Setting the correct spark plug gap in a VAZ 2109

VAZ Masters / Engine / Ignition system

VAZ injector spark plug gap

A common problem with starting and stable operation of a car engine occurs due to improper gap between the spark plug electrodes. This problem is aggravated by the fact that today many manufacturers of such components claim that there is no need to adjust the VAZ 2109 spark plug gap (and indeed the gap in any spark plugs). As facts and numerous examples show, this is a categorically false statement. In modern conditions, any car owner needs to know how to check the serviceability of spark plugs and adjust the gap with their own hands.

How does clearance affect engine performance?

It is clear that the complete absence of a spark means problems with the starting coil, then the gap has nothing to do with it. In fact, the size of the gap has a direct impact on the full operation of the motor. To understand this, we need to consider the processes that occur in the combustion chamber of the engine at the moment when the air-fuel mixture is ignited by a spark:

• It compresses the mixture in the cylinder under the influence of the piston
• The fuel-air mixture is compacted to the limit
• For a spark to be successful, a good potential difference is needed, because the mixture becomes very dense when compressed
• Modern gasoline engines are equipped with an ignition system that functions properly only if all its elements and mechanisms are in full working order.
• Since the slightest disturbance in this well-functioning system, such as carbon deposits on the spark plugs, prevents the engine from operating at full power
• If the gap between the spark plug electrodes increases due to natural reasons, then there may not be enough electrical power to break through the dense mixture of fuel and air with a spark
• Naturally, the increased energy consumption to break through the mixture reduces the spark fuse. Accordingly, it may not be enough to ignite the working mixture in a timely manner
• In the vast majority of cases, there is a loss of engine power
• Having studied the process of car spark plugs, you may encounter a number of unknown factors.
• This is why the question “what kind of spark plugs should be used on a car?” there is a clear answer - original, prescribed by the manufacturer
• In addition, periodic checking is very important; during this check, the gap in the spark plugs is measured on a VAZ 21093 and the required value is set
• Each motor manufacturer, as a rule, indicates the required clearance that must be adhered to

The gap between the electrodes is measured here

• By the way, many drivers with extensive experience who know the structure of the engine can adjust the operation of the engine by gradually changing the gap on the VAZ 21093 spark plugs
• It should be remembered that the very condition of the spark plugs (their contamination or wear), as well as an incorrectly maintained gap, can negatively affect fuel consumption and reduce (reduce) the generated engine power
• At the same time, the load on the crankshaft and the entire piston system increases.
• Their markings will help you choose the right spark plugs, but you shouldn’t ignore the car manufacturer’s recommendations either.
• It is worth noting that modern engine models are more dependent on spark plug gaps, unlike older models
• This happens because the latest engine modifications operate with maximally compressed fuel-air mixtures, which is why the clearance requirements are so high
• Perhaps a simple example will help you choose the right candles:
• Violation of the gap by just two tenths of a millimeter on a four-cylinder, four-stroke, two-liter, eight-valve engine will lead to an increase in gasoline consumption by four percent.
• And the power loss will be up to five percent
• By the way, you can check and adjust the spark plug gaps on the VAZ 21093 yourself, or you can entrust this procedure to specialists
• To determine the frequency of checking and adjusting the clearance, you can use either the advice of experienced motorists or the recommendations of car manufacturers
• It wouldn’t hurt to perform approximately the same preventive procedure every 15 thousand kilometers.

Checking and replacing spark plugs

To remove and check, as well as replace if the spark plugs are broken on the VAZ 2109 -21099, proceed in the sequence prescribed by the instructions:

• Disconnect the “-” terminal wire from the battery
• We remove the tips of the wires supplying high voltage from the spark plugs
• We clean the area around the spark plug and the spark plug itself from dirt so that when it is unscrewed into the cylinder (see When replacing a VAZ cylinder is not necessary) dirt does not fall out

Remove the wire caps from the spark plugs

• We unscrew the spark plugs from the head of the block, photo is attached

Use a special wrench to unscrew the spark plugs.

