service ISUZU TF SERIES 2004 Workshop Manual

STARTING AND CHARGING SYSTEM 6D3-1
SECTION 6D3
STARTING AND CHARGING SYSTEM
CONTENTS
PAGE
Starting System .............................................................................................................. 6D3- 2
General Description........................................................................................................ 6D3- 2
Service Precaution ......................................................................................................... 6D3- 2
Diagnosis......................................................................................................................... 6D3- 2
Starter .............................................................................................................................. 6D3- 3
Removal ...................................................................................................................... 6D3- 3
Installation .................................................................................................................. 6D3- 3
Disassembled View.................................................................................................... 6D3- 4
Inspection and Repair................................................................................................ 6D3- 5
Characteristic Test ..................................................................................................... 6D3- 6
Charging System ............................................................................................................
6D3- 7
General Description........................................................................................................ 6D3- 7
General On-Vehicle Inspection...................................................................................... 6D3- 8
Generator......................................................................................................................... 6D3- 8
Removal ...................................................................................................................... 6D3- 8
Inspection ................................................................................................................... 6D3- 8
Installation .................................................................................................................. 6D3- 9
Diagnosis......................................................................................................................... 6D3-12
Disassembly ............................................................................................................... 6D3-13
Clean ........................................................................................................................... 6D3-14
Inspection ................................................................................................................... 6D3-14
Reassembly ................................................................................................................ 6D3-18
Inspection ................................................................................................................... 6D3-19
Technical Data ................................................................................................................ 6D3-21

6D3-2 STARTING AND CHARGING SYSTEM


Starting System
General Description
Cranking Circuit
The cranking system consists of a battery, starter, starter
switch, starter relay, etc. These main components are
connected.
Starter
The cranking system employs a magnetic type reduction
starter in which the motor shaft is also used as a pinion shaft.
When the starter switch is turned on, the contacts of magnetic
switch are closed, and the armature rotates. At the same time,
the plunger is attracted, and the pinion is pushed forward by
the shift lever to mesh with the ring gear.
Then, the ring gear runs to start the engine. When the engine
starts and the starter switch is turned off, the plunger returns,
the pinion is disengaged from the ring gear, and the armature
stops rotation. When the engine speed is higher than the
pinion, the pinion idles, so that the armature is not driven.




Service Precaution
CAUTION:
Always use the correct fastener in the proper location.
When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part
number for that application. ISUZU will call out those
fasteners that require a replacement after removal. ISUZU
will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers
or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do
not use supplemental coatings (Paints, greases, or other
corrosion inhibitors) on threaded fasteners or fastener
joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect
the fastener torque and the joint clamping force, and may
damage the fastener. When you install fasteners, use the
correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following
these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts
and systems.


Diagnosis
Condition Possible cause Correction
Starter does not run Charging failure Repair charging system
Battery Failure Replace Battery
Terminal connection failure Repair or replace terminal connector
and/or wiring harness
Starter switch failure Repair or replace starter switch
Starter failure Repair or replace starter

6D3-14 STARTING AND CHARGING SYSTEM

7. To remove the pulley, mount an 8mm Allen key in the vice
with the short end upwards, place a 24mm ring spanner on
the puley nut, position the internal hexagon of the roto
r
shaft onto the Allen ken, loosen the nut and remove the
pulley.

Note: the pulley has an integral boss which locks up against
the bearing,
therefore no thrust collar is provided.
8. Removing the rotor assembly. Remove the four retaining
screws from the drive end housing, withdraw the roto
r
complete with the bearing.

Note: the rotor must not be pressed from the drive end housing
using a press as the bearing retaining plate and drive end
housing will be damaged or distorted. Parts removed in this
way must be replaced if the integrity of the generator is to be
maintained.
9. Remove the drive end bearing from the rotor shaft using a
chuck type puler, take care not to distort the fan assembl
y
during this process.
10. Remove the slipring end bearing using the same meghod
as in 9.

