Like every day, you take your boat out on the water and start cruising. Moments later, the outboard engine starts malfunctioning. You make your way back from the water and proceed to check the engine to determine what could have gone wrong with it. Is it the spark plugs?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If yes, how can you understand if the spark plug is the culprit? What are the visible symptoms of bad spark plugs outboard? The engine tends to hesitate or cut out when the spark plug is bad. Besides, you may experience loss of power and acceleration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, even these symptoms might not be enough to detect a bad spark plug. And unless your suspicion turns into confirmation, a solution is unimaginable. Don\u2019t worry we have more detailed info for you below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When your outboard engine\u2019s spark plug is bad or fouled, most of the effects are expressed through the engine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That means you must be more careful about your engine’s behavior rather than visible symptoms on the spark plug. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nevertheless, we\u2019ll also talk about visible signs on the spark plug. Now let\u2019s get into the main discussion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spark plugs play an essential role in the operation of a boat engine, which creates the spark that ignites and ensures proper combustion of the fuel-air mixture to power the engine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the spark plug in your outboard engine is damaged, fouled, or too old, it can’t provide proper combustion of the air-fuel mixture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consequently, the engine won’t get enough power to start, which is what we call sputtering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though some other causes are responsible for this situation, it\u2019s not a bad idea to suspect the spark plug first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether your outboard engine is in idle condition or you\u2019re cruising on the water, bad spark plugs will exhibit something unusual that warns you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is this? Yes, harsh sounds from the engine that you might not encounter before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have faulty spark plugs, your engine will make a rough sound or noise that resembles knocking, pinging or rattling while the engine is running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some cases, you may feel your boat is vibrating unusually, which is the extreme level of the symptom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assuming that you have somehow managed to start your outboard engine even if it\u2019s sputtering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, you won\u2019t get the optimum performance if the spark plug is damaged or fouled. The performance drop would be so prominent that you can instantly feel it, especially under heavy loads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Monitor the performance of your engine in rough water or accelerating, and you may also experience surge or hesitating in the engine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some cases, the engine may shake or stutter abnormally, depending on the severity of the damage and varying speeds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, deposits arise <\/a>on the spark plug\u2019s electrode tip from overexposure to extreme heat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The excess heat melts and merges substances and creates an oblong, glazed, or shiny appearance on the spark plug. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, the deposits on your spark plug due to overheating may look uneven and, most importantly, blistered in dark color. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, if you notice the tip of the electrode is discolored or blistered, it signifies the spark plug is overheated or burned out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might be acquainted with the symptoms of a bad or fouled spark plug in your outboard engine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But what causes spark plug failure? Do you have any ideas? Maybe not. Let\u2019s see some of the common culprits behind the issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Carbon buildup is one of the most significant causes of failing spark plugs unexpectedly. However, carbon build-up is often triggered by various factors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, a defective heat range plug, equipment overheating, or continuous use for excessive hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, an overdone carburetor setting can also result in carbon deposition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In a dual-cylinder outboard, the difference between unmeasured amounts of fuel is added to the combustion chamber. A weak spark may be the reason for the phenomenon as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Greasy deposits or dark, oily liquid on the tip of a plug’s conductor and insulator represent the possibility that oil has leaked out of a cylinder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You must find the leak to determine where its source is. Give it your mechanic’s opinion so that the issues are repaired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most often, a fouled spark plug may appear even after the engine is started properly and lets you cruise for a while. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, after a certain period, it may start losing speed and RPM and even turn off at the end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have recently changed your outboard engine’s spark plug and are experiencing such incidents, check whether an excessive amount of gasoline is flooding the engine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In such instances, choosing an incorrect spark plug is mostly responsible for the issue. So, consult your mechanic before replacing your spark plugs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A failure in the choke or cold start enrichment circuit can also be responsible for getting the spark plug fouled. Before the breakout of serious repairs, other parts may fail, costing a lot of money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to purchase a two-stroke outboard in the vicinity, you should look at client testimonials and speak with others who know of the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outboard engines can be either two-cylinder or 4-cylinder. At the same time, you\u2019ll also find different types of spark plugs for outboard engines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a whole, the cost can vary greatly depending on your engine and the type of spark plug. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, for a single spark plug replacement, it may cost you approximately $60-$120 on average. Check the table below for detailed info:<\/p>\n\n\n\n3 Possible Causes of a Spark Plugs Failure on an Outboard Engine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Carbon Build-Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Choosing an Incorrect Spark Plug<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Failed Cold Start Enrichment Circuit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Replacement and Repair Costs of Outboard Bad Spark Plugs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n