Spark plugs JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2002 WJ / 2.G Workshop Manual

Carefully remove radiator pressure cap from filler
neck and check coolant level. Push down on cap to
disengage it from stop tabs. Wipe inside of filler neck
and examine lower inside sealing seat for nicks,
cracks, paint, dirt and solder residue. Inspect radia-
tor-to- reserve/overflow tank hose for internal
obstructions. Insert a wire through the hose to be
sure it is not obstructed.
Inspect cams on outside of filler neck. If cams are
damaged, seating of pressure cap valve and tester
seal will be affected.
Attach pressure tester (7700 or an equivalent) to
radiator filler neck (Fig. 6).
Operate tester pump to apply 103.4 kPa (15 psi)
pressure to system. If hoses enlarge excessively or
bulges while testing, replace as necessary. Observe
gauge pointer and determine condition of cooling sys-
tem according to following criteria:
Holds Steady:If pointer remains steady for two
minutes, serious coolant leaks are not present in sys-
tem. However, there could be an internal leak that
does not appear with normal system test pressure. If
it is certain that coolant is being lost and leaks can-
not be detected, inspect for interior leakage or per-
form Internal Leakage Test.
Drops Slowly:Indicates a small leak or seepage
is occurring. Examine all connections for seepage or
slight leakage with a flashlight. Inspect radiator,
hoses, gasket edges and heater. Seal small leak holes
with a Sealer Lubricant (or equivalent). Repair leak
holes and inspect system again with pressure
applied.
Drops Quickly:Indicates that serious leakage is
occurring. Examine system for external leakage. If
leaks are not visible, inspect for internal leakage.
Large radiator leak holes should be repaired by a
reputable radiator repair shop.INTERNAL LEAKAGE INSPECTION
Remove engine oil pan drain plug and drain a
small amount of engine oil. If coolant is present in
the pan, it will drain first because it is heavier than
oil. An alternative method is to operate engine for a
short period to churn the oil. After this is done,
remove engine dipstick and inspect for water glob-
ules. Also inspect transmission dipstick for water
globules and transmission fluid cooler for leakage.
WARNING: WITH RADIATOR PRESSURE TESTER
TOOL INSTALLED ON RADIATOR, DO NOT ALLOW
PRESSURE TO EXCEED 110 KPA (20 PSI). PRES-
SURE WILL BUILD UP QUICKLY IF A COMBUSTION
LEAK IS PRESENT. TO RELEASE PRESSURE,
ROCK TESTER FROM SIDE TO SIDE. WHEN
REMOVING TESTER, DO NOT TURN TESTER MORE
THAN 1/2 TURN IF SYSTEM IS UNDER PRESSURE.
Operate engine without pressure cap on radiator
until thermostat opens. Attach a Pressure Tester to
filler neck. If pressure builds up quickly it indicates a
combustion leak exists. This is usually the result of a
cylinder head gasket leak or crack in engine. Repair
as necessary.
If there is not an immediate pressure increase,
pump the Pressure Tester. Do this until indicated
pressure is within system range of 110 kPa (16 psi).
Fluctuation of gauge pointer indicates compression or
combustion leakage into cooling system.
Because the vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter,do notremove spark plug cables or short
out cylinders to isolate compression leak.
If the needle on dial of pressure tester does not
fluctuate, race engine a few times to check for an
abnormal amount of coolant or steam. This would be
emitting from exhaust pipe. Coolant or steam from
exhaust pipe may indicate a faulty cylinder head gas-
ket, cracked engine cylinder block or cylinder head.
A convenient check for exhaust gas leakage into
cooling system is provided by a commercially avail-
able Block Leak Check tool. Follow manufacturers
instructions when using this product.
COMBUSTION LEAKAGE TEST - WITHOUT
PRESSURE TESTER
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If solution is
clean, drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE CYLINDER BLOCK
DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAIN-
COCK WITH SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE.
SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
Drain sufficient coolant to allow thermostat
removal. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/ENGINE
COOLANT THERMOSTAT - REMOVAL). Remove
Fig. 6 Pressure Testing Cooling SystemÐTypical
1 - TYPICAL COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TESTER
WJCOOLING 7 - 11
COOLING (Continued)

(4) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connectors and the antenna coaxial cable connector
from the receptacles on the rear of the radio receiver.
(5) Remove the radio receiver from the instrument
panel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE
AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Position the radio receiver to the instrument
panel.
(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connectors and the antenna coaxial cable connector
to the receptacles on the rear of the radio receiver.
(3) Install the four mounting screws. Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).(4) Install the center upper bezel onto the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL - INSTALLATION) for the procedures.