Clean
Thoroughly clean all components except the rotor and stator
with an approved cleaning agent. Ensure that all traced of oil
and dirt are removed. If an abrasive cleaner is used to remove
scale and paint from the housings take care not to abrade the
bearing and mounting spigot surfaces. The rotor and stator
must be cleaned with compressed air only, the use of solvents
could cause damage to the insulating materials.

Inspection
1. Rectifier assembly
The following test equipment is required.
The recitifier assembly is not repairable and must be replaced
if a faulty diode is detected during inspection.

(a)
Adiode tester where the DC output at the test probes does
not exceed 14 volts or in the case of AC testers 12 volts
RMS. This is to ensue that when inspection rectifiers fitted
with zener power diodes the forward and reverse checks
are completer and are not masked by the diode turning on
due to the zener breakdown voltage.
(b) A zenere diode tester with a DC output in excess of 30
volts, the tester should also incorporate internal curren
t
limiting set to 5 Ma. to prevent high currents during
inspection.
(c) Diodes can be destroyed during service due to high
temperature and overload, open circuits are usually a resul
t
of excessive voltage.

ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E–1
ENGINE
CONTENTS
C24SE ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
ABBREVIATIONS CHARTS ......................... 6E-6
ECM Circuit Diagram (1/2) ............................ 6E-11
ECM Circuit Diagram (2/2) ............................ 6E-12
GROUND POINT CHART - LHD G.EXP (1/4) 6E-13
GROUND POINT CHART - RHD G.EXP (1/4) 6E-17
LOCATION ................................................... 6E-21
CABLE HARNESS & CONNECTOR
LOCATION .............................................. 6E-23
CABLE HARNESS & CONNECTOR
LOCATION
LHD ................................... 6E-24
CABLE HARNESS & CONNECTOR
LOCATION
RHD ................................... 6E-25
CONNECTOR LIST ...................................... 6E-28
RELAY AND FUSE ....................................... 6E-30
RELAY AND FUSE BOX LOCATION
(LHD & RHD) ........................................... 6E-30
FUSE AND RELAY LOCATION (LHD & RHD) 6E-32
ECM WIRING DIAGRAM (1/9) ..................... 6E-33
ECM WIRING DIAGRAM (2/9) ..................... 6E-34
ECM WIRING DIAGRAM (3/9) ..................... 6E-35
ECM WIRING DIAGRAM (4/9) ..................... 6E-36
ECM WIRING DIAGRAM (5/9) ..................... 6E-37
ECM WIRING DIAGRAM (6/9) ..................... 6E-38
ECM WIRING DIAGRAM (7/9) ..................... 6E-39
ECM WIRING DIAGRAM (8/9) ..................... 6E-40
ECM WIRING DIAGRAM (9/9) ..................... 6E-41
ECM CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENT &
OUTPUT SIGNAL .................................... 6E-42
GENERAL DESCRIPTION FOR ECM AND
SENSORS ............................................... 6E-48
Engine Control Module (ECM) ................... 6E-48
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor 6E-48
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) .................. 6E-49
Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve ....................... 6E-49
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor ............ 6E-50
Knock Sensor (KS) .................................... 6E-50
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 6E-50
Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor ........ 6E-51
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) .................... 6E-51
Heated Ox ygen (O
2) Sensor ..................... 6E-51
GENERAL DESCRIPTION FOR FUEL
METERING .............................................. 6E-52Battery Voltage Correction Mode ............... 6E-52
Clear Flood Mode ...................................... 6E-52
Deceleration Fuel Cutoff (DFCO) Mode .... 6E-52
Engine Speed/ Vehicle Speed/ Fuel Disable
Mode ........................................................ 6E-52
Acceleration Mode ..................................... 6E-52
Fuel Cutoff Mode ....................................... 6E-52
Starting Mode ............................................ 6E-52
Run Mode .................................................. 6E-52
Fuel Metering System Components .......... 6E-53
Fuel Injector ............................................... 6E-53
Fuel Pressure Regulator ............................ 6E-53
Fuel Rail ..................................................... 6E-53
Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit ....................... 6E-53
Thottle Body Unit ....................................... 6E-53
GENERAL DESCRIPTION FOR ELECTRIC
IGNITION SYSTEM ................................. 6E-54
Spark Plug ................................................. 6E-54
GENERAL DESCRIPTION FOR EVAPORATIVE
EMISSION SYSTEM ............................... 6E-57
EVAP Emission Control System Purpose .. 6E-57
EVAP Emission Control System Operation 6E-57
System Fault Detection .............................. 6E-57
POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV)
SYSTEM .................................................. 6E-59
Crankcase Ventilation System Purpose .... 6E-59
A/C CLUTCH DIAGNOSIS ........................ 6E-60
A/C Clutch Circuit Operation ...................... 6E-60
A/C Clutch Circuit Purpose ........................ 6E-60
A/C Request Signal ................................... 6E-60
ISUZU STRATEGY BASED DIAGNOSTICS 6E-61
Overview .................................................... 6E-61
STRATEGY BASED DIAGNOSTICS CHART 6E-61
Diagnostic Thought Process ...................... 6E-62
1. Verify the Complaint .............................. 6E-62
2. Perform Preliminary Checks .................. 6E-62
3. Check Bulletins and Troubleshooting Hints 6E-63
4. Perform Service Manual Diagnostic Checks 6E-63
5a and 5b. Perform Service Manual Diagnostic
Procedures .............................................. 6E-63
5c. Technician Self Diagnoses .................. 6E-63
5d. Intermittent Diagnosis .......................... 6E-64

