Unsuccessful engine starting can upset any car owner. Often the cause of the identified failure is wet spark plug electrodes. gasoline engine. Due to the complexity of diagnostics, searching for an answer to the question of why spark plugs are flooded usually becomes a “blind” search.

A detailed analysis of the processes occurring in the engine cylinder helps to correctly understand the reasons for this phenomenon. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the type fuel system and ignition, time of year and features of the element of spark formation.

How do flooded candles behave?

Wet spark plug electrodes appear due to the contact of only two liquids on their surface - gasoline or oil. In the first case, we can safely call the fuel intake system the “culprit”, and the reasons for oiling the electrodes can be different.

The problem of flooding spark plugs is typical for engines of any system. Both carburetor and engines with fuel injection systems suffer. Regardless of the source of failure, failure in normal spark plug operation is expressed as follows:

1. Refusal to start the engine. The malfunction is most often characteristic of a cold engine, but it also occurs with the engine when trying to restart.
2. The appearance of a persistent smell of unburnt fuel. When the gasoline-air mixture enters the cylinder cavity, it does not ignite and is released into the exhaust system.
3. When inspecting a unscrewed spark plug, damp electrodes or dark carbon deposits have formed.

It is easy to determine without unscrewing a flooded spark plug by the absence of catches when turning crankshaft engine.

Before deciding what to do about the malfunction of the ignition system, it is necessary to determine the nature of the malfunction and eliminate the source.

Reasons for constantly flooded candles

Wet electrodes are a failure in two main ways. In the first case, the spark plugs will be flooded if the power supply and ignition systems malfunction. In the second situation, the parts of the cylinder-piston group are to blame, when oil particles contaminate the electrodes.

The process of mixture formation in the cylinders, taking into account cold starts, is carried out according to the following algorithm. The engine control unit takes into account outside temperature and cold engine condition. Taking into account the oxygen concentration, a decision is made to increase the supply to the injector. There is a deliberate enrichment of the working mixture. Under normal conditions, the engine starts without hesitation. But under certain circumstances the spark plugs will fire without producing a spark:

1. Increased clearances of parts of the cylinder-piston group. When the engine is cold, this leads to a decrease in compression, which does not contribute to the ignition of the mixture. The factor should not be considered if the problem is identified on a separate cylinder.
2. Low fuel quality. Timely evaporation of gasoline is possible when it is high quality and in the absence of dilution with moist air condensate.
3. Uncertain cranking of the crankshaft by the starter due to thickened oil or a weak battery. In this case, insufficient spark is generated, which does not provide sufficient impulse to ignite the mixture.

All of these factors constitute the causes of misfires. Sometimes factors act as a whole, but it is better to diagnose them separately.

The reason is the candle

It is possible that the described factors do not affect the spark source in the cylinder. If she continues to fill the candles with gasoline, she herself often becomes the culprit. There are two possible situations here:

1. Sparking problem. As a result of the operation of the crank mechanism, pressure may form that cannot be overcome when a spark is formed. This results from a large gap and insufficient current.
2. Leakage current. Occurs in worn-out products when the insulating properties of the spark body are violated, and the current directly flows to ground.

If the car owner does not know how to properly test a spark plug, it is worth contacting a specialized service to test the product on a bench.

When replacing spark plugs due to their failure, pay attention to high-quality and durable products. To answer the question of which spark plugs are better, follow these rules:

• compliance with nominal dimensions;
• selection of a spark source according to the degree of engine boost;
• electrode material with high service life.

If you cannot determine all the parameters yourself, do not hesitate to consult with the seller.

Electrodes are covered in oil

Another common reason for electrode flooding is related to the engine lubrication system. Such a malfunction will affect both the injector and the carburetor engine. It is appropriate to exclude from this list only two-stroke engines, where a separate lubrication system does not exist.

When determining the source of “oiling” of the electrodes, the area of ​​contamination should be considered. The following circumstances are taken into account:

1. Bottom spark plug contamination. The reason is wear and tear piston system or even damage to the oil scraper ring.
2. Grease accumulation at the top. Oil may appear due to damage to the valve cover gasket or valve seals.

The causes of damage to engine elements lie in overheating of the engine, operation with an excessive oil level, and clogging of the ventilation duct of the engine crankcase. A detailed diagnosis of the causes of failure should be entrusted to experienced mechanics.

Other engine malfunctions

Other causes of spark plug malfunction include:

• violation of fuel injection pressure and lack of fine spray;
• sensor malfunction electronic unit management;
• clogging fuel injectors and malfunction of the high pressure pump.

Typically, these reasons are clarified after the first negative results of the primary diagnosis. In this case, doubts like “what to do” are resolved by comprehensive diagnostics of the operation of internal combustion engine systems.

