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-   -   #4 spark plug fouled. Temperaturw differences between plugs (https://www.moyermarineforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10744)

dwkfym 06-08-2018 01:18 AM

#4 spark plug fouled. Temperaturw differences between plugs
 
My #4 plug is always sooty black when I pull it out. The other plugs are normal. This happens within 15 mins of idling. Also, my #1 plug is cool enpugh to touch, and the plugs get hotter as they get closer to the tramsmission. #4 plug is hottest to the touch.

Points are set around .020. I ordered new plug wires, but im not sure if that is the culprit.

I am thinking thr #4 cyl is missing and that my cooling channels to that end of the motor are clogged somewhere.

Background-- boat and enginr got flooded last year. Had to replace all electricals and rewire engine. Havent left dock yet-- just did the last oil change. Had marvel mystery oil at the valves (via plug hole) and little bit in the fuel. Running without thermostat amd with manual valve at the bypass. Muriatic acid flush done mid season last year.

Anything else that could be causing these symptoms? Any way to clear coolant passages without engine disassembly?

JOHN COOKSON 06-08-2018 01:57 AM

A compression check would be a good idea since the engine was flooded (with water?). There may be stuck valve in #1 cylinder.
Maybe #4 plug is not good. Try swapping the plugs between cylinders and see if the trouble follows the plug.

TRUE GRIT

joe_db 06-08-2018 06:26 AM

Hmmmm.......
#4 usually will foul first because it is colder than the others in my experience. Odd that it is the hottest one :confused:
Is it carbon or oil fouling? Carbon = dryish black, oil is wetter.

Dave Neptune 06-08-2018 10:54 AM

Things seem a bit backwards as far as your plug temps. If #4 is fouling it should be the "coolest" to the touch.

Before doing to much fiddling check you spark at the # 4 plug or if it is difficult any other plug will be OK. You should see a crisp blue flash, if it is pale or yellowish no good.

And if the spark is good start it and try leaning the idle by "opening" the idle air screw about a half of a turn and see if the idle becomes smoother. The average setting on most of these beasties is 1 1/2 turns off the seat. Remember that the screw adjusts the amount of air not fuel so out is lean and in is rich.

Another important and often over looked part of the ignition system are the "spark plug boots" the "BOOT" part needs to fit snug on the plug ceramic and should have no cracks. The boot ceramic relationship is what controls the heat radiated by the plug so they are important as far a good plug temps. A good idea is to coat the inside of the boot with some dielectric grease to aid in not sticking, tears in the boot and good contact for the insulating job the boot does to maintain good plug temps;).

Dave Neptune :cool:

dwkfym 06-08-2018 12:02 PM

That is why I am thinking #4 is missing - firing every once in a while. Brand new plugs. its black, sooty, carbon fouling.

I can see one of the valves in #1 moving. The plug comes out looking new still (I haven't run it long enough for it to get grey yet) Can I move my head around and see the other valve at #1?

Do you think removing the thermostat might make it so cool that i can still touch the #1 spark plug, and that it might ? Headed to the boat soon.

joe_db 06-08-2018 01:00 PM

misfire makes plugs cold.
BTW - we mean the aft plug when we say #4. Is that what you mean??

JOHN COOKSON 06-08-2018 01:54 PM

I would definitely change out the distributor cap and rotor if you haven't done so recently.

TRUE GRIT

Edit: Is #1 plug firing or not? Start the engine and pull the wire off #1 and see if there's any change in the way the engine runs.

dwkfym 06-09-2018 09:09 AM

Yes #4, transmissioj side plug.
I will try pulling #1 while its running

dwkfym 06-10-2018 04:09 PM

just wanted to update - my distributor, rotor, and points are brand new.

sastanley 06-10-2018 10:16 PM

So, if you have plugs that are cool, maybe the timing is off...did you think about resetting everything with regards to timing and make sure you have the plug wires correct 1-2-4-3?

dwkfym 06-11-2018 10:12 AM

plug wires are correct. So indeed timing might be causing this? I will redo timing as soon as I can.

joe_db 06-11-2018 10:52 AM

I don't see how timing would change the temp of just ONE spark plug :confused:

dwkfym 06-11-2018 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe_db (Post 112734)
I don't see how timing would change the temp of just ONE spark plug :confused:

Its gradual. #1 being cooleest, with #4 being hottest. Each plug gets hotter and hotter

joe_db 06-11-2018 12:03 PM

Before you do anything else, do a power check. Use oven mitts and while the engine is running slowly under load, remove and replace the wires one by one. Note the RPM drop for each cylinder. Don't forget the glove! Not that I did that - more than once :o:eek:

Dave Neptune 06-11-2018 03:31 PM

When did the new distributor parts go in? Before of after the present starting issue?

Dave Neptune :cool:

dwkfym 06-12-2018 11:12 AM

Went in before this winter. There is no starting issue (starts up barely after first crank has time to finish)

Dave Neptune 06-12-2018 12:20 PM

If an a-4 starts instantly it is way to rich. Be sure the choke is opening. You could also easily have an air jet plugged in the idle circuit or main sequence. Also check to be sure the flame arrester is clear.

A good running A-4 BY DESIGN with an updraft carburetor should take a few turns just to get fuel UP to the manifold then into the cylinders. Quick starts and fouled plugs indicate a very rich condition. Have you tried to adjust the idle air screw?

Dave Neptune :cool:

edwardc 06-12-2018 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwkfym (Post 112760)
..... (starts up barely after first crank has time to finish)

This little factoid tells me that mix is almost certainly too rich.
Because the A4 uses an updraft carb, a properly adjusted mix should be a little hard to start when cold, even with full choke.

Some time back, I followed Hanley's example and installed an Air:Fuel ratio gauge on my A4. That, and an adjustable main jet, lets me get it spot-on at the proper 14.7:1 ratio. And it normally takes about 3 trys to start with full choke when cold.

A too-rich mix will run cooler, and produce more plug fouling.

EDIT: Once again, Dave types way faster than I do! :)


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