Steve Tech: Properly Reading Spark Plugs

[@henrysordia9844]

That is probably the most accurate thing I have ever heard. "If your tuner does not check the plugs, he is NOT a tuner he is a computer guy" .

[@RGHD912]

Lol! True.

[@grumpywhiteman]

Literally been looking for a good explanation on how to read plugs for years. Finally found it. Thank you 🙏

[@alancollard8939]

this is for 4 strokes two strokes are a different breed

[@brianf8621]

Saving. I asked a tuner how to read plugs, he did not understand my question. Thanks for the great video.

[@mareksumguy1887]

He didn't understand the question because it was a stupid question... because reading plugs is a stupid concept. Do you know how many plugs you would have to go through to get a reading at all the different load/rpm points of the engine?!

[@mikes8012]

By far the best and most useful short description of reading a spark plug I have encountered. Thank you.

[@brianb5779]

Pisses me off knowing how much i would have picked up at the track knowing this. Was always told wrong on where timing mark should be on ground strap. Best video ive seen

[@doomman700]

Thanks Steve, best video I have seen describing reading a plug. It’s amazing how many people have zero clue how to read timing on a plug.

[@turbotempest4095]

Finally a video about reading plugs that doesn't leave me more confused. TY! great info.

[@milespark3574]

Wow, that was probably the best video I’ve seen on KZbin. Keeps it simple while still giving a thorough explanation of what to look for and why. The thing I probably appreciate most is that there are no gimmicks. He’s not trying to be a damn comedian or talk show host like a lot of these other clowns that put out instructional videos. I sincerely thank you for sharing that with us.

[@MrCaribe65]

Your video is one of the most clear and concise, when it comes to explaining this. I pulled my plugs this afternoon to check my freshly built, boosted motor, and your tutorial helped immensely. I was worried that I had too much timing, and you helped resolve that. Thank you sir.

[@shawnkroll1277]

Appreciate you taking the time to do these videos Steve. You’re a busy dude but sharing your wealth of experience is hugely appreciated by us average weekend warriors! This was super-helpful!

[@michaelday4336]

I'm with DIS GUY ,WE WEEKEND & WEEKDAY "WARRIORS" (I LIKE DA COMPARISON CUZ WE BATTLE W/PROBLEMS!!) BUT Mr.Steve You da Man @ explaining,teaching and even da brother to us DIY'ers for da love u show by SHARING UR KNOWLEDGE!! YOU ARE THE EPIPHANY OF A TRUE FRIEND AND MAN ,THANK YOU SIR FOR JUST BEING AND SHOWING ,WHAT DIS WORLD "LACKS"!! THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU !! (wasn't trying to make u a saint but ur actions obligated me to speak up!! Anyone who reads dis I HOPE ALL YA'LL HAVE A BLESSED LIFE !!

[@tommeyers2052]

This is by far the best information on spark plug reading I have ever seen. Thank you so much Steve.

[@sam-oh5wj]

Thank you God for a short, easy to understand, to the point no bullshit informational video. You to Steve.

[@89Whitehorse]

Thank you, I have watched and researched many plug Vids this one is by far the most informal and straight forward I actually understood, Iam new to reading and tuning my car but I am getting it.

[@SquarebodyStuff]

Best plug reading explanation ever. Thanks Steve.

[@marlonbarrentine6268]

Priceless knowledge!!!! You guys need to get your engine parts section fixed on your website. I'm strongly thinking of finally getting around to my Nova. It's been too long and I really need the stress relief and my sons want to see the project started again. Thanks for the info!

[@armedfarm3429]

Might just be one of the better sparkplug reader vids I've seen. Thanks. Subb.................

[@Peter-V_00]

On point Steve, thank you for posting this, all too many people ignore this very basic tuning tool, another is looking in the exhaust pipe outlet(s) along with the plugs these two seemingly mundane items do get overlooked in favor of as you pointed out "instrumentation". Just as a side note, spark plug reading can be skewed if the wrong heat range is chosen thereby masking what is really happening, my experience is most people use way too cold of a plug somehow thinking it will gain something when in reality you need to use the hottest plug possible (without blistering the strap or porcelain) to actually arrive at plug readings that do reflect the tuning of the fuel/timing combination.

[@neilfreeman6207]

Thanks Steve! was looking for this and this is the only one I found that explains this perfectly. So much thanks. Going through timing atm on my LY6 and will be pulling plugs after a straight I know with no one around :)

[@gaspererjavec7108]

This is hands down the best explanation ever!

