VAZ 2109 floods the candles

VAZ spark plug filled with gasoline

Autumn does not please everyone with colorful foliage, and winter is associated not only with fluffy snow, festive mood and the New Year. For motorists, this is a time to test their endurance with cold, problems with starting the engine and disgusting slippery and dirty roads. Yes, it is precisely motorists during these periods who have to tinker with their four-wheeled friends, experiencing constant discomfort. The largest and most common of them, which greatly complicates the life of the driver, are spark plugs, the operation of which is affected by the weather. Poor engine starting in cold weather leads to the fact that the VAZ 2109 spark plugs are filled with gasoline. This makes further starting of the engine impossible. It is important to understand why this happens and how to fix the problem with your own hands and available means.

What are candles

Let's look at the device so that you can understand more clearly what we are dealing with:

• The spark plug housing is screwed into the cylinder head
• The insulator material in it is heavy-duty technical ceramics
• From the inside, a central electrode is fixed on one side and a contact rod on the other in the ceramic part of the spark plug.
• And between them there can be a resistor that suppresses radio interference
• Its side electrode is welded to the body

The design differences between the spark plug insulator and the central electrode itself make it possible to divide them into hot or cold:

• Hot candles are distinguished by a large surface of the insulator, which protrudes into the chamber and is heated by burning gases, and the transition zone from the insulator to the outer shell, on the contrary, is small
• Cold ones have an increased heat removal zone, so their working surfaces heat up less
• The heat number expresses the ability to accumulate heat
• Therefore, in order to choose the right replacement spark plug, you need to use an interchangeability table or a proprietary catalog, because the manufacturer has its own catalog system

Studying plaque on candles

They say that when candles are “flooded,” black soot forms. Let us clarify: it should not consist of inclusions. All metal, in turn, will be covered with an oily coating. Dry carbon looks different...

Oily layer and dry soot

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The photo shows two cases. “Our version” is on the right.

And soot can also be brown. And it always, in 100% of cases, is formed due to flooding with gasoline.

Dark brown soot

An oily coating, as in photo 1, is, nevertheless, the result of oil ingress. But an oiled candle does not work correctly - it will also be “flooded”.

With regular “flooding,” carbon deposits form, which we see in photo 1 on the right and in photo 2. The rest does not apply to our case.

How do candles work?

To understand what is happening and why, we need to understand the nature of the phenomenon occurring, and the roots of the phenomenon are hidden deep under the hood:

• The chain reaction that leads to the VAZ 21093 i flooding the spark plugs begins when you just turn the key in the ignition
• When a combustible fuel-air mixture is supplied to the combustion chamber, which consists of a mixture of gasoline and air that entered this chamber through the intake valves. These valves were brought into operation by the starter. Everything is clear here for now
• The spark plug at this point in time provides an ignition spark, which “comes” through the high-voltage wires from the ignition coil
• Then the mixture of fuel and air ignites from a spark, and a small micro-explosion occurs, after which the engine starts, valves and pistons, and all other mechanisms begin to move

Scheme for detecting problems in the ignition system based on the state of the spark plugs

So that you can independently identify faults in the ignition system, the photo above shows a table. So:

• As you understand, the most important elements in this chain of interactions are the spark and the combustible mixture of fuel and air
• Therefore, if there is no spark for some reason, the motor simply does not work.
• Therefore, after a few minutes of rotating the engine with the starter, the spark plug is filled with unburnt fuel, causing it to get wet.
• It turns out that the VAZ 21093 floods the spark plugs and there will be no normal spark, and without a spark there is no ignition
• You should be aware that in damp autumn or cold winter weather, ignition of the combustible mixture of air and fuel may not occur, even with fully working spark plugs
• Simply, when the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere (environment) drops below 15 degrees, the mixture of fuel and air is cooled to such a limit that ignition problems begin to arise
• In addition, problems arise with the spark; the spark plug does not work in normal mode, but in high load mode
• If the engine does not start immediately, the owner stubbornly continues to rotate the engine with the starter
• Then the VAZ 21093 gets flooded with spark plugs (like any other car), and they stop functioning completely

Everything is clear about the problem, all that remains is to decide on a solution

What to do if the VAZ 2109 injector spark plugs are flooded?

So, we figured out what can cause spark plugs to flood. What to do in such situations? Of course, first you should try to unscrew the spark plugs, thoroughly clean them of carbon deposits and dry them. To dry it, it is best to use a hairdryer, but you can do it the old-fashioned way - on the stove. Then you should screw the dried spark plugs back into the engine. The car will start if the battery is capable of delivering at least some normal current.

