LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Honda >> 1998 >> Civic GX, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Ignition System (GX) >> Spark Plug Inspection

Spark Plug Inspection

  1. Inspect the electrodes and ceramic insulator for:
    Fig 1: Inspecting Electrodes & Ceramic Insulator
    G02510599Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  2. Inspect the threads tip of the spark plugs for corrosion.

    If you find any corrosion in that area, the spark plugs should be replaced. You should not clean the spark plugs with a wire brush and reuse them.

    Burned or worn electrodes may be caused by: 

    • Advanced ignition timing
    • Loose spark plug
    • Plug heat range too low
    • Insufficient cooling

    Fouled plug may be caused by: 

    • Retarded ignition timing
    • Oil in combustion chamber
    • Incorrect spark plug gap
    • Plug heat range too high
    • Excessive idling/low speed running
    • Clogged air cleaner element
    • Deteriorated ignition coil or ignition wires
  1. 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 Specification

    Standard 0.7-0.8 mm (0.028-0.031 in)
    Fig 2: Identifying Gap Of Platinum Tip Plug
    G02510600Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  2. Replace the plug at the specified interval, or if the center electrode is rounded as shown below:
    Fig 3: Identifying Rounded Electrode Plug
    G02510601Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
    NOTE: Use only the spark plugs listed below.

    Spark Plugs 

    PFR7N-D (NGK)

  3. Apply a small quantity of anti-seize compound to the plug threads, and screw the plugs into the cylinder head finger-tight. Then torque them to 18 N.m (1.8 kgf.m, 13 lbf-ft).