[@mikejohns3104]

This makes more sense to me than all of the other information I found. Thank you!

[@bigrockets]

this is THE best tip Ive ever heard on reading spark plugs! thank you!

[@diyspeed]

I should have known Steve would have the best explanation on reading plugs

[@patt20b]

Thank you Stev. For the refreshing my mind. It’s great that you have made these videos to help people learn. Cain hard guys.

[@Tonys_Garage66]

Awesome video man thank you for your help. I have been a gear head for years building cars but just now getting into refining my toon and this is a huge help.

[@gregoryshelton1358]

The best spark plug video I’ve ever seen! So helpful.

[@ThunderAppeal]

One of the best 6+ minutes on youtube. Better than most 1 hour vids.

[@rokkebill]

Best video I’ve ever seen on spark plugs !

[@quepasoconloquepaso]

If one places new spark plugs in a four cylinder car, how many miles of driving would it be good to pull a spark plug out to be able to read what a spark plug is telling us about the engine condition? Thank you for this video. Its one of the best ones.

[@kyletrusty7228]

Love all your videos absolutely spot on man love learning from all your knowledge you share with us!

[@isabellozano3204]

Simple and straight to the point,thank you

[@kerrygatling663]

Straight to the point video...Thank you👍? What about boosted engines, would the same symptoms apply?

[@rayjay6769]

Steve, thank you so much for sharing such valuable information, it's very kind of you!

[@toddenglert4815]

Steve dig all your videos very educational thanks for doing them..i learn something off each one you do...

[@hmtperftthh6064]

How big of an impact does the proper heat range have on all of those tips?

[@Aaron-qg8fo]

A hotter plug is good for cold weather and short trips, but are prone to overheating your engine and detonation is super hot climates. So a cold plug is suitable for those hotter temperatures to keep the engine cooler and reduce pre-ignition.

[@brianb5779]

And my video suggestion is carb tuning,,,,jets, bleeds, emulsion etc,,,would love to hear from guy like you

[@brian16164]

Best yet no music or bs Thank you😊😊

[@tbl8560]

DIY - Instead of a lathe, put the plug in a vise. Use a 5/8 holesaw to cut the crimp off the top of the plug base and slide the porcelain out.

[@jimmymcbeth7732]

Wow that makes perfect sense. Thanks.

[@johan5818]

Wow i was always wondering and now i know. Awsome work

[@thomasgibsonsr9202]

Steve you really know your shit and your products show it.

[@h2omechanic]

Best Video to understand timing & fuel

[@raymondguzman1907]

If I woulda known you were gonna give all this information away for free on KZbin I would have waited instead of buying all your videos back in 14

[@builditinyourgarage7826]

Great Video! On a normal street car how to you recommend running the car before pulling the plugs to check? Take it out and run a 1/4 mile, then drive it home (3-5 miles or so) and check? or Take it out and run it 1/8-1/4, shut it off as soon as possible and check plugs on side of road? I know at a track or event it is easy, but it is always hard to have access to that.

[@Mikeyhunts]

Best video I have seen on the net. This is exactly the info I was looking for. Thx Steve.

[@MarkDe-e6s]

Brilliant video. Is this the same with Iridium plugs? I've seen some people say you can't read iridium plugs the same.

[@mattmorford7489]

Good advice, I think a more indepth would be beneficial for all. Lean, ritch, good. Thanks for the video

[@johnnyturbo8460]

Awesome video! Spark plug reading FINALLY made simple!

[@davidwinterbottom1942]

Hey Steve, great video!!! Does this apply to all combustion applications? How about 2 strokes? Thank you.

[@stratdude83]

Great vid and very informative, thanks!

[@jimmymcbeth7732]

Great explanation. Good video. When I get ready to tuna fish I'm calling you. 👍😁

[@V8CHEROKEE]

Great video, thanks for sharing this. Sums up reading plugs excellently !!

[@MattCorrie-n9f]

this is great - thanks! is there any reliable information on the CC exposed face/ring of the plug? or is that more for alky?

[@jerryB202]

Nice video- thanks for taking the time to make it-Jerry

[@vwpro9airkooledracing280]

Fantastic info Steve, your videos are awesome 👏

[@joer5000]

Steve i have a 406ci sbc street car and i was wonder why plug 1 doesn't show a burn on the strap while plug 7 shows burn in the middle of the top of the strap. What would cause this difference?