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
RADIO NOISE SUPPRESSION
GROUND STRAP
DESCRIPTION
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Electro-
Magnetic Interference (EMI) noise suppression is
accomplished primarily through circuitry internal to
the radio receivers. These internal suppression
devices are only serviced as part of the radio receiver.
External suppression devices that are used on this
vehicle to control RFI or EMI noise include the fol-
lowing:
²Radio antenna base ground
²Radio receiver chassis ground wire or strap
²Engine-to-body ground strap(s)
²Exhaust system-to-body and transmission
ground strap (4.7L engines only)
²Resistor-type spark plugs
²Radio suppression-type secondary ignition wir-
ing.
For more information on the spark plugs and sec-
ondary ignition components, refer to Ignition System
in Ignition System.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - ENGINE-TO-BODY GROUND
STRAP
(1) Remove the screw that secures the engine-to-
body ground strap eyelet to the lower plenum panel
(Fig. 13) or (Fig. 14).
(2) On models with a 4.0L engine, remove the nut
that secures the engine-to-body ground strap eyelet
to the stud on the right rear side of the engine cyl-
inder head.
(3) On models with a 4.7L engine, remove the two
nuts that secure the engine-to-body ground strap eye-
lets to the studs on the right and left rear sides of
the engine intake manifold.
(4) Remove the engine-to-body ground strap eye-
let(s) from the stud(s) on the engine.
(5) Remove the engine-to-body ground strap from
the engine compartment.
Fig. 12 Radio Remove/Install
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - SCREW (4)
3 - RADIO RECEIVER
8A - 18 AUDIOWJ
RADIO (Continued)

IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 4.0L 6-CYLINDER
ENGINE..............................2
ENGINE FIRING ORDERÐ4.7L V-8 ENGINE . . 2
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 4.0L ENGINE . 2
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCEÐ4.7L V-8
ENGINE..............................2
IGNITION TIMING......................2
SPARK PLUGS........................3
TORQUE - IGNITION SYSTEM............3
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT.............3
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT.............3
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT....4
REMOVAL.............................4
INSTALLATION..........................4
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 4.0L....................4
DESCRIPTION - 4.7L....................5
OPERATION
OPERATION - 4.0L.....................5
OPERATION - 4.7L.....................5
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4.0L.......................6
REMOVAL - 4.7L.......................7INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4.0L...................8
INSTALLATION - 4.7L...................9
COIL RAIL
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION...........................10
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................11
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................12
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................15
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION.........................15
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS.........................15
REMOVAL.............................18
CLEANING............................18
INSTALLATION.........................18
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
Two different ignition systems are used. One type
of system is for the 4.0L 6±cylinder engine. The other
is for the 4.7L V-8 engine.
OPERATION
The 4.0L 6±cylinder engine uses a one-piece coil
rail containing three independent coils. Although cyl-
inder firing order is the same as 4.0L engines of pre-
vious years, spark plug firing is not. The 3 coils dual-
fire the spark plugs on cylinders 1±6, 2±5 and/or 3±4.
When one cylinder is being fired (on compressionstroke), the spark to the opposite cylinder is being
wasted (on exhaust stroke). The one-piece coil bolts
directly to the cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the
secondary terminal ends of the coils to the top of all
6 spark plugs. One electrical connector (located at
the rear end of the coil rail) is used for all three coils.
The 4.7L V-8 engine uses 8 dedicated and individ-
ually fired coil for each spark plug. Each coil is
mounted directly to the top of each spark plug. A sep-
arate electrical connector is used for each coil.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used on either engine. Adistrib-
utor is not usedwith either the 4.0L or 4.7L
engines.
WJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 1

The ignition system is controlled by the powertrain
control module (PCM) on all engines.
The ignition system consists of:
²Spark Plugs
²Ignition Coil(s)
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
²Camshaft Position Sensor
²The MAP, TPS, IAC and ECT also have an effect
on the control of the ignition system.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 4.0L 6-CYLINDER
ENGINEENGINE FIRING ORDERÐ4.7L V-8 ENGINE
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 4.0L ENGINE
PRIMARY RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)
0.71 - 0.88 Ohms
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCEÐ4.7L V-8
ENGINE
PRIMARY RESISTANCE
21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)SECONDARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)
0.6 - 0.9 Ohms 6,000 - 9,000 Ohms
IGNITION TIMING
All ignition timing functions are controlled by the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Mechanical
adjustments are not needed and can't be made.
On the 4.0L 6±cylinder engine, do not attempt to
rotate the oil pump drive to adjust timing. This
adjustment is used for fuel synchronization after
camshaft position sensor replacement.
