Kohler CV11-16, Service Manual

Page: 62 / 150

8.2
Section 8
Electrical System and Components
4. Reinstall the spark plug into the cylinder
head. Torque the spark plug to 24.4-29.8 N·m
(18-22 ft. lb.) .
Inspection
Inspect the spark plug as soon as it is removed from
the cylinder head. The deposits on the tip are an
indication of the general condition of the piston rings,
valves, and carburetor.
Normal and fouled plugs are shown in the following
photos.
Normal: A plug taken from an engine operating under
normal conditions will have light tan or gray colored
deposits. If the center electrode is not worn, a plug in
this condition could be regapped and reused.
Worn: On a worn plug, the center electrode will be
rounded and the gap will be eroded .010" or more
beyond the correct gap. Replace a worn spark plug
immediately.
Chalky White Deposits: Chalky white-colored
deposits indicate overheating. This condition is
usually accompanied by excessive gap erosion. A
clogged grass screen, clogged cooling fi ns, and lean
carburetion are some causes of overheating.
Carbon Fouled: Soft, sooty, black deposits indicate
incomplete combustion. Incomplete combustion is
usually caused by overrich carburetion, weak ignition,
or poor compression.
Wet Fouled: A wet plug is caused by excess fuel, or
oil in the combustion chamber. Excess fuel could be
caused by operating the engine with too much choke
or a dirty air fi lter. Oil in the combustion chamber is
usually caused by worn piston rings or valve guides.