[@jSM-x8n]

Steve... thanks for a cogent description of plug "reading". Question... how long do new plugs have to run in the engine for the "reading" to be representative of the combustion process?

[@jeff5007]

This is great info for wo throttle. But what should the plug look like on a street car at cruise 60 mph? Should the line be 50 thousands at cruise and a 100 thousand at wo? Thanks

[@83glxcrusin97]

What about 1 plug on a V6 that has alot of shat built up on it... not oily... almost like crystallization... strap also looks a bit crooked.. was perfect a year ago when I installed it.. I've had 2 plugs crack on this vehicle and end up arching out... and I've installe hundreds without breaking any... what makes em crack!!? Great vid!! 👍👍

[@tbl8560]

Steve, thanks for sharing. Subscribed! Please help the novice understand how to determine the correct heat range. Also, will hotter plug show timing mark closer to threads on the strap with same timing setting?

[@flappingflight8537]

Very good question, because other sources refer to the ground strap mark as an indicator of the spark plug ( correct/ incorrect)heat range . Whatever if you pull out the OEM spark plugs from some fuel injected , ECU timing advance controlled , factory tuned,properly working,passenger car engine , the ground strap heat mark will be right in the middle and air/ fuel ratio(the dark ring on the visible base of internal part of ceramic insulator) indicator will be 2-2.5 mm wide .

[@billlamb1937]

Sorry if this has been covered, I did not read all 109 of the comments. It would be great if you did a supplement to this video on finding the correct spark plug heat range. Thanks!

[@einstein3509]

I was always told you wanted the plugs “on a carbureted engine” to be tan. Maybe that’s for a stock engine? On my modified engine 383 stroker with 10:1- 10.2:1 compression my plugs look like this NGK #5 is a stock heat range for a 350 I’m using NGK #6 heat range The ground strap is a grayish white with the timing mark at the bottom of the strap by the threads. The porcelain is white “it an extended electrode” I’ll have to look down inside I forgot to do that. And the ledge that the ground strap is welded to is black. Does that sound like it’s too lean to you? I’m planning on installing a #7 to see what that does.

[@grantk.3860]

Had to watch this video again great info thanks Steve🙏

[@1Coolbanana]

Great stuff mate. One question, how long do you need to run to get an accurate read? Im trying by going for a drive, let everything warm up then swap one plug and continue the drive for another 20 miles. Get home plug the plug, cut it up. Is that going to work well? FYI, I showed the plugs to an engine builder and he said, I dont care what the plugs look like, whats the AFR. Maybe a builder but no tuner!

[@anthonyaloi8814]

Very informational,once again... ty Steve!!!

[@HerrJordel]

this is amazing! can i use the same spark plug for multiple tests and literally watch the ring go down? or do i need to use new spark plugs for each reading?

[@agsj-zm3bu]

Great question. I'm curious about that too

[@DonCatherman]

Another great informational video Steve 👍

[@jjjjjj9284]

Great video Steve very informative mate 👍

[@jamestone265]

If been reading my plugs this way for over 40 years. I look for a ring of color at the base of the porcelain. It’s very ez to see on a very cold plug since the porcelain is right at the top but it still needs to be there. The ground strap as he stated and the the 2 top threads will direct you to the timing. Those threads were really coked up indicating rich. On that engine it’s easier to adjust the timing 2 degrees versus changing jets (bypass) if I was a clean shutoff.

[@tomhanson4153]

Would you do a show on reading methanol plugs please?

[@SuperTambo69]

One of your best videos

[@604cuinkillah]

"Pig fat rich" 😅😅 Love this stuff! Wish I could see one for M1 fuel😎

[@markwalshaw241]

Phenominal video/information. Thank you.

[@chevyracing477]

Wonderful video! Thanks for the tech tip

[@agsj-zm3bu]

So since the best way to read the spark plugs is after a wot pull I have a few questions. I don't have access to a Dyno like most people so going to attempt this on the street. Do I need to install new plugs to read them after a pull or can I just use the ones that are already installed on my engine? Do you get the engine to operating temperature before you make the wot pull? If so, do I let the car idle to operating temp or just start driving untill you get it to operating temp? I'm concerned the warm up time might affect the results on the spark plugs. How much time can I drive the car before I have to pull the plugs to inspect? I assume pulling the plugs after wot pull would be ideal. My car is a stick, what gear should I be in on the last segment of my wot pull? Any other tips on the procedure of doing my wot pull before pulling plugs for inspection would be appreciated. Thanks

[@bradmccarten9186]

found you on cleedus's page. i love your videos super helpful

[@LoneWolfSnowplowing]

So my next question would be, timing on the strap related. How will spark plug head range affect location of the timing mark on the strap. What's to look for and at what point to you move up or down in plug head range.