As we have already written, spark plugs on a VAZ 2109 are flooded for various reasons, and one of them is improper driving in the winter season. The fact is that the car’s computer orders the injectors to pour additional fuel not only when starting the car, but also while it is moving. And in the winter season, when the car moves slowly, the combustion chamber does not have time to heat up to the temperature at which the self-cleaning process begins. As a result, the fuel that did not burn after the “transfusion” sticks to various elements, including the spark plugs. After just a couple of days, brand new spark plugs become dirty, and engines start up reluctant and slow.

To avoid this, it is enough to periodically “turn” the engine. So, every evening before parking the car, you can drive for at least 10 seconds at a speed of 3500-5000. If you don’t want to carry out this procedure every day, then you can drive a distance of 50 to 100 kilometers approximately once a month at a speed of 100-120 km/h.

As you can see, the reasons why the VAZ 2109 fills the spark plugs are quite simple and even banal, but they are easy to deal with - you just need to remember to “turn” the engine and check your “iron horse” for possible malfunctions.

Solving the issue in several ways

Radical (cardinal) decision

If the VAZ 2109 is filled with spark plugs, the main question is what to do? And we do the following:

• We go to a car store with an old spark plug for a sample, select new spark plugs in the image and likeness of the old one, and completely replace the entire set
• When choosing, beware of fakes; do not buy too inexpensive candles that also do not have original packaging.
• It is also recommended to take a close look at the new spark plugs and make sure there are no packaging defects, including the design, defects in the electrodes, ceramic base and inscriptions on it
• Defects in the thread or an easily removed or unscrewed O-ring also indicate a fake.
• However, the engine can stall somewhere on the road, far from “civilization” and shops
• If you look from the other side, replacement is an additional expense, and usually very inappropriate
• Let's move on to a more gentle, budget option so that the price does not hit your modest budget

The most economical solution

How to solve the problem without spending money:

• To save money, flooded car spark plugs need to be unscrewed and “heated”; a gas burner or a homemade torch will help with this as a last resort.
• Your task in this case is not just to heat the candles, but to warm them up until red, or at least with fire to completely clean them of carbon deposits, as well as traces of gasoline
• This method has negative sides; many experts claim that after this the candles will not last long, because such heating can damage the ceramic core of the candle itself
• In addition, a matte oxidation film appears on the electrodes, which it is advisable to remove with fine sandpaper

It’s up to you to choose, I’ll tell you, when you are far from the store and, as luck would have it, you need to go urgently, you don’t care about sentiment.

A quick solution from craftsmen

Instructions from folk craftsmen:

• In the absence of new spark plugs at hand, there is also nothing to “ignite” with, then you can use the old, so to speak “old-fashioned” method, which often helps solve this issue
• Flooded spark plugs simply need to be dried using a starter.
• To do this, do the following: depress the gas pedal completely, then rotate the engine for a while, only using the starter
• The influx of fresh air allows the surfaces of the candles to dry out.
• Due to the fully open throttle, gasoline will not flow into the combustion chambers
• After drying, the engine should start, although not on the first try.
• The disadvantage of the “old-fashioned” method is that there is a high probability of completely draining the battery
• And after that, another driver can help you, who will agree to “give your engine a light” from his
• Or a spare battery, but the likelihood that you will have it at the right time is zero
• Now it is clear to the owners of the VAZ 2109 why the candles are flooded, as well as ways to cope with the problem

That’s all, I hope the material in this article will help you out in difficult times, and you won’t get confused; in addition, it’s worth watching the video lesson, since a person perceives and remembers information better through a picture.

Why do spark plugs fill up on a VAZ 2109?

The reason why the injector spark plugs flood is that in winter it takes effort to mix the fuel-air mixture. Cold air contains more oxygen, which means more gasoline is needed. The ECU sends a command to the injectors to increase the fuel supply, and they perform their task. The fuel is fed into the combustion chamber, where it is compressed together with air. After this, a chemical process occurs, as a result of which the fuel-air mixture must heat up. If everything went as it should, then the engine starts, but if some error occurred, something went wrong, then the spark plugs are flooded with fuel

Everything works perfectly in new cars, which is why spark plugs are usually not flooded in new cars. However, the likelihood of such an outcome is much lower for cars with a working starter and a fully charged battery of suitable power. In addition, you should use only high-quality oil, this is especially important in winter, since in cold weather low-quality oil can turn into a kind of clot, and it will not allow the engine to “spun” effectively.