• We examine them from the outside
• If the threads are damaged, there are cracks on the insulators, or the electrodes are damaged, the spark plugs will have to be replaced
• Light brown soot, which evenly covers the bottom of the candle with a thin layer, does not need to be cleaned off, since it does not affect their operation in any way.
• But the absence of carbon deposits indicates that the engine is running on a very lean mixture, or the ignition timing on the engine is incorrectly set. There may also be a mismatch between the spark plug brand and the engine type.
• The appearance of shiny black carbon deposits on the spark plug means oil has entered the engine cylinder.
• Such deposits must be cleaned off
• On a VAZ 2109, the spark plug gap (between the electrodes) is checked exclusively with a round feeler gauge
• For cars model VAZ 2109-21099 with a carburetor engine, the spark plug gap is required to be 0.7-0.85 millimeters
• For cars model VAZ 2109-21099 with an injection engine, the spark plug gap is set to 1.00-1.13 millimeters
• If the gaps differ from the specified values, adjust them by bending the side (bent) electrode of the spark plug
• When screwing the spark plugs back into the engine, screw them in by hand first and then tighten them with a wrench.
• It is recommended not to exceed the tightening torque specified in the vehicle specifications

What to do when, during intensive acceleration of the car with the engine “spinned up” almost to maximum, sharp jerks appear that are perceived as blows:

• Again, the spark plugs are to blame, despite the fact that the “gun” test indicates serviceability
• The reason lies in the fact that spark plugs lose their tightness over time, which is why a plug functioning normally at low and medium speeds under high pressure in the combustion chamber begins to misfire
• That is why we do not recommend using spark plugs on VAZ 2109-21099 cars without replacement for more than 15 thousand kilometers

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Checking and installing spark plug gaps in VAZ 2109 – 21099

Almost all spark plugs produced today have a factory-set gap between the electrodes. It is different for each manufacturer. It is also different for spark plugs for carburetor engines with contact and non-contact ignition systems, and for spark plugs for injection engines.

For example, the gaps between the electrodes of spark plugs for VAZ 2109 carburetor engines vary between 0.5-0.7 mm for a contact ignition system, 0.7-0.9 mm for a non-contact ignition system.

Moreover, it is recommended to make the gap smaller by 1 mm in winter, and larger by 1 mm in summer. In this way, improved engine starting and stability of its operation at different atmospheric temperatures are achieved.

It is believed that prolonged cranking of the engine with the starter at low ambient temperatures can discharge even a new battery so much that its voltage is not enough to form a spark if the gap between the electrodes is too large or normal. At the same time, increasing the gap creates additional load on the ignition coil.

For VAZ 2109 injection engines, the gap is in the range of 0.9-1.1 mm. There are no recommendations for changing the gap size for different seasons.

Advice on choosing candles and how to spot a fake

Long gone are the days when the question “Which spark plugs to buy?” was not needed, because only domestic ones were on sale and only of the same model as those on the car. Nowadays, store shelves are littered with a huge selection of candles from almost all foreign manufacturers. This naturally gave impetus to scammers to counterfeit them, the price does not correspond to the quality, so pay attention to the following:

• To avoid getting caught by a fake, pay attention first to the packaging - the quality of printing from branded manufacturers is excellent, but on a fake, the contours of the drawings may not match
• If there is no packaging at all, then further inspection makes no sense; branded candles are not produced without packaging
• Then we inspect the spark plugs themselves
• Their central electrode must have a clear cylindrical shape, and the surface of the electrode must be completely smooth
• When defects are visible on the electrode or the electrode itself is installed crookedly, you know that this is a 100% fake.
• In a fake spark plug, the side electrode is often welded crookedly and has oblique edges. The threads of branded spark plugs are made by knurling, so they are absolutely smooth
• The fake has small chips because it is made by cutting
• The sealing ring of a branded spark plug cannot be removed
• On a fake candle, this ring is either unscrewed along the thread or simply removed
• The insulator of the branded candle is shiny and absolutely smooth
• In fakes, longitudinal seams are often noticeable due to inaccurately joined molds
• In addition, the inscription on the insulator of a branded candle is always clear, even and neat
• And the last sign - real branded candles cannot be cheap
• Let the low price alert you

Now that we have dealt with the candles, watch the video as well.

Advice on choosing candles and how to spot a fake

“Which plugs ?” It was not necessary, because only the internal one was on sale and the only model that was on the car. Now store shelves are filled with a huge selection of candles from all foreign manufacturers. This naturally gave impetus to scammers to falsify them, the price does not correspond to the quality, so pay attention to the following:

• In order not to succumb to counterfeiting, pay attention first to the packaging, the quality of printing from branded manufacturers is excellent, and for counterfeiting the contours of the drawings
• If packaging is not available at all, then further verification makes no sense; marking candles without packaging are not produced
• Next we'll look at the spark plugs themselves.
• Their central electrode must have an absolute cylindrical shape and the surface of the electrode must be smooth
• When there are defects on the electrode, or the electrode itself is installed crookedly. you know, this is a 100% fake
• In the case of a fake candle, the sides are crooked and have slanted faces. The thread of branded candles is produced using knurling, it is absolutely absolutely smooth
• The fake has small chips because it is produced by cutting
• O-ring cannot be removed from patented spark plug
• On a fake candle, this ring is either unscrewed with a thread or simply removed
• The insulator of the branded candle is shiny and absolutely smooth
• Counterfeits often show longitudinal seams due to inaccurately knitted shapes
• In addition, the inscription on the brand's spark plug insulator is always clear, smooth and precise
• And the last sign. real brand candles cannot be cheap
• Let the low price warn you

This is done with candles, see additional video.

