deposit fouling material from oil, coolant or additives creates either surface glazing or forms a film over the electrode.