A worn-out engine can also cause spark plugs to flood, since in such an engine the pistons are simply not able to create the pressure necessary for the fuel-air mixture.

The spark plugs themselves and their spark plug wires are no less important. It is important to remember that the “renown” of the manufacturer does not always indicate the quality of the spark plugs, which is why you will have to look for suitable spark plugs either at random or with the help of the advice of a more knowledgeable driver.

Signs of flooded spark plugs, how the fuel ignition process occurs

To understand the reasons for what happened, it will be enough to remember how ignition occurs in the combustion chamber. The physical aspect of the issue is as follows. In the process of feeding gasoline into the chamber, it is mixed with air, high pressure ensures that the combustible mixture is sprayed around the spark plug.

In a heated engine, the combustible mixture also has a temperature sufficient for its active evaporation; the presence of flammable vapors significantly facilitates the ignition process.

Low air temperature outside leads to strong cooling of the car; the temperature of the gasoline in the tank drops to levels at which there is practically no evaporation.

Temperatures below 0 degrees further aggravate the situation. Additionally, the sprayed flammable mixture condenses into large droplets, and the chance of successfully starting the engine is significantly reduced, or the start becomes impossible altogether.

If we consider the issue from the point of view of organizing work processes in an injection-type engine, then as a reason we can name the principles that guide the electronic brain of the car.

Sub-zero temperatures will require increased effort to form a combustible mixture: the presence of an increased amount of oxygen in the air will necessitate an increase in the amount of gasoline supplied. Naturally, the Electronic Control Unit will instruct the injectors to increase the volume of gasoline supplied.

If the car battery has considerable service life, then the following phenomena will occur: the injectors will supply fuel, the actions of the starter will be aimed at creating compression in the cylinders. At the same time, the battery must provide a spark capable of generating a flash.

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A new motor that is in perfect condition will, of course, be able to start even if there is a weak impulse. By the way, the spark plugs of injectors on new cars are filled much less frequently, and in any weather.

In practice, when the compression is not high enough and at low temperatures, the injectors continue to supply fuel. The candles are flooded and they stop “showing signs of life.”

Possible solutions to the problem of flooded candles

The manufacturing plant has already foreseen the situation in which the spark plugs splash, and VAZ, for example, has the corresponding instructions in its passport. Basic recommendations for actions if fuel gets on the spark plug, which is called “cold”:

1. Remove the candles.
2. Crank the starter for 15 minutes without spark plugs.
3. Wipe and dry the spark plugs well, then install them in their original place.

There is an alternative, so-called “folk” method. It must be applied even before the spark plugs are removed:

1. Press the gas pedal all the way.
2. Crank the starter for 10 -15 seconds.
3. Return the pedal to its place.

Since at this moment there is no supply of fuel mixture, the spark plugs are purged and dried with air. If all else fails, remove the wet spark plugs and dry them thoroughly. Depending on the conditions, you can dry it over any heat source - fire, gas stove, hairdryer.

Calcination shortens the life of candles, so you should not heat them for a long time. After drying, the gap must be checked; if necessary, the gap is adjusted and the spark plug is installed in its place. If everything is done correctly, the engine should start.

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Injection and carburetor spark plugs are practically the same, so the methods used can be used in both cases. If the spark plugs on the injector are flooded in the warm season, diagnostics of the fuel system and the sparking mechanism is necessary. If necessary, it is necessary to replace faulty components. At the same time, the condition of the injectors is checked, as well as the functionality of the Hall sensor.

The main reasons why spark plugs flood lie in non-compliance with the terms of preventive maintenance and technical regulations. Prevention can significantly increase the period of trouble-free operation of vehicle components. Therefore, even before the onset of frost, a number of preventive measures should be carried out:

• Constantly monitor the condition of the battery. In winter, it is generally better to install a battery with a higher capacity than was used in the warm season. With a powerful battery, a number of reasons for allowing fuel to flood the spark plugs disappear. It is best to recharge the battery at night, but in compliance with fire safety rules;
• During cold weather, increased attention must be paid to engine oil, and high-quality gasoline should also be filled, without contaminants. Consumable lubricants must be appropriate for the season;
• You must constantly monitor the condition of the spark plugs. It is necessary to regularly unscrew the spark plugs, remove carbon deposits from them, clean and adjust the gap. If technical characteristics deteriorate, it is best to replace the spark plugs.