[@alexparent9070]

I have a question for you ?? Can you interchange the porcelain part in another screw? Unstead of spending a least 300$-450$ to get a repair helicoil kit, or to the mechanic! What do you think!?

[@black8687gn]

Very informative thanks for the explanation.

[@alberto-cg7ox]

Hi, thank for the video, One question, with iridium Spark plug is different thing? Or I can use this analysis in your video ?

[@3Repete]

Subscribed. Nice lesson! Question, does the strap condition become "lost " if the engine is run after a pull, like you stated when describing the porcelain? Reason I ask is I am almost fully tuned in on my carbed boat gas engine. I'd love it if I could really put it to bed.

[@Dodgechallengersixpack]

I also would like to know this.

[@b00st_SS]

GREAT video Steve !! Just found this channel by accident, subbed !

[@EngineBuilder]

Good to have you!

[@russellgilbert3453]

Learn something new every day.

[@flattratemaniff7554]

Would a hotter or colder plug show a different read on same tune up?

[@tonybassi2464]

Steve thanks you’re a great teacher

[@JohnDoesItAll]

Thank you, Steve.

[@racerz129]

Never thought to cut open a spark plug. I've been schooled. 😮

[@joshtipton8912]

Excellent video! Great info…thank you sir

[@limey2899]

Great video.....I'm trying to street tune a ford 289 with a 600cfm holley carb for wide open throttle....I've tried it once and had a good timing mark but no fuel reading on the porcelain....I was only at WOT for about 10 seconds...is this enough time to get a fuel reading......or am I just to lean......thanks

[@FinlayDaG33k]

My car had a way too high CO reading during MOT. The sensors told me everything was fine (even told me it was running lean) but the sparkplugs and CO reading told me it was running rich. Turned out the EGR valve didn't seal properly causing (effectively) a leaking exhaust and the O2 sensor to get "confused".

[@monadking2761]

Good tips. I'm going to pull my plugs now.

[@pmreng]

Great video!Does this theory apply to methanol engines?

[@MrCaribe65]

If you're referring to water meth inhection, then it worked for me. I use it on my boosted application.

[@Sleeperdude]

Good information

Thanks for share man! Hoh many time a new or very clean spark plug need to be under combustion to catch enough deposits for spark plug reading? How many time combustion for partial throttle openings and how many time for WOT and cut thread? Thanks to you!

[@randallcribb668]

Steve do you start with the recommended spark plugs from the cylinder head manufacturer and how do you know if you are starting to hot? Great videos.

[@ArcLightAddicts]

I aim to have the burn mark just at the end of the strap bend going down. Not all the way to touching the threads.

[@TroyStevensStelzerPaintingInc]

Since normal idling pollutes and contaminates the porcelain, (as you said), how useful is this test for the average joe and his daily driver? Is your advice more geared towards track cars?

[@jmills8914]

Do you have to adjust timing and air fuel ratio together to properly read the plugs? Do these two adjustments feed off each other as your making adjustments?

[@MrSixtycycle]

Awesome video Steve. I have an issue where I brought this 69 Roadrunner I had years ago totally changed over now…It has NGK R5671A-10 in it. Way cold plugs Guy says I just used plugs that I had from my alky blower car…How do I know what plug to use? It’s a 528 -1 Indy headed BB Mopar. Be shot it with 300 nitrous and it went 9:03 at 148mph with the setup but the plugs are black from driving I haven’t done any pulls because I want to ensure I have a good plug to do some motor pulls…I thought maybe back down to an 8 to start cuttin and reading. What do you think.

[@longdong3889]

Awesome! Thank you! Just finished pushing my chopper home 2 miles in the blasting sun because I am a idiot and forgot to read my plugs.

[@ktr831]

Nice! How do you tell if you need a hotter or colder plug?

[@01sidiropoulos]

I have been amazed how simple you explained the spark plug story.. How you separate the spark plugs without any damage..?