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE PLUG TYPE ELECTRODE GAP
4.0L 6-CYL. RC12ECC 0.89 mm (.035 in.)
4.7L V-8 (Exc. HO) RC12MCC4 1.01 mm (.040 in.)
4.7L V-8 High
Output (HO)RC7PYCB4 1.01 mm (.040 in.)
TORQUE - IGNITION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Crankshaft Position Sensor
Bolts - 4.0L Engine7- 60
Crankshaft Position Sensor
Bolt - 4.7L V-8 Engine28 21 -
Camshaft Position
Sensor±to±base bolts - 4.0L
Engine2- 15
Camshaft Position Sensor
Bolt - 4.7L V-8 Engine12 - 106
Oil Pump Drive Hold-down
Bolt - 4.0L Engine23 17 -
Ignition Coil Rail Mounting
Bolts - 4.0L Engine29 - 250
Ignition Coil Mounting Nut -
4.7L V-8 Engine8- 70
* Knock Sensor Bolt - 4.7L
HO V-8 Engine*20 *15 -
Spark Plugs - 4.0L Engine 35-41 26-30 -
Spark Plugs - 4.7L V-8
Engine24-30 18-22 -
* Do not apply any sealant,
thread-locker or adhesive to
bolts. Poor sensor
performance may result.
Refer to Removal / Installation
for additional information.
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT
The 5±pin, 12±volt, Automatic Shutdown (ASD)
relay is located in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT
The ASD relay supplies battery voltage (12+ volts)
to the fuel injectors and ignition coil(s). With certain
emissions packages it also supplies 12±volts to the
oxygen sensor heating elements.
The ground circuit for the coil within the ASD
relay is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM operates the ASD relay by switch-
ing its ground circuit on and off.
WJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 3
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

(14) If a plus (+) or a minus (-) is displayed next to
degree number, and/or the degree displayed is not
zero, loosen but do not remove hold-down clamp bolt.
Rotate oil pump drive until IN RANGE appears on
screen. Continue to rotate oil pump drive until
achieving as close to 0É as possible.
The degree scale on SET SYNC screen of DRB is
referring to fuel synchronization only.It is not
referring to ignition timing.Because of this, do
not attempt to adjust ignition timing using this
method. Rotating oil pump drive will have no effect
on ignition timing. All ignition timing values are con-
trolled by powertrain control module (PCM).
(15) Tighten hold-down clamp bolt to 23 N´m (17
ft. lbs.) torque.
INSTALLATION - 4.7L
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 4.7L
V±8 engine is bolted to the front/top of the right cyl-
inder head (Fig. 10).
(1) Clean out machined hole in cylinder head.
(2) Apply a small amount of engine oil to sensor
o-ring.
(3) Install sensor into cylinder head with a slight
rocking action. Do not twist sensor into position as
damage to o-ring may result.
CAUTION: Before tightening sensor mounting bolt,
be sure sensor is completely flush to cylinder head.
If sensor is not flush, damage to sensor mounting
tang may result.
(4) Install mounting bolt and tighten to 12 N´m
(106 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(6) Lower vehicle.
COIL RAIL
DESCRIPTION
A one-piece coil rail assembly containing three
individual coils is used on the 4.0L 6±cylinder engine
(Fig. 11). The coil rail must be replaced as one
assembly. The bottom of the coil is equipped with 6
individual rubber boots (Fig. 11) to seal the 6 spark
plugs to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is a spring.
The spring is used for a mechanical contact between
the coil and the top of the spark plug. These rubber
boots and springs are a permanent part of the coil
and are not serviced separately.
(1) The coil is bolted directly to the cylinder head
(Fig. 12). One electrical connector (located at rear of
coil) is used for all three coils.
Fig. 11 Ignition Coil AssemblyÐ4.0L 6±Cylinder
Engine
1 - CYL. #6
2 - CYL. #5
3 - CYL. #4
4 - CYL. #3
5 - CYL. #2
6 - CYL. #1
7 - COILS (3)
8 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
9 - BOLT BASES (4)
10 - RUBBER BOOTS (6)
Fig. 12 Coil LocationÐ4.0L Engine
1 - COIL RAIL
2 - COIL MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
3 - COIL
4 - COIL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
WJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 9
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

OPERATION
Although cylinder firing order is the same as 4.0L
Jeep engines of previous years, spark plug firing is
not. The 3 coils dual-fire the spark plugs on cylinders
1-6, 2-5 and/or 3-4. When one cylinder is being fired
(on compression stroke), the spark to the opposite
cylinder is being wasted (on exhaust stroke).
