The spark plug is the most important part of your ATV. If there isn’t one, your engine won’t run and you’ll have no power. This article will help you learn how to check for a spark on an ATV: reasons for no spark so that you can find out if it’s working or not.
What Is a Spark Plug and What Does It Do?
A spark plug is a hole in the engine where gas and air can get into. It will ignite when you pull the rope and causes the explosion that makes your ATV move. If your ATV doesn’t have a spark plug, then it won’t run. A spark plug is a little metal or ceramic core with an insulator. The insulator needs to be clean and dry for the spark to work.
How to Check for Spark on an ATV: Reasons for No Spark
One of the prevalent reasons for not having a spark is if your insulator is dirty, wet, or has broken threads. Other reasons might be because you need a new plug, the engine timing is off, or there is low voltage.
If the engine timing is off then it’s usually just the rider that can set it on time and check that all of the plugs are in their right place. You’ll also need to make sure that you’re turning over the engine in order to check for power. It’s also possible that your engine can be broken and will need to get fixed.
The first step is to find the location of where your spark plug goes on your ATV. Next, make sure that you have gas in the tank so you don’t damage the motor. Now turn over the engine and make sure that you have tension on the rope so that it’s running. Check your spark plug by wiggling it a little bit to see if it is sparking when you pull the rope and throttle.
See Also: How an ATV Choke Works?
What Are Some Other Ways to Test for Power?
The easiest way to check if you have power or not is to feel the area where the spark plug goes into the engine. If it’s warm then you’ve got power.
There are also other ways that can tell if your ATV has no spark like checking for fuel, looking at the headlights and seeing if they both work or are off, looking for a smell of gas around your carburetor, and then checking your gage for a reading. Another way to check is by pulling the cord and seeing if it kicks over.
What Type of Spark Plug Should I Use?
It depends on the kind of ATV that you’re using and what engine it has in it. If you have an older 4-cycle or 2-cycle engine then you would use a spark plug made for that kind of engine. It’s always better to follow the directions in your owner’s manual if you have one.
If you don’t, there is usually an information panel on the inside of your gas tank door or in your owner’s manual that will tell you what type of plug, oil, and gas to use. The brand of the plug will be on the outside of the packaging and it may also say, “for 2-cycle gas engines only” so make sure that you know what kind of engine your ATV has.
You’ll need a spark plug for each engine if you have more than one. Consult your owner’s manual if you need more information.
What Kind of Tools Do I Need?
You’ll need a flat head and Phillips head screwdriver, gas spray cleaner (like carb cleaner or WD-40), a socket wrench, spark plug wrench, and an extension. It’s best to have someone show you how to use these tools if you’ve never used them before.
How to Fix the Problem If You Find That Your Engine Isn’t Sparking?
#1) If it’s dirty then clean it with the gas spray cleaner and check again.
#2) Replace your spark plug or get a new one if you don’t have one.
#3) Check your engine timing first before doing anything to it, because that might be the cause of no spark. Make sure that there is a mark on the timing wire or disc and that it’s lined up with an arrow on top of your engine.
#4) Check for wires that might be touching things around them or another wire out of place where they shouldn’t be. Use a screwdriver to fix this problem if you find it.
#5) If you have low voltage then check the battery for corrosion, clean it and replace your battery if you need to. You’ll need a multimeter as well in order to test for low voltage.
#6) Check your plugs wires on the engine and make sure that they are connected and not touching any other metal parts. Fix this problem if you find that there is a problem.
The Importance of Having a Working Spark Plug in Your ATV Engine
If you’re not having a spark then your engine might not start or run. If you can see any signs of rust around your wire plug where it attaches to the spark plug and wires, that’s usually an indication that you have corrosion on the outside of the plug or maybe inside.
Corrosion reduces the connection between the two metals in different types of metals and when it does that it’s not going to have the same electricity running through them. If you have a low voltage then that can be fixed by cleaning off your battery terminals, getting new batteries if needed, and replacing any corroded connectors on wires.
This is pretty important because having no spark or voltage means that you’re probably not going to be able to start your ATV or vehicle. If you have a dead battery then you’ll need to get it changed and that will cost money. It’s also going to take more time for you if you think that the engine isn’t sparking when trying to start your ATV.
How to Check for Spark on an ATV: Reasons for No Spark – Conclusion
The article above gives details on how to check for spark on an ATV: reasons for no spark. You might burn up everything in it if not careful as well as damaging the wiring or having other problems. You don’t want to damage anything in your ATV, but it’s not fun to run around without any spark either.