The main reasons for the lack of ignition

The principle of operation is clear. All malfunctions of the VAZ 2109 ignition system are associated with the failure of one of the above elements. If there is no spark on the VAZ 2109 carburetor, it means there is a malfunction:

• switch;
• Hall sensor;
• timing belt;
• ignition coils;
• ignition switch contact groups;
• distributor cover contacts;
• candles (“drenched”, burnt);
• circuit wiring.

If the commutator is faulty, then the voltage value to the coil is not converted. A failed Hall sensor does not supply current to the switch. If the timing belt breaks, the operation of the system is disrupted and EMF is not generated. A broken coil stops the chain moving on itself, the distributor contact does not receive voltage. Damaged distributor cover contacts prevent voltage from being applied to the spark plug.

The spark plug electrodes may not produce a spark due to carbon deposits or moisture on them. It happens that the culprit is the first element of the circuit: the ignition switch. A breakdown in its contact group does not start the starter. It is also possible that a banal damage to the wiring has occurred, causing the connection of the elements to disappear.

If there is no spark in the VAZ 2109 injector, the process of finding a breakdown is much more difficult. After all, the design of the system requires the presence of a separate ignition module controlled by the ECU.

Checking and setting the gap between the spark plug electrodes

Almost all spark plugs produced today have a factory-set gap between the electrodes. It is different for each manufacturer. It is also different for spark plugs for carburetor engines with contact and non-contact ignition systems, and for spark plugs for injection engines.

For example, the gaps between the electrodes of spark plugs for carburetor engines vary between 0.5-0.7 mm for a contact ignition system, 0.7-0.9 mm for a contactless one. Moreover, it is recommended to make the gap smaller by 1 mm in winter, and larger by 1 mm in summer. In this way, improved engine starting and stability of its operation at different atmospheric temperatures are achieved.

It is believed that prolonged cranking of the engine with the starter at low ambient temperatures can discharge even a new battery so much that its voltage is not enough to form a spark if the gap between the electrodes is too large or normal. At the same time, increasing the gap creates additional load on the ignition coil.

For injection engines, the gap is in the range of 0.9-1.1 mm. There are no recommendations for changing the gap size for different seasons.

Checking the gap between the spark plug electrodes

When installing new spark plugs on an engine or checking old ones, it is necessary to measure the gap between their electrodes. Old spark plugs should be cleaned of carbon deposits. The check is carried out with a round probe of the required diameter. Measuring with a flat probe will be inaccurate, since there is almost always a small indentation on the side electrode of the spark plug due to metal transfer to the central electrode. This is especially true for candles that have already worked for some time.

Checking the gap with a feeler gauge: 1-wrong (feeling gauge is flat), 2-correct (feeling gauge is round)

Adjusting the gap between the spark plug electrodes

The gap between the electrodes of the spark plugs is adjusted by bending or, conversely, bending the side electrode. It is best to use a special key to carry out this operation. After bending, the gap is checked again.

Notes and additions

— For spark plugs for carburetor engines with a contact ignition system for VAZ 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107 cars, the recommended gap between the electrodes of the spark plugs is 0.5-0.7 mm, for VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099, 2105, 2107 with a contactless ignition system 0.7-0.9 mm.

— For injection engines of VAZ 2107, 2108, 2109, 21099 cars 1.0-1.1 mm.

— An incorrectly set gap between the electrodes of the spark plugs leads to problems with starting the engine, the appearance of unstable engine idle speed, jerking when starting and driving, “dips,” loss of power and throttle response, and an increase in the engine’s fuel appetite. Normal engine operation can only be ensured by a spark plug with a gap specific for a given engine type. With a smaller gap, the spark will be short and weak, combustion of the fuel mixture worsens, with a large gap, the voltage required to break through the air gap between the electrodes of the spark plug increases. In this case, there may be no spark at all.

— There is no need to set the gap on multi-electrode spark plugs.