Battery voltage is supplied to the three ignition
coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) opens and closes the ignition coil
ground circuit for ignition coil operation.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable.By con-
trolling the coil ground circuit, the PCM is able to set
the base timing and adjust the ignition timing
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating conditions.
The ignition coil is not oil filled. The windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat
and vibration resistance that allows the ignition coil
to be mounted on the engine.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used. The cables are integral
within the coil rail.
REMOVAL
A one-piece coil rail assembly containing three
individual coils is used on the 4.0L engine (Fig. 13).
The coil rail must be replaced as one assembly. The
bottom of the coil is equipped with 6 individual rub-
ber boots (Fig. 13) to seal the 6 spark plugs to the
coil. Inside each rubber boot is a spring. The spring
is used for an electrical contact between the coil and
the top of the spark plug. These rubber boots and
springs are a permanent part of the coil and are not
serviced separately.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) The coil is bolted directly to the cylinder head.
Remove 4 coil mounting bolts (Fig. 14).
(3) Carefully pry up coil assembly from spark
plugs. Do this by prying alternately at each end of
coil until rubber boots have disengaged from all
spark plugs. If boots will not release from spark
plugs, use a commercially available spark plug boot
removal tool. Twist and loosen a few boots from a few
spark plugs to help remove coil.
(4) After coil has cleared spark plugs, position coil
for access to primary electrical connector. Disconnect
connector from coil by pushing slide tab outwards to
right side of vehicle (Fig. 15). After slide tab has been
positioned outwards, push in on secondary release
lock (Fig. 15) on side of connector and pull connector
from coil.
(5) Remove coil from vehicle.
Fig. 13 Ignition Coil AssemblyÐ4.0L 6±Cylinder
Engine
1 - CYL. #6
2 - CYL. #5
3 - CYL. #4
4 - CYL. #3
5 - CYL. #2
6 - CYL. #1
7 - COILS (3)
8 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
9 - BOLT BASES (4)
10 - RUBBER BOOTS (6)
Fig. 14 Ignition Coil Rail LocationÐ4.0L 6±Cylinder
Engine
1 - COIL RAIL
2 - COIL MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
3 - COIL
4 - COIL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
8I - 10 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
COIL RAIL (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Connect engine harness connector to coil by
snapping into position. Move slide tab towards
engine (Fig. 15) for a positive lock.
(2) Position ignition coil rubber boots to all spark
plugs. Push down on coil assembly until bolt bases
have contacted cylinder head
(3) Install 4 coil mounting bolts. Loosely tighten 4
bolts just enough to allow bolt bases to contact cylin-
der head. Do a final tightening of each bolt in steps
down to 29 N´m (250 in. lbs.) torque. Do not apply
full torque to any bolt first.
(4) Connect negative battery cable to battery.
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION
The 4.7L V±8 engine uses 8 dedicated, and individ-
ually fired coil (Fig. 16) for each spark plug. Each
coil is mounted directly to the top of each spark plug
(Fig. 17).
Fig. 15 Ignition Coil Electrical ConnectorÐ4.0L
6±Cylinder Engine
1 - REAR OF VALVE COVER
2 - COIL RAIL
3 - SLIDE TAB
4 - RELEASE LOCK
5 - COIL CONNECTOR
Fig. 16 Ignition CoilÐ4.7L Engine
1 - O-RING
2 - IGNITION COIL
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 17 Ignition Coil LocationÐ4.7L Engine
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - COIL ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - COIL MOUNTING STUD/NUT
WJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 11
COIL RAIL (Continued)

INSTALLATION
4.7L High-Output Engine Only
NOTE: The left sensor is identified by an identifica-
tion tag (LEFT). It is also identified by a larger bolt
head. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must
have and know the correct sensor left/right posi-
tions. Do not mix the sensor locations.
(1) Thoroughly clean knock sensor mounting holes.
(2) Install sensors (Fig. 22) into cylinder block.
NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts will affect knock sensor performance, pos-
sibly causing improper spark control. Always use
the specified torque when installing the knock sen-
sors. The torque for the knock senor bolt is rela-
tively light for an 8mm bolt.
NOTE: Note foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is
used only to retain the bolts to sensors for plant
assembly. It is not used as a sealant. Do not apply
any adhesive, sealant or thread locking compound
to these bolts.
(3) Install and tighten mounting bolts.Bolt
torque is critical.Refer to torque specification.
(4) Install intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(5) Connect knock sensor pigtail wiring harness to
engine wiring harness near right / rear of intake
manifold (Fig. 23).
