I am experiencing problems with my Opel Corsa 1.4 utility. 2001 model. Spark plugs get wet and dirty causing flat spot and heavy fuel consumption. I have replaced the spark plugs, ignition coil and reset the timing. A week or so later, same problem with wet and dirty spark plugs. Can the spark plug gap cause this problem if not large enough?
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Opel Corsa 1.4 utility flat spot problems
- Thread starter Tieniew
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HAL 9000
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Q: How do I "read" a spark plug?
A: Being able to "read" a spark plug can be a valuable tuning aid. By examining the insulator firing nose color, an experienced engine tuner can determine a great deal about the engine's overall operating condition.
In general, a light tan/gray color tells you that the spark plug is operating at optimum temperature and that the engine is in good condition. Dark coloring, such as heavy black wet or dry deposits can indicate an overly-rich condition, too cold a heat range spark plug, a possible vacuum leak, low compression, overly retarded timing or too large a plug gap.
If the deposits are wet, it can be an indication of a breached head gasket, poor oil control from ring or valvetrain problems or an extremely rich condition - depending on the nature of the liquid present at the firing tip.
Signs of fouling or excessive heat must be traced quickly to prevent further deterioration of performance and possible engine damage.
http://ngksparkplugs.com/tech_support/spark_plugs/faqs/faqread.asp
A: Being able to "read" a spark plug can be a valuable tuning aid. By examining the insulator firing nose color, an experienced engine tuner can determine a great deal about the engine's overall operating condition.
In general, a light tan/gray color tells you that the spark plug is operating at optimum temperature and that the engine is in good condition. Dark coloring, such as heavy black wet or dry deposits can indicate an overly-rich condition, too cold a heat range spark plug, a possible vacuum leak, low compression, overly retarded timing or too large a plug gap.
If the deposits are wet, it can be an indication of a breached head gasket, poor oil control from ring or valvetrain problems or an extremely rich condition - depending on the nature of the liquid present at the firing tip.
Signs of fouling or excessive heat must be traced quickly to prevent further deterioration of performance and possible engine damage.
http://ngksparkplugs.com/tech_support/spark_plugs/faqs/faqread.asp
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
A compression test is a good start. Sadly flat spots is a known issue in Corsa B/C 1.4 engines.
Still on my Opel Corsa 1.4 Utility, 2001 model, with the flat spot and wet spark plug problem.
I replaced the MAS flow sensor, with the air intake hose from the air filter. I experimented with the spark plug gaps, at .33mm performance very poor, but no wetness on plugs. At .44mm no improvement. Then to .55mm, worse, with plugs getting wet again. I now have it set at .38mm. Idling much improved, still slow at pull away, but performance improves at higher speed. However, my Corsa is lazy, and I suspect it to be a timing problem. I have set the timing as best I could. The method I use is to remove the tappet cover and nr 1 spark plug. Then set nr 1 piston to TDC with the valves rocking. The mark on the camshaft pulley correspond with the mark on the cover. Is this correct? Does the intake valve open at exactly TDC or should it be some degrees before?
Is there an easier way to set, or fine tun the timing.
I replaced the MAS flow sensor, with the air intake hose from the air filter. I experimented with the spark plug gaps, at .33mm performance very poor, but no wetness on plugs. At .44mm no improvement. Then to .55mm, worse, with plugs getting wet again. I now have it set at .38mm. Idling much improved, still slow at pull away, but performance improves at higher speed. However, my Corsa is lazy, and I suspect it to be a timing problem. I have set the timing as best I could. The method I use is to remove the tappet cover and nr 1 spark plug. Then set nr 1 piston to TDC with the valves rocking. The mark on the camshaft pulley correspond with the mark on the cover. Is this correct? Does the intake valve open at exactly TDC or should it be some degrees before?
Is there an easier way to set, or fine tun the timing.