6E–2 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
5e. Vehicle Operates as Designed ............ 6E-65
6. Re-examine the complaint ..................... 6E-66
7. Repair and Verify Fix ............................. 6E-66
GENERAL SERVICE INFORMATION .......... 6E-67
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) ...................... 6E-68
On-Board Diagnostic Tests ....................... 6E-68
The Diagnostic Executive .......................... 6E-68
Diagnostic Information ............................... 6E-68
Check Engine Lamp .................................. 6E-68
Data Link Connector (DLC) ....................... 6E-68
Tech 2 Operating Flow Cart (Start Up) ...... 6E-70
TYPICAL SCAN DATA & DEFINITIONS
(ENGINE DATA) ......................................... 6E-72
TYPICAL SCAN DATA & DEFINITIONS
(O2 SENSOR DATA) .................................. 6E-74
MISCELLANEOUS TEST ............................. 6E-76
PLOTTING SNAPSHOT GRAPH ................. 6E-78
Plotting Graph Flow Chart (Plotting graph after
obtaining vehicle information) .................. 6E-79
Flow Chart for Snapshot Replay
(Plotting Graph) ....................................... 6E-80
SNAPSHOT DISPLAY WITH TIS2000 ......... 6E-81
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK
6E-98
Circuit Description ......................................... 6E-90
Diagnostic Aids ............................................. 6E-90
Test Description ............................................ 6E-90
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM
CHECK .................................................... 6E-91
NO CHECK ENGINE LAMP (MIL) ................ 6E-94
Circuit Description ..................................... 6E-94
Diagnostic Aids .......................................... 6E-94
No Check Engine Lamp (MIL) ................... 6E-94
CHECK ENGINE LAMP (MIL) “ON” STEADY 6E-96
Circuit description ...................................... 6E-96
Diagnostic Aids .......................................... 6E-96
Check Engine Lamp (MIL) “ON” Steady .... 6E-96
FUEL METERING SYSTEM CHECK ........... 6E-98
FUEL INJECTOR COIL TEST PROCEDURE
AND FUEL INJECTOR BALANCE TEST
PROCEDURE ............................................. 6E-98
Test Description ......................................... 6E-98
Injector Coil Test Procedure (Steps 1-6)
and Injector Balance Test Procedure
(Steps 7-11) ............................................. 6E-99
Injector Coil Test Procedure (Steps 1-6)
and Injector Balance Test Procedure
(Steps 7-11) ............................................. 6E-100
FUEL SYSTEM ELECTRICAL TEST ........... 6E-103
Circuit Description ..................................... 6E-103
Diagnostic Aids .......................................... 6E-104Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure ................. 6E-104
Fuel Pressure Gauge Installation .............. 6E-104
Fuel System Electrical Test ....................... 6E-104
FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS ........................ 6E-108
Circuit Description ...................................... 6E-108
Test Description ......................................... 6E-108
Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure ................. 6E-109
Fuel Pressure Gauge Installation .............. 6E-109
Fuel System Diagnosis .............................. 6E-110
ECM DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) 6E-113
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0107
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE
CIRCUIT LOW INPUT ................................ 6E-119
Circuit Description ...................................... 6E-119
Diagnostic Aids .......................................... 6E-119
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0107
Manifold Absolute Pressure Circuit Low
Input ......................................................... 6E-120
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0108
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE
CIRCUIT HIGH INPUT ............................... 6E-123
Circuit Description ...................................... 6E-123
Diagnostic Aids .......................................... 6E-124
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0108
Manifold Absolute Pressure Circuit High
Input ......................................................... 6E-124
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0112
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR LOW
INPUT ......................................................... 6E-127
Circuit Description ...................................... 6E-127
Diagnostic Aids .......................................... 6E-127
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0112
Intake Air Temperature Sensor Low Input 6E-128
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0113
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR HIGH
INPUT ......................................................... 6E-131
Circuit Description ...................................... 6E-131
Diagnostic Aids .......................................... 6E-131
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0113
Intake Air Temperature Sensor High Input 6E-132
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0117
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
SENSOR LOW INPUT ................................ 6E-136
Circuit Description ...................................... 6E-136
Diagnostic Aids .......................................... 6E-136
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0117
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Low
Input ......................................................... 6E-137
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0118
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
SENSOR HIGH INPUT ............................... 6E-139
Circuit Description ...................................... 6E-139

ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E–5
ENGINE CRANKS BUT WILL NOT RUN ..... 6E-233
HARD START SYMPTOM ............................ 6E-236
ROUGH, UNSTABLE, OR INCORRECT IDLE,
STALLING SYMPTOM ............................... 6E-239
SURGES AND/OR CHUGS SYMPTOM ...... 6E-242
HESITATION, SAG, STUMBLE SYMPTOM 6E-245
CUTS OUT, MISSES SYMPTOM ................. 6E-248
LACK OF POWER, SLUGGISH OR SPONGY
SYMPTOM ................................................. 6E-251
DETONATION/SPARK KNOCK SYMPTOM 6E-254
POOR FUEL ECONOMY SYMPTOM .......... 6E-256
EXCESSIVE EXHAUST EMISSIONS OR
ODORS SYMPTOM ................................... 6E-258
DIESELING, RUN-ON SYMPTOM ............... 6E-261
BACKFIRE SYMPTOM ................................. 6E-262
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE PROCEDURE ....... 6E-264
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) .......... 6E-264
CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR 6E-264
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT)
SENSOR .................................................... 6E-265
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE (IAT) SENSOR 6E-265
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP)
SENSOR .................................................... 6E-266
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS) ...... 6E-266
IDLE AIR CONTROL (IAC) VALVE .............. 6E-267
KNOCK SENSOR ......................................... 6E-268
POWER STEERING PRESSURE (PSP)
SWITCH ..................................................... 6E-268
HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR (HO2S) ......... 6E-269
EVAP CANISTER PURGE VALVE SOLENOID 6E-269
FUEL PRESSURE RELIEF .......................... 6E-270
FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY ............................... 6E-270
FUEL INJECTOR .......................................... 6E-271
FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR ................ 6E-273
IGNITION COIL ............................................ 6E-275
SPARK PLUGS ............................................ 6E-275
SPARK PLUG CABLES ................................ 6E-277
EMISSION CONTROL ; CO ADJUSTER (W/O
CATALYSTIC CONVERTER) .................. 6E-277
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS ......................... 6E-279

ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E–53
Fuel Metering System Components
The fuel metering system is made up of the following
parts.
Fuel injector
Throttle body
Fuel rail
Fuel pressure regulator
ECM
Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor
Idle air control (IAC) valve
Fuel pump
Fuel Injector
The group fuel injection fuel injector is a solenoid
operated device controlled by the ECM. The ECM
energizes the solenoid, which opens a valve to allow
fuel delivery.
The fuel is injected under pressure in a conical spray
pattern at the opening of the intake valve. Ex cess fuel
not used by the injectors passes through the fuel
pressure regulator before being returned to the fuel
tank.
Fuel Pressure Regulator
The fuel pressure regulator is a diaphragm-operated
relief valve mounted on the fuel rail with fuel pump
pressure on one side and manifold pressure on the
other side. The fuel pressure regulator maintains the
fuel pressure available to the injector at three times
barometric pressure adjusted for engine load. It may be
serviced separately.
If the pressure is too low or poor performance, DTC
P0131 or P1171 will be the result. If the pressure is too
high, DTC P0132 or P1167 will be the result. Refer to
Fuel System Diagnosis for information on diagnosing
fuel pressure conditions.
Fuel Rail
The fuel rail is mounted to the top of the engine and
distributes fuel to the individual injectors. Fuel is
delivered to the fuel inlet tube of the fuel rail by the fuel
lines. The fuel goes through the fuel rail to the fuel
pressure regulator. The fuel pressure regulator
maintains a constant fuel pressure at the injectors.
Remaining fuel is then returned to the fuel tank.
Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit
When the key is first turned ON, the ECM energizes the
fuel pump relay for two seconds to build up the fuel
pressure quickly. If the engine is not started within two
seconds, the ECM shuts the fuel pump off and waits
until the engine is cranked. When the engine is cranked
and the 58X crankshaft position signal has been
detected by the ECM, the ECM supplies 12 volts to the
fuel pump relay to energize the electric in-tank fuel
pump.
An inoperative fuel pump will cause a “no-start”
condition. A fuel pump which does not provide enoughpressure will result in poor performance.
Thottle Body Unit
The throttle body has a throttle plate to control the
amount of air delivered to the engine. The Thottle
position sensor and IAC valve are also mounted on the
throttle body.
Vacuum ports located behind the throttle plate provide
the vacuum signals needed by various components.
Engine coolant is directed through a coolant cavity in
the throttle body to warm the throttle valve and to
prevent icing.