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
Both the 4.0L 6-cylinder and the 4.7L V-8 engine
use resistor type spark plugs. Standard 4.7L V-8
engines are equipped with ªfired in suppressor sealº
type spark plugs using a copper core ground elec-
trode. High-Output (H.O.) 4.7L V-8 engines are
equipped with unique plugs using a platinum rivet
located on the tip of the center electrode.
Because of the use of an aluminum cylinder head
on the 4.7L engine, spark plug torque is very critical.
To prevent possible pre-ignition and/or mechanical
engine damage, the correct type/heat range/number
spark plug must be used.Do not substitute any
other spark plug on the 4.7L H.O. engine. Seri-
ous engine damage may occur.
Plugs on both engines have resistance values rang-
ing from 6,000 to 20,000 ohms (when checked with at
least a 1000 volt spark plug tester).Do not use an
ohmmeter to check the resistance values of thespark plugs. Inaccurate readings will result.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. A sin-
gle plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
Group O, Lubrication and Maintenance.
EXCEPT 4.7L H.O. ENGINE :Spark plugs that
have low mileage may be cleaned and reused if not
otherwise defective, carbon or oil fouled. Also refer to
Spark Plug Conditions.4.7L H.O. ENGINE :Never
clean spark plugs on the 4.7L H.O. engine. Damage
to the platinum rivet will result.
CAUTION: EXCEPT 4.7L H.O. ENGINE : Never use a
motorized wire wheel brush to clean the spark
plugs. Metallic deposits will remain on the spark
plug insulator and will cause plug misfire.
H.O. Gap Adjustment:If equipped with the 4.7L
H.O. engine, do not use a wire-type gapping tool as
damage to the platinum rivet on the center electrode
may occur. Use a tapered-type gauge (Fig. 24).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS
NORMAL OPERATING
The few deposits present on the spark plug will
probably be light tan or slightly gray in color. This is
evident with most grades of commercial gasoline
Fig. 24 PLUG GAP - 4.7L H.O.
1 - TAPER GAUGE
WJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 15
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)

(Fig. 25). There will not be evidence of electrode
burning. Gap growth will not average more than
approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 3200 km (2000
miles) of operation.
Spark plugsexcept platinum tippedthat have
normal wear can usually be cleaned, have the elec-
trodes filed, have the gap set and then be installed.
Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with MMT
causes the entire tip of the spark plug to be coated
with a rust colored deposit. This rust color can be
misdiagnosed as being caused by coolant in the com-
bustion chamber. Spark plug performance may be
affected by MMT deposits.
COLD FOULING/CARBON FOULING
Cold fouling is sometimes referred to as carbon
fouling. The deposits that cause cold fouling are basi-
cally carbon (Fig. 25). A dry, black deposit on one or
two plugs in a set may be caused by sticking valves
or defective spark plug cables. Cold (carbon) fouling
of the entire set of spark plugs may be caused by a
clogged air cleaner element or repeated short operat-
ing times (short trips).
WET FOULING OR GAS FOULING
A spark plug coated with excessive wet fuel or oil
is wet fouled. In older engines, worn piston rings,
leaking valve guide seals or excessive cylinder wear
can cause wet fouling. In new or recently overhauled
engines, wet fouling may occur before break-in (nor-
mal oil control) is achieved. This condition can usu-ally be resolved by cleaning and reinstalling the
fouled plugs.
OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED
If one or more spark plugs are oil or oil ash
encrusted (Fig. 26), evaluate engine condition for the
cause of oil entry into that particular combustion
chamber.
ELECTRODE GAP BRIDGING
Electrode gap bridging may be traced to loose
deposits in the combustion chamber. These deposits
accumulate on the spark plugs during continuous
stop-and-go driving. When the engine is suddenly
subjected to a high torque load, deposits partially liq-
uefy and bridge the gap between electrodes (Fig. 27).
This short circuits the electrodes. Spark plugs with
electrode gap bridging can be cleaned using standard
procedures.
SCAVENGER DEPOSITS
Fuel scavenger deposits may be either white or yel-
low (Fig. 28). They may appear to be harmful, but
this is a normal condition caused by chemical addi-
tives in certain fuels. These additives are designed to
change the chemical nature of deposits and decrease
spark plug misfire tendencies. Notice that accumula-
tion on the ground electrode and shell area may be
heavy, but the deposits are easily removed. Spark
plugs with scavenger deposits can be considered nor-
mal in condition and can be cleaned using standard
procedures.
Fig. 25 NORMAL OPERATION AND COLD (CARBON)
FOULING
1 - NORMAL
2 - DRY BLACK DEPOSITS
3 - COLD (CARBON) FOULING
Fig. 26 OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED
8I - 16 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
SPARK PLUG (Continued)