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More articles on spark plugs

— NGK spark plugs for carburetor and injection engines of VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099 cars

— Black carbon deposits on spark plugs, causes

— Brisk spark plugs for carburetor and injection engines of VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099 cars

— Faulty spark plugs

— Applicability of spark plugs on VAZ car engines

What should the driver do if the spark plugs are periodically filled with fuel?

• First of all, you need to unscrew all the spark plugs to thoroughly clean them of dirt and carbon deposits.
• After cleaning, the candles must be dried. For this event, folk craftsmen use a regular hair dryer to dry their hair or lay out elements for drying on the surface of the stove, which is heated by the oven.
• After complete drying, the candles are screwed into their original place.
• Next, all that remains is to start the car engine and make sure that fuel is no longer flooding the spark plugs.

Checking the gap between the spark plug electrodes

When installing new spark plugs on an engine or checking old ones, it is necessary to measure the gap between their electrodes. Old spark plugs should be cleaned of carbon deposits. The check is carried out with a round probe of the required diameter.

When checking and replacing spark plugs, be careful - if the engine is hot, you can get burned.

Measuring with a flat probe will be inaccurate, since there is almost always a small indentation on the side electrode of the spark plug due to metal transfer to the central electrode. This is especially true for candles that have already worked for some time.

We start checking with the coil

The high-voltage discharge comes from the ignition coil, so we check it first. Do not try to start the car more than three times, because you can drain the battery, and it is needed when performing the test. The coil is diagnosed as follows.

• We take out the armored wire from the distributor cover.
• We put on gloves or pick up pliers.
• We bring the contact of the high-voltage wire to ground.
• The second person turns on the ignition.

If a large blue spark appears, then the coil produces a discharge, everything is in order with it. The absence of a flash or a weak spark indicates that the problem is either in the coil itself or in the elements that go in the circuit before it. We check the functionality of the coil, switch, Hall sensor, and ignition switch.

If the readings are in order, we look further for why the spark disappears on the VAZ 2109 carburetor.

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TOP best manufacturers of spark plugs for VAZ

So which SZ for VAZ is better to choose?

Below is a list of the most popular device manufacturers:

• ZAZS. VAZ vehicles are equipped with such SZ during production. The manufacturer recommends using ZAZS, citing the fact that these spark plugs are most optimal for domestic engines. However, many car enthusiasts do not trust this manufacturer and install SZ from other brands on their cars.
• Beru. In particular, we are talking about the 14FR-7DU model. The main feature of such SZ is the use of a copper central electrode in the design, which has a nickel shell. Thanks to this, the SZ of this model is more resistant to corrosion and wear. The skirt is made in a conical shape, thanks to which the device quickly switches to self-cleaning mode. In addition, the spark power in these fire protection systems is quite high; accordingly, the combustible mixture will burn most efficiently.
• Champion, namely the RC9YC model. If you believe the manufacturer, then such SZ have lower performance in terms of gasoline consumption. In addition, they are more stable, and their power when operating at higher engine speeds is higher.
• NGK is one of the brands that supplies the highest quality products to the domestic market. The nickel model BCPR6ES-11 is currently considered one of the most affordable options. A power unit with such devices will operate more steadily. And when the driver presses the gas pedal, the engine can operate 4% more powerful than with traditional SZ. Separately, we should highlight the iridium spark plugs on the VAZ. If you decide to purchase iridium spark plugs at VAZ, you will be faced with a large assortment of models. They differ from each other both in cost and in characteristics. It should be noted that iridium spark plugs on VAZ have a longer service life. Depending on the model, iridium spark plugs on a VAZ can last up to 100 thousand kilometers or even more. Of course, such advantages also affect the cost of SZ as a whole. Iridium spark plugs on VAZ have an iridium electrode, which makes the spark even more powerful.
• Denso Q20TT. Such devices have a thinner electrode, for the manufacture of which precious metals are not used. Accordingly, this has a positive effect on the price of SZ. As practice shows, when using such devices, the engine power will be higher, its dynamics will increase, and fuel consumption can be reduced. Of course, we are talking about a normally running engine.
• Czech-made devices Brisk DR15YC are equipped with a copper core, as well as a longer electrode insulator, thanks to which the SZ can more quickly switch to self-cleaning mode. Accordingly, the use of these models is more relevant for vehicles that are used in urban environments. As for the replacement interval, in this case it largely depends on the quality of the fuel.
• Bosch FR7DCU. Such SZ are equipped with a copper core mounted to a chromium-nickel shell. Accordingly, this enables the electrode to be more resistant to erosion or corrosion. Thanks to the use of nickel plating, the likelihood of thread sticking is minimized.
• Finwhale F516. The body of this model is characterized by galvanic coating and is made of ductile steel. In addition, this model has good electrical insulation, as a result of which heat conductivity will be higher, which is ensured by the high content of aluminum oxide on the insulator.