6E–54 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION FOR ELECTRIC
IGNITION SYSTEM
The engine use two ignition coils, one per two cylinders.
A two wire connector provides a battery voltage primary
supply through the ignition fuse.
The ignition control spark timing is the ECM’s method of
controlling the spark advance and the ignition dwell.
The ignition control spark advance and the ignition dwell
are calculated by the ECM using the following inputs.
Engine speed
Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
Throttle position sensor
Vehicle speed sensor
ECM and ignition system supply voltage
Ignition coil works to generate only the secondary
voltage be receiving the primary voltage from ECM.
The primary voltage is generated at the coil driver
located in the ECM. The coil driver generate the primary
voltage based on the crankshaft position signal. In
accordance with the crankshaft position signal, ignition
coil driver determines the adequate ignition timing and
also cylinder number to ignite.
Ignition timing is determined the coolant temperature,
intake air temperature, engine speed, engine load,
knock sensor signal, etc.
Spark Plug
Although worn or dirty spark plugs may give satisfactory
operation at idling speed, they frequently fail at higher
engine speeds. Faulty spark plugs may cause poor fuel
economy, power loss, loss of speed, hard starting and
generally poor engine performance. Follow the
scheduled maintenance service recommendations to
ensure satisfactory spark plug performance. Refer to
Maintenance and Lubrication.
Normal spark plug operation will result in brown to
grayish-tan deposits appearing on the insulator portion
of the spark plug. A small amount of red-brown, yellow,
and white powdery material may also be present on the
insulator tip around the center electrode. These
deposits are normal combustion by-products of fuels
and lubricating oils with additives. Some electrode wear
will also occur. Engines which are not running properly
are often referred to as “misfiring.” This means the
ignition spark is not igniting the air/fuel mix ture at the
proper time. While other ignition and fuel system causes
must also be considered, possible causes include
ignition system conditions which allow the spark voltage
to reach ground in some other manner than by jumping
across the air gap at the tip of the spark plug, leaving
the air/fuel mix ture unburned. Misfiring may also occur
when the tip of the spark plug becomes overheated and
ignites the mixture before the spark jumps. This is
referred to as “pre-ignition.”
Spark plugs may also misfire due to fouling, ex cessive
gap, or a cracked or broken insulator. If misfiring occursbefore the recommended replacement interval, locate
and correct the cause.
Carbon fouling of the spark plug is indicated by dry,
black carbon (soot) deposits on the portion of the spark
plug in the cylinder. Ex cessive idling and slow speeds
under light engine loads can keep the spark plug
temperatures so low that these deposits are not burned
off. Very rich fuel mix tures or poor ignition system output
may also be the cause. Refer to DTC P1167.
Oil fouling of the spark plug is indicated by wet oily
deposits on the portion of the spark plug in the cylinder,
usually with little electrode wear. This may be caused by
oil during break-in of new or newly overhauled engines.
Deposit fouling of the spark plug occurs when the
normal red-brown, yellow or white deposits of
combustion by-products become sufficient to cause
misfiring. In some cases, these deposits may melt and
form a shiny glaze on the insulator around the center
electrode. If the fouling is found in only one or two
cylinders, valve stem clearances or intake valve seals
may be allowing ex cess lubricating oil to enter the
cylinder, particularly if the deposits are heavier on the
side of the spark plug facing the intake valve.
Ex cessive gap means that the air space between the
center and the side electrodes at the bottom of the
spark plug is too wide for consistent firing. This may be
due to improper gap adjustment or to ex cessive wear of
the electrode during use. A check of the gap size and
comparison to the gap specified for the vehicle in
Maintenance and Lubrication will tell if the gap is too
wide. A spark plug gap that is too small may cause an
unstable idle condition. Ex cessive gap wear can be an
indication of continuous operation at high speeds or
with engine loads, causing the spark to run too hot.
Another possible cause is an ex cessively lean fuel
mixture.

ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E–55
Low or high spark plug installation torque or improper
seating can result in the spark plug running too hot and
can cause excessive center electrode wear. The plug
and the cylinder head seats must be in good contact for
proper heat transfer and spark plug cooling. Dirty or
damaged threads in the head or on the spark plug can
keep it from seating even though the proper torque is
applied. Once spark plugs are properly seated, tighten
them to the torque shown in the Specifications Table.
Low torque may result in poor contact of the seats due
to a loose spark plug. Over tightening may cause the
spark plug shell to be stretched and will result in poor
contact between the seats. In ex treme cases, ex haust
blow-by and damage beyond simple gap wear may
occur.
Cracked or broken insulators may be the result of
improper installation, damage during spark plug re-
gapping, or heat shock to the insulator material. Upper
insulators can be broken when a poorly fitting tool is
used during installation or removal, when the spark plug
is hit from the outside, or is dropped on a hard surface.
Cracks in the upper insulator may be inside the shell
and not visible. Also, the breakage may not cause
problems until oil or moisture penetrates the crack later.A broken or cracked lower insulator tip (around the
center electrode) may result from damage during re-
gapping or from “heat shock” (spark plug suddenly
operating too hot).
Damage during re-gapping can happen if the gapping
tool is pushed against the center electrode or the
insulator around it, causing the insulator to crack.
When re-gapping a spark plug, make the adjustment
by bending only the ground side terminal, keeping the
tool clear of other parts.
“Heat shock” breakage in the lower insulator tip
generally occurs during several engine operating
conditions (high speeds or heavy loading) and may
be caused by over-advanced timing or low grade
fuels. Heat shock refers to a rapid increase in the tip
temperature that causes the insulator material to
crack.
Spark plugs with less than the recommended amount of
service can sometimes be cleaned and re-gapped, then

6E–56 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
returned to service. However, if there is any doubt about
the serviceability of a spark plug, replace it. Spark plugs
with cracked or broken insulators should always be
replaced.