Directions for eliminating the situation

When spark plugs are flooded with gasoline, it is usually enough to dry them. It is enough to unscrew them from the seat and crank the engine to blow air through the cylinders for 10-15 seconds, and treat the electrodes with a stream of hot air.

It is also possible to use the closed blowing method. This is where you need to know how to use the controls correctly. With the gas pedal fully depressed, the crankshaft is cranked. Abundant air flows and dry the candle. When the gas is subsequently released, the incoming gasoline ignites.

With regularly unstable spark plugs, further actions We choose based on the causes of the malfunction. It is better to replace damaged spark plugs and repair serious engine malfunctions.

Not long ago I wrote how to clean spark plugs from carbon deposits (you can), the article is really useful with many photos and video materials. But today I want to talk about another problem, it happens that in the morning in the parking lot (especially in winter) we cannot start the car. It must be said that if you do not start the car the first time, then it will be more difficult to do so; the spark plugs may simply flood. You “turn” the engine a second and third time and many more times (until the battery runs out), but the car does not start. And this is not always a breakdown, the car’s spark plugs simply do not give the correct spark, as ordinary motorists (like you and me) say, the spark plugs are flooded. Let's talk today about why this happens and how to avoid it........

What does it mean that the spark plugs are “flooded”?

For beginners this question is not always clear. Everything is very simple. As you and I already know in the engine internal combustion, during operation, several processes occur.

The first is the supply of the fuel-air mixture (when fuel is mixed with air and supplied to the engine cylinders).

The second is the compression of this mixture by the engine cylinders (the valves are closed and the piston goes up, reaching the maximum point).

The third is ignition (a spark is supplied to the spark plugs, whereby this compressed fuel ignites, a mini explosion occurs, and the piston moves down)

The fourth is the exit of these exhaust gases (when the burnt fuel leaves the engine piston, through the valves and then the gas exhaust system - the muffler).

But when it’s cold outside, sub-zero temperatures, the third “ignition” cycle doesn’t always happen. That is fuel mixture(gasoline + air) enter the engine cylinders, but ignition does not occur. Thus, fuel simply floods the spark plugs, they become wet, and spark formation on such candles is almost impossible. If the spark plugs get wet and continue to “spinning” the engine, then you are only making the situation worse, because the cycles go on - ignition does not occur - the spark plugs become more and more wet from the fuel.

Why is there no spark and flooding occurs?

Everything depends on the device of your car (), as well as on the condition of your car’s battery.

Battery

The main culprit is this. At low temperatures, it does not create the required voltage on the engine spark plugs; the spark is weak and cannot ignite the fuel. Because of this, the candles begin to flood, after which the process only gets worse.

Advice! Before the winter period, be sure to check the battery; if in the summer you can still drive on a weak battery, then in the winter this will not happen!

Carburetor

A simple but outdated fuel injection system. An incorrectly adjusted one can overflow fuel into the combustion chambers; if at positive temperatures this still works, then with the onset of cold weather the excess fuel simply floods the candles. And starting a car with a carburetor becomes almost impossible. Also, the carburetor does not have a fuel supply gauge. That is, if you do not start the car, it will continue to “pour” gasoline in the volume in which it is configured.

Advice. Before winter, be sure to properly adjust the carburetor. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to start in severe frosts (I know from my own experience).

Injector

A more progressive, but also more complex system. At low temperatures, on-board computer forces the injector nozzles to supply more fuel to the air mixture in order to improve – enrich the composition. However, if the car has a “weak” battery, the spark is not enough to ignite the fuel, thus flooding the spark plugs on the injector. But you still need to be able to fill the injector! Unlike a carburetor, an injector has many sensors that monitor the engine and fuel delivery. If the car does not start, then fuel is not supplied in a large volume, and therefore the filling of spark plugs can be kept to a minimum.

Advice! If the car does not start the first or third time, wait about five minutes, then try again. If it still doesn’t start, you need to charge the battery and clean the spark plugs.

What to do if the spark plugs are flooded?

1) First, charge the battery, most likely it is discharged.

2) You need to unscrew the old spark plugs and install new, dry ones, if you have a spare set.

3) Flooded candles need to be dried. We unscrew them and take them home. and put them to dry, for example on a battery. If you are in a hurry, you can dry it on a gas burner, just without enthusiasm, no need to heat it up to red!

4) If you are in a hurry, you can try to start the car with the spark plugs filled. To do this, press the gas pedal all the way and try to start the car. The air that enters the cylinders can dry out the spark plugs a little! At the injector - the on-board computer turns off the excess fuel supply, thus drying the spark plugs. And the carburetor does not create increased pressure in the cylinders; I would even say that a vacuum appears, which is also capable of drawing out excess fuel. But for this you need a well-charged battery, and if you have a “weak” battery, then you won’t be able to dry it this way.

Sometimes a removed spark plug may be wet. This may be caused by gasoline, oil or coolant (antifreeze). Each of these liquids has its own determination methods.

Gasoline can be easily identified by its high volatility. By unscrewing the spark plug, the gasoline quickly dries out. Most often, filling with gasoline occurs when starting a cold engine. This can also happen due to incorrect ignition adjustment.

Oil on the spark plug electrodes may appear due to significant wear of the oil seals in the valves. Less commonly, the cause may be wear of the engine cylinder-piston group or breakdown oil scraper rings on the piston. Any of these faults requires immediate repair.

The amount of oil on the spark plugs can indicate how serious the problem is. When diagnosing, it is best to use a set of new spark plugs recommended by the car manufacturer, since droplets of oil are clearly visible on a clean insulator. The first stage is the appearance of small dark spots from burnt oil. This will not affect the performance of the spark plug in any way, but will indicate that there are still problems with the engine. The next stage of oil entering the combustion chamber will be the moistening of the lower threaded part of the spark plug. This state of the spark plug will cause popping noises in the muffler Idling. They disappear as the engine speed increases.

The last stage is the complete wetting of the candle from below. In this situation, a spark does not form at all. Therefore, a cylinder with such a spark plug does not work. You can find out about this by regular claps in the muffler, which do not stop with increasing speed. The engine starts to stall.

If oil enters the combustion chamber with completely working fuel supply and ignition systems, then its combustion occurs on the electrodes of the spark plug. As a result, the oil does not have time to wet the candle. That's not to say it's good, but it's not too bad either. In this case, droplets of burned oil turn into ash. It accumulates on the electrodes, increasing their thickness. When the engine is running, the ash warms up well. This promotes further combustion of the incoming oil. It is easy to clean, but it is better to do this at the same time as replacing the valve seals. If you remove the ash from the candle, the oil may stop burning. Because of this, the spark may stop jumping, the spark plug will flood, and the cylinder will stop working.

Sometimes “traditional craftsmen” use the following methods to combat flooding of candles: install candles with a shorter skirt or with a higher heat rating, increase the spark voltage by putting on high-voltage tips, leaving a small gap. All these methods are short-lived, ineffective, and are dangerous for the condition of the car.

The reasons for the ingress of coolant may be the following: a poorly pressed cylinder head, a crack in it or in the liner body, a leaky carburetor heating system. As for the last reason, it is typical only for Japanese cars.

In practice, it is difficult to determine whether antifreeze enters the combustion chamber, since when the engine warms up, some holes may close as a result of metal expansion. Diagnostics must be carried out on a cold engine. To do this, you need to start the car for about 10 seconds. During this time, the candles will not have time to heat up and the cracks will not disappear. When the spark plug is removed, the coolant looks like dew drops.

When buying new spark plugs, you should be wary of counterfeits, as they can cause the entire engine to fail. They can be identified by a crooked or uneven inscription, poor-quality processing of the hexagon of the candle, or poorly executed packaging.

A large number of motorists in operation vehicle periodically encounter startup difficulties power unit. In this case, quite often there are no obvious prerequisites in the form of clearly manifested malfunctions. An unexpected engine failure to start can occur both during a cold start and when trying to start a previously warmed one. In such cases, one of the most common reasons The reason why the car engine does not start is that the spark plugs in the engine are filled with gasoline or oil.

If the spark plugs are flooded, starting the engine will be very difficult or completely impossible. This indicates the presence of certain problems both with the engine itself and with separate elements and systems. In this article we will talk about why it floods, how to understand why the spark plugs are flooded, and also what a driver should do if the car does not start, fill the spark plugs with gasoline or motor oil, etc.

Read in this article

Why do the spark plugs flood when starting the engine when cold?

Let's start with the fact that in the warm season the problem of flooding candles is not as pressing as in cold weather. As a result, it becomes more common that the car's spark plugs flood in the cold. The main signs of flooded candles:

• the problem manifests itself in such a way that the starter turns over, but the engine does not “catch”;
• from exhaust pipe smells like gasoline, the smell is distinct at the moment;
• after unscrewing the spark plugs, the threads and electrodes are in gasoline, and dark carbon deposits are also present at the bottom of the spark plug;

Let us add that fuel filling occurs regardless of what power system is installed on a particular vehicle (engine with injection injection or carburetor version). The only thing, if you compare the injector and the carburetor, fills the spark plugs on the injector in cold weather somewhat less often. Also, some filling features may differ slightly, taking into account the individual characteristics of a particular power system.

So, the spark plugs flood (especially at subzero temperatures) as a result of the fact that fuel enters the combustion chamber from the power system, but the fuel does not ignite. The spark plugs become wet, after which the further normal process of spark formation becomes impossible, that is, the engine will no longer be able to start.

As practice shows, the list of reasons why spark plugs fill on a cold injector or when a similar problem occurs on carburetor car, includes several main points:

Tuning and upgrading spark plugs with your own hands to improve fuel efficiency and other characteristics of the internal combustion engine. How to modify the candles yourself.