Reasons for replacing elements

The spark plug in any car must function in difficult conditions, solving the following problems:

• promptly ignite the air-fuel mixture compressed in the cylinder;
• provide an even and powerful spark discharge on its contacts;
• sparking should not deteriorate under any engine operating mode.

For ignorant car enthusiasts, checking spark plugs comes down to a “spark” test. This gives rise to an erroneous statement: if, when connected to a source, a spark jumps between the contacts, then the element is in good working order.

But the conditions inside the combustion chamber differ from normal atmospheric ones, since there is high pressure (over 10 Bar), and instead of air there is fuel plus high temperature. Often, a spark plug that produces a reliable spark discharge in air, in the cylinder, works with misfires or does not spark at all.

The operability of the elements can only be determined on a stand with high voltage applied and pressure created in the chamber. Such a check is not available to most ordinary motorists; the only way out is to promptly replace the VAZ 2106 spark plugs by purchasing high-quality products from well-known manufacturers. These include famous brands NGK, Bosch, Beru and Brisk.

Russian spark plugs of the A17 series cannot boast of a long service life and fail after 15-20 thousand kilometers, as evidenced by the following signs:

• The engine "troits". Moreover, sometimes it is impossible to understand which cylinder is failing, since all 4 spark plugs skip ignition cycles.
• The car performs poorly and is unstable until it warms up.
• With high fuel consumption, a drop in power is observed.
• A particularly bad case is when the oil pressure light comes on. This is the result of long-term driving on bad spark plugs, when the fuel that does not burn in the cylinders flows into the crankcase and dilutes the oil, causing its pressure to drop.

Every car enthusiast should remember that if the power unit malfunctions, the first step is to unscrew the spark plugs and visually check their condition.

The color and thickness of carbon deposits on the contacts can tell a lot to an understanding motorist:

• black carbon deposits on the contacts indicate that the fuel in the chamber does not burn completely, perhaps the spark plug has failed;
• a white coating on the electrodes indicates a poor air-fuel mixture, the spark plug is working;
• red carbon deposits indicate that the fuel contains harmful additives; the spark plug is most likely in good working order;
• thick “fluffy” carbon deposits are the result of combustion of oil entering the chamber through the seals or piston group.

The normal color of electrodes is all shades of brown with a minimum thickness of plaque.

How does the engine game work?

Obviously there is a complete lack of spark. In fact, the size of the gap directly affects the overall performance of the engine. To understand this, we need to consider the processes occurring in the combustion chamber of the engine at the moment the air-fuel mixture is ignited by a spark:

• It compresses the mixture in the cylinder under the action of the piston
• The fuel-air mixture is compacted to the limit
• For the spark to continue successfully, a good potential difference is necessary,
• Modern gasoline engines are equipped with an ignition system that functions only when all its elements and mechanisms are completely in order.
• Since the slightest disruption to this well-functioning system, such as spark ,
• If, for natural reasons, the gap between the spark plug electrodes increases, then there may be enough electricity to break through the dense mixture of fuel and air
• Naturally, an increase in energy consumption to crack the mixture may not be enough to ignite the mixture in a timely manner.
• In the vast majority of cases, there is a loss of engine power
• After studying the car spark plug process, you may encounter a number of unknown factors
• That is why the question “what spark plugs should be used on a car?” A unique response is executed. original
• In addition, periodic checking is very important; during this test, the gap in the spark plugs is measured for VAZ 21093 and the required value is set
• Each engine manufacturer, as a rule, indicates the required clearance that must be observed

Read

Here the gap between the electrodes is measured

• By the way, many drivers with a long history know the structure of the engine, changing the spark plug gap VAZ 21093
• It should be remembered that both the good condition of the spark plugs and the correct maintenance of the gap can negatively affect fuel consumption and reduce (reduce) engine power
• In this case, the load on the crankshaft and the entire piston system
• Choosing the right spark plugs will help their labeling, however, ignoring the manufacturer's recommendations
• It is worth noting that modern engine models are more dependent on spark plug ruptures, unlike older models
• This is due to recent changes in engines with the most compressed fuel-air mixtures, precisely because of this requirement that the clearances are so high
• Perhaps, to make the right choice of candles, you will make a simple example:
• Gap gap of just two tenths of a millimeter on a four-cylinder, four-stroke, two-liter, 8-valve engine
• Power loss will be up to five percent
• By the way, you can check or adjust the spark plugs on the VAZ 21093 yourself or entrust this procedure to specialists
• To determine how often to check and adjust the gap, you can use either the advice of experienced motorists or the recommendations of car manufacturers
• Approximately this preventive procedure will not interfere with the implementation every 15 thousand kilometers

Measuring and correcting the gap

A special tool for setting spark plug gaps - a feeler gauge

The spark plug gap is measured and corrected using a special tool - a feeler gauge. It consists of plates that have different thicknesses. For measurement, a plate is selected that fits into the stretch, but not too much. It is the designation on the plate that will indicate the current gap.

