

READ MORE: Why Is My Car’s Engine Burning Oil? (& How To Fix It) 2. However, you can catch the issue early on if you notice the vehicle is burning through oil faster than normal. This problem occurs more often in older vehicles. When oil leaks into the combustion chamber, the tip of the plugs gets contaminated, leading to failure. One of the main reasons for the fouled plug is oil contamination. It can also be due simply to age if they weren’t replaced when they were due after the service schedule. Causes of Fouled Spark Plugsįouled spark plugs are usually caused by internal oil leaks into the combustion chamber, such as leaking valve seals or piston rings. This condition is known as running rich and can also be caused by many other faults. In this case, you may start to smell gasoline coming from the tailpipe of your vehicle. If the fuel isn’t being ignited properly, it’s going to make its way through the exhaust unburned. The spark plugs are needed to ignite the fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber. RELATED: 10 Causes of Car Engine has Rough Idle (How to Fix it) 7. You might also notice unusual vibrations as the ECU tries to compensate for the failure. When the plugs are bad, the idle may start to drop off or surge unnecessarily. You should get used to where it normally idles and the sound it creates.

When operating normally, the engine is going to maintain a consistent RPM. Instead, you must perform a complete diagnosis to figure out what’s going on. Still, trouble accelerating can be caused by numerous factors, so you can’t just assume you are dealing with fouled spark plugs. However, the worn-out spark plug may lead to trouble with responsiveness. With a solid-running engine, the motor is going to respond instantly when you step on the gas pedal. In this case, you could simply adjust the gap. Poor fuel economy can also be caused by a spark plug gap that’s too far apart or close when compared with factory specifications. Because fouled spark plugs aren’t burning fuel efficiently, you will end up using more gas. Whenever the car engine doesn’t operate perfectly, the fuel economy is going to drop. Either way, the Check Engine Light will usually come on when the misfiring starts. These problems can also be caused by a failing sensor. This problem could start as a stumble or sputter, eventually getting worse. When the spark plug can’t help burn the fuel in the combustion chamber properly, misfiring is going to occur. At first, it might take just a second longer but eventually fail to start completely if not repaired. You might notice the problem a little at a time. If they are fouled, there’s going to be more difficulty cranking the engine over. Spark plugs are needed to get the engine started. RELATED: 6 Symptoms of Bad Spark Plugs (& Replacement Cost) 2. Therefore, this probably won’t be the first symptom you come to, but it will be the one that confirms the spark plug is fouled. However, most people aren’t pulling the plugs to look at them unless other problems are noticed. If you put them side-by-side, you will clearly see the difference. Contaminated PlugĪs discussed above, a fouled spark plug isn’t going to look like a new one. Here is a more detailed list of the signs of a fouled spark plug to look for: 1. The main symptoms of a fouled spark plug include:
