Spark Plug Inspection

Remove the ignition coils (see Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Removal/Installation ).
Remove the spark plugs and inspect the electrodes and the ceramic insulator.
- Burned or worn electrodes may be caused by these conditions:
  - Advanced ignition timing
  - Loose spark plug
  - Plug heat range too hot
  - Insufficient cooling
- Fouled plugs may be caused by these conditions:
  - Retarded ignition timing
  - Oil in combustion chamber
  - Incorrect spark plug gap
  - Plug heat range too cold
  - Excessive idling/low speed running
  - Clogged air cleaner element
  - Deteriorated ignition coils
    
    Fig 1: Identifying Electrodes & Ceramic Insulator
    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the spark plug electrode is dirty or contaminated, clean the electrode with a plug cleaner.
NOTE:
- Do not use a wire brush or scrape the iridium electrode since this will damage the electrode.
- When using a sandblaster spark plug cleaner, do not clean for more than 20 seconds to avoid damaging the electrode.
Do not adjust the gap of iridium tip plugs (A); replace the spark plug if the gap is out of specification.
Electrode Gap

Standard (New): 1.0-1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in.)

Fig 2: Identifying Gap Of Iridium Tip Plugs
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Replace the plug at the specified interval or if the center electrode is rounded (A). Use only the listed spark plugs.
Spark Plugs: ILFR6J11K (NGK)

SK20HPR-L11 (DENSO)

Fig 3: Identifying Center Electrode Is Rounded
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the plug threads, and screw the plugs into the cylinder head, finger-tight. Torque them to 18 N.m (1.8 kgf.m, 13 lbf.ft).