To correct it, you need to bend the outer electrode or move it out a little.

After the adjustment, it is worth measuring the gap again. The procedure continues until the spark plug distance between the electrodes reaches the established standards.

Note!!! Many motorists believe that in automotive spare parts stores, spark plugs are sold with the gap already set. But this is not true!!! Since spark plugs are the same type for many brands and models, they have a standard gap of 1 mm. Therefore, after purchasing a new set, you need to set them according to the specified size.

Effect of incorrect clearance on engine performance

As practice shows, many motorists make the same mistake - install spark plugs without adjusting the spark plug gap between the electrodes. This may lead to the following consequences:

• A large gap leads to increased consumption of the fuel mixture. Many car enthusiasts may rejoice at the appearance of additional dynamism and traction until they see a consumption of 12-15 liters per 100 km. Another indirect indicator may be gas dips or a jerking effect. This will not only affect consumption, but also the wear and tear of the motor itself.

  Black soot is the first sign of a very rich mixture.

• A small gap will lead to the engine stalling and starting will be quite difficult . An indirect indicator can be oil in the wells, as well as a drop in power (the increase in power is written here).

Notes and additions

— For spark plugs for carburetor engines with a contact ignition system for VAZ 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107 cars, the recommended gap between the electrodes of the spark plugs is 0.5-0.7 mm, for VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099, 2105, 2107 with a contactless ignition system 0.7-0.9 mm.

For injection engines of VAZ 2107, 2108, 2109, 21099 cars 1.0-1.1 mm.

An incorrectly set gap between the electrodes of the spark plugs leads to problems with starting the engine, unstable engine idle speed, jerking when starting and driving, “dips,” loss of power and throttle response, and an increase in the engine’s fuel appetite. Normal engine operation can only be ensured by a spark plug with a gap specific for a given engine type.

Regularly check the reliability of the connections of the high-voltage wires with the spark plugs, coil and ignition distributor.

With a smaller gap, the spark will be short and weak, combustion of the fuel mixture worsens, with a large gap, the voltage required to break through the air gap between the electrodes of the spark plug increases. In this case, there may be no spark at all.

There is no need to set the gap on multi-electrode spark plugs.

Concept and principle of operation

Filling the carburetor with spark plugs on a VAZ 2109, and you don’t know what to do? First you need to find out the structure and find out the location. The product is made of a ceramic base, inside of which there is a rod and a contact electrode on the side. A resistor is installed between them to level out radio frequency interference. The spark plug itself is screwed into the cylinder head.

Based on the design features of the location of the insulator and electrode, they can be divided into 2 types

:

• Hot
  : the insulator area is much larger than that of a cold one, so it is heated by gases in the combustion chamber. The transition zone to the outer shell is minimal;
• Cold:
  they have an elongated area for heat removal; accordingly, the working surface heats up much less.

There are a number of numerical and letter designations that indicate the ability to accumulate heat, the so-called potassium content. When purchasing, be sure to compare the data with the index table, or the catalog if you purchase in a specialized store.

The reason for filling is precisely the lack of a spark at the time of fuel supply. Several such feeds and the spark plug is wet from fuel and cannot pass a spark, which means there is no ignition.

During frosts, the fuel mixture cools so much that the spark plug is unable to light, even if it is in good working order. Typically, the critical temperature is -15°C

.

( 1 rating, average 4 out of 5 )

Checking and replacing spark plugs VAZ-2109

You will need: a spark plug wrench, a round dipstick.

Replacement frequency: After 30,000 km.

Before starting work:

Disconnect the wire from the “─” terminal of the battery.

Spark plug type: A17DVR, A17DVRM, FE65PR, FE65CPR. Until 1988, spark plugs of types A17DV and FE65P were installed on the VAZ-2109.

We recommend replacing spark plugs every 30,000 km, even if they are still in working order: old spark plugs can increase fuel consumption.

Diagram, procedure for connecting VAZ high-voltage wires.