The starter turns, but the car does not start, many motorists begin to look for a problem in the battery. But sometimes it’s not his fault. In winter or autumn, when the air is damp or cold, starting the car in the morning can become a real problem. It turns out that quite often the spark plugs flood when starting the engine. Let's figure out why this happens. And how you can fight these.

Why does the candles flood?

Before you begin active actions, you need to understand at least a little what happens to the spark plugs when you turn the key in When the starter begins to move the valves of the engine cylinders, that is, it tries to start the engine, gasoline is mixed with air in the cylinder chamber, after which it ignites from a spark with candles.

Therefore, we can conclude that without a spark, a micro-explosion will not occur in the combustion chamber of the engine, and it will not start. However, at sub-zero temperatures (-10 and below) or due to insufficiently high temperature mixtures of gasoline and air, chemical reactions, and the mixture does not ignite, as a result of which the spark plugs are filled with fuel and stop working. Now let's figure out what to do if the candles are flooded, when transport is needed right now and there is no time to wait for the master to arrive.

We fix the problem ourselves

To with my own hands To fix the problem, you must at least know where the spark plugs are located. There are several solutions. The first is installing a new kit, of course, if you have one. It is advisable not to throw away the old ones, but simply put them in the garage. In order to remove the spark plugs, you will need a special one, which almost every motorist has. However, the method is not suitable for everyone, due to the lack of a new kit.

Now let’s look at a method that involves using old candles. The fact is that they are not spoiled, but simply filled with gasoline, but drying alone is also not enough. Therefore, we will need a furnace in which we can heat the candle to a high temperature and change color to red. This event is carried out in order to get rid of residual fuel and the carbon deposits that have actually formed. But here you need to remember that in this case, firstly, the ceramics of the candle will deteriorate, and secondly, polishing will be required before installation.

What to do if the candles are flooded, or Another solution

This method is used by almost all motorists, due to the high efficiency and simplicity of the method. To do this, we will not need to leave the car, because we will carry out the so-called blowing of the spark plugs. We completely squeeze out the accelerometer (gas) part, while turning the starter, at this time a large amount of air will flow to the cylinders and spark plugs, which is drying. With all this throttle valve must be completely open.

It should be noted that this method is applicable to both injection and carburetor engines. The only thing you need to be wary of is that your battery will not withstand such loads - it will run out before the spark plugs dry. Again, due to the fact that the throttle valve is open to the maximum, gasoline does not flow to the combustion chambers, which is what we need. Now you know what to do if the spark plugs are flooded, but you need to consider the sequence of actions on fuel-injected cars as a separate item.

Problem with spark plugs on injector

You probably know that new cars do not have this problem. This is due to sufficient compression. Of course, the quality of the fuel also plays a role: unfortunately, it is not first-class, it is often diluted, which interferes with the normal ignition of the mixture in the cylinders. Also, dirty injection nozzles prevent normal

In principle, the situation is resolved quite quickly. To do this, remove the spark plugs, dry them, put them back, check the gaps and start the engine. Since injection spark plugs are practically no different from carburetor spark plugs, the process of cleaning them is exactly the same. They can be unscrewed and then cleaned with a wire brush; in this case, heating is not required. But sometimes the carbon deposits are so strong that you can’t do without it. As a rule, a fully charged battery and a fully working starter will allow you to start the engine without any problems.

How to prevent candles from flooding

As noted above, on new cars the question does not arise: what to do if the spark plugs are flooded, since this does not happen. But you can get rid of this on any car, you just need to comply with a number of important requirements. Firstly, you need to use special motor oil that does not thicken at low temperatures, this allows you to start the engine without much effort and stress on the battery and starter.

Secondly, high-quality fuel will not allow your spark plug to burn out. What to do, if good gasoline difficult to find? That's another question. At the very least, you shouldn’t look for gas stations with minimal prices, as you simply risk running into diluted fuel. Injection nozzles should always be adjusted and cleaned, this will affect the starting time in a positive way.

Let's sum it up

In conclusion, I would like to say that the car must be prepared for use in the cold season. To do this, you need to switch the filter from summer mode to winter mode. It is also recommended to fully charge battery, which will make the start easier. As for the candles themselves, it is advisable to always have a spare set with you, because it is unknown where they can be filled and what to do then.

The same applies to motor oil: it must be selected according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. And do not pour instead of synthetics mineral oils. I would also like to note that if you are unsuccessful the first time, then it is advisable to wait 20-25 seconds before starting the second. It must be remembered that over-enrichment of the mixture of air and gasoline can happen at any time, even when everything is working properly. But after reading this article, you already know what to do if the spark plugs are flooded, so you will always be prepared for such a problem to arise and eliminate it.