First, let's decide which of the four cylinders is first?

The first cylinder in front-wheel drive VAZs is located closer to the timing belt. If you look at the engine from the front, the first cylinder is the leftmost). And then everything is simple - from left to right - 1, 2, 3, 4.

In rear-wheel drive VAZ Classic and Niva, the first cylinder is located closer to the front bumper of the car.

Solving the issue in several ways

Radical (cardinal) decision

If the VAZ 2109 is filled with spark plugs, the main question is what to do? And we do the following:

• We go to a car store with an old spark plug for a sample, select new spark plugs in the image and likeness of the old one, and completely replace the entire set
• When choosing, beware of fakes; do not buy too inexpensive candles that also do not have original packaging.
• It is also recommended to take a close look at the new spark plugs and make sure there are no packaging defects, including the design, defects in the electrodes, ceramic base and inscriptions on it
• Defects in the thread or an easily removed or unscrewed O-ring also indicate a fake.
• However, the engine can stall somewhere on the road, far from “civilization” and shops
• If you look from the other side, replacement is an additional expense, and usually very inappropriate
• Let's move on to a more gentle, budget option so that the price does not hit your modest budget

The most economical solution

How to solve the problem without spending money:

• To save money, flooded car spark plugs need to be unscrewed and “heated”; a gas burner or a homemade torch will help with this as a last resort.
• Your task in this case is not just to heat the candles, but to warm them up until red, or at least with fire to completely clean them of carbon deposits, as well as traces of gasoline
• This method has negative sides; many experts claim that after this the candles will not last long, because such heating can damage the ceramic core of the candle itself
• In addition, a matte oxidation film appears on the electrodes, which it is advisable to remove with fine sandpaper

It’s up to you to choose, I’ll tell you, when you are far from the store and, as luck would have it, you need to go urgently, you don’t care about sentiment.

What are candles

Let's look at the device so that you can understand more clearly what we are dealing with:

• The spark plug housing is screwed into the cylinder head
• The insulator material in it is heavy-duty technical ceramics
• From the inside, a central electrode is fixed on one side and a contact rod on the other in the ceramic part of the spark plug.
• And between them there can be a resistor that suppresses radio interference
• Its side electrode is welded to the body

The design differences between the spark plug insulator and the central electrode itself make it possible to divide them into hot or cold:

• Hot candles are distinguished by a large surface of the insulator, which protrudes into the chamber and is heated by burning gases, and the transition zone from the insulator to the outer shell, on the contrary, is small
• Cold ones have an increased heat removal zone, so their working surfaces heat up less
• The heat number expresses the ability to accumulate heat
• Therefore, in order to choose the right replacement spark plug, you need to use an interchangeability table or a proprietary catalog, because the manufacturer has its own catalog system

Step-by-step instructions for replacing spark plugs in a VAZ 2109 with your own hands.

1. When removing the tip from the spark plug, do not pull on the wire. If you need to remove all the lugs, first mark the high-voltage wires.

2. Clean the spark plug niches from dirt.

3. Unscrew the spark plug with a special wrench. Carefully unscrew the spark plug with a special wrench. If the spark plug is hard to unscrew due to carbon deposits, drop WD-40 or Unisma into the threaded hole to avoid damaging the thread.

4. Examine the candle. If there are cracks on the insulator, the threads or electrodes are damaged, the spark plug must be replaced.

5. Light brown carbon deposits, which evenly cover the lower part of the spark plug with a thin layer, do not affect the operation of the ignition system and do not need to be cleaned.

6. Lack of carbon deposits on the spark plug 6. The absence of carbon deposits on the spark plug indicates either that the engine is running on a lean mixture, or that the ignition timing is incorrectly set, or that the spark plug brand does not match the engine type.

7. Shiny black deposits Shiny black deposits, indicating that oil has entered the engine cylinder, must be cleaned off.

8. Check the gap between spark plug electrodes 8. Check the gap between spark plug electrodes (round feeler gauge only). The gap should be 0.7-0.8 mm. Check the gap only with a round feeler gauge.

9. Adjust the spark plug gap If the gap differs from the specified one, adjust it by bending the side electrode.

During operation, there are cases of damage to the thread of the spark plug hole in the cylinder head. In this case, you need to remove the cylinder head and make a fitting or insert in a turning workshop. If this happened on the road, then you can use “Cold Welding” as a temporary measure.

Features of starting a car in cold periods

In cold weather, before starting, you must first load the battery, then disconnect it for a while. After waiting a few minutes, you can try turning the starter to start the engine. If you fail to start the car on the first try, then in order not to fill the injector, you must wait a few more minutes. If all preventive measures were carried out in full before the frost, then there should be no problems with filling fuel.

We can list several conditions that are considered optimal for normal operation of the injector:

• presence of a working starter;
• maximum battery charge. The battery is powerful and in good condition;
• seasonal lubricant is used;
• spark plugs and high voltage electrical circuits must be in perfect condition;
• clean, adjusted nozzles are installed;
• The gas tank is filled with high-quality fuel.

There is an opinion among experienced drivers that driving a car along a highway at a speed of 120 km/h promotes self-cleaning of automobile systems, including the fuel system. You can also run the engine at 5000 rpm for about 10 minutes in the morning. The effect is similar to racing on a track.

What steps do you need to take to get started?

The question arises, what to do if the car is not old, all systems are in order, but in the cold it refuses to start? When turning the spark plugs out, it turns out that they are wet. As already mentioned, in the cold season, the cause of this phenomenon may be weak compression, low-quality fuel or a weak battery.

Let's look again at the manufacturer's instructions. The book on car operation defines the following algorithm of actions:

• Turn out the spark plugs.
• Wipe them thoroughly and dry them.
• Run the starter for a few seconds.
• Put everything in place.

Often, car owners clean the injector using various fuel additives. This is not recommended at all, firstly, the quality of the fuel mixture is lost, which negatively affects the operation of the entire piston group, and secondly, the injector should be cleaned using special equipment.

Experienced drivers carry several sets of spare spark plugs with them . The quality of the spark produced depends on the technical characteristics of this ignition component. There is no point in saving on candles, their cost is not that high, and low-quality candles can cause a lot of problems.

TOP best manufacturers of spark plugs for VAZ

So which SZ for VAZ is better to choose?

Below is a list of the most popular device manufacturers:

• ZAZS. VAZ vehicles are equipped with such SZ during production. The manufacturer recommends using ZAZS, citing the fact that these spark plugs are most optimal for domestic engines. However, many car enthusiasts do not trust this manufacturer and install SZ from other brands on their cars.
• Beru. In particular, we are talking about the 14FR-7DU model. The main feature of such SZ is the use of a copper central electrode in the design, which has a nickel shell. Thanks to this, the SZ of this model is more resistant to corrosion and wear. The skirt is made in a conical shape, thanks to which the device quickly switches to self-cleaning mode. In addition, the spark power in these fire protection systems is quite high; accordingly, the combustible mixture will burn most efficiently.
• Champion, namely the RC9YC model. If you believe the manufacturer, then such SZ have lower performance in terms of gasoline consumption. In addition, they are more stable, and their power when operating at higher engine speeds is higher.
• NGK is one of the brands that supplies the highest quality products to the domestic market. The nickel model BCPR6ES-11 is currently considered one of the most affordable options. A power unit with such devices will operate more steadily. And when the driver presses the gas pedal, the engine can operate 4% more powerful than with traditional SZ. Separately, we should highlight the iridium spark plugs on the VAZ. If you decide to purchase iridium spark plugs at VAZ, you will be faced with a large assortment of models. They differ from each other both in cost and in characteristics. It should be noted that iridium spark plugs on VAZ have a longer service life. Depending on the model, iridium spark plugs on a VAZ can last up to 100 thousand kilometers or even more. Of course, such advantages also affect the cost of SZ as a whole. Iridium spark plugs on VAZ have an iridium electrode, which makes the spark even more powerful.
• Denso Q20TT. Such devices have a thinner electrode, for the manufacture of which precious metals are not used. Accordingly, this has a positive effect on the price of SZ. As practice shows, when using such devices, the engine power will be higher, its dynamics will increase, and fuel consumption can be reduced. Of course, we are talking about a normally running engine.
• Czech-made devices Brisk DR15YC are equipped with a copper core, as well as a longer electrode insulator, thanks to which the SZ can more quickly switch to self-cleaning mode. Accordingly, the use of these models is more relevant for vehicles that are used in urban environments. As for the replacement interval, in this case it largely depends on the quality of the fuel.
• Bosch FR7DCU. Such SZ are equipped with a copper core mounted to a chromium-nickel shell. Accordingly, this enables the electrode to be more resistant to erosion or corrosion. Thanks to the use of nickel plating, the likelihood of thread sticking is minimized.
• Finwhale F516. The body of this model is characterized by galvanic coating and is made of ductile steel. In addition, this model has good electrical insulation, as a result of which heat conductivity will be higher, which is ensured by the high content of aluminum oxide on the insulator.