It is incredible how a small part of a machine can be so powerful. Generator spark plugs may seem tiny when compared to other generator parts, but it would be useless to try to generate electricity without them. Understanding how spark plugs work and when to replace them is an important step to keeping your generator running well, giving you the peace of mind that you will have electricity when needed.

What Are Spark Plugs?

Generator spark plugs are essential elements of your machine’s ignition system. Gas engines depend on a spark to ignite the combustible mixture of fuel and air, and the spark plug makes that process happen.

Created along with combustion engines in the late 1800s, the design of spark plugs has mostly stayed the same over the years. A spark plug is made of eight primary components: 

• Terminal
• Insulator
• Resistor
• Central electrode
• Ground electrode
• Hex head
• Gasket
• Ribs

These parts work together to use the electricity from your generator’s battery to create a spark that ignites the air-fuel spray in the engine. When this happens, a controlled explosion occurs between the generator spark plug’s electrodes. Without these pieces, your generator will not operate, and you will be left in the dark.

What Do Generator Spark Plugs Do? 

Knowing how a generator works makes it easy to see the importance of Generac spark plugs. Without the engine, a generator has no energy to convert into electricity. The engine produces the mechanical energy that will eventually be turned into electricity for your use, and spark plugs make engines run.

When igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine, generator spark plugs create the combustion needed for the machine to function. The fuel-air mixture expands, and the pressure this creates moves the engine’s pistons, transforming the mechanical energy into electricity. 

In addition to being essential for your generator’s primary function, using fresh, well-made Generac spark plugs helps the overall operation of your generator in three ways: 

• Power output
• Fuel efficiency
• Engine longevity

Engine Power Output

Your generator’s engine is powered by the combustion process, so having faulty or worn-out spark plugs can negatively affect its power output. Failing spark plugs can also slow or stop your engine’s output. This is one reason generator maintenance that includes replacing Generac spark plugs on a regular schedule is important for the performance of your equipment. 

Fuel Use and Efficiency

Because spark plugs are a part of the engine, they can have an impact on your generator’s fuel efficiency. When a spark plug is getting old or going bad, it can misfire, needing more of the fuel-air mixture for the regular output. By needing more combustible fuel, your generator goes through more gas, costing you money. 

Replacing worn out plugs with fresh Generac spark plugs gives you better fuel efficiency by avoiding misfires that waste gas. This small investment in maintenance will help you in the long run.

Generator Engine Longevity

Generator spark plugs can only remove heat, not create heat themselves. They are considered heat exchangers, pulling unwanted energy from the engine’s combustion chamber and moving it to the cooling system. The bonus function of the plugs is that, by reducing this heat, they protect the engine. 

Each spark plug has a heat range, which correlates to how fast the plug transfers heat to the cooling system. Choosing Generac spark plugs with the correct heat range for your engine will keep your machine running at a high performance.

Knowing When to Replace Generator Spark Plugs 

Generator maintenance is essential to keep your generator working well, and replacing spark plugs is part of that upkeep. By paying attention to how your generator operates and keeping a regular maintenance schedule, you will know when to replace your generator spark plugs to ensure your engine stays in good working order. 

Aside from scheduled maintenance, there are a few warning signs that might indicate you need to check the spark plugs. Investigate your spark plugs and consider replacements if you notice:

• Engine misfires
• Poor gas mileage
• Engine is slow to accelerate
• Trouble starting your machine 

Any of these warning signs may indicate worn-out or faulty spark plugs, and it is in your best interest to change them immediately. Ideally, replacing Generac spark plugs should be a preventative measure instead of reactionary, but it is always a good idea to figure out if bad spark plugs are the root of engine issues. 

How to Find Replacement Generator Spark Plugs 

Replacing spark plugs requires knowing exactly where they are in your generator’s engine, but locating the plug is sometimes the most challenging step in the replacement process. Generator spark plug locations can vary from machine to machine, so it is important to look at your equipment’s diagnostic manual to find the exact location and information on how you can access the plug to avoid harming the rest of the engine. 

Take care when opening your machine to search for the spark plug. Your generator spark plug may be under a spark plug boot, so do not let that confuse you when you are on the hunt.

Choosing the Right Replacement Spark Plugs for Your Generator 

As with choosing any generator replacement part, it is essential to get the correct spark plugs for your machine. Check your generator’s model and serial numbers to identify the exact spark plug you need. Genuine OEM Generac spark plugs are high-quality replacement parts that were made specifically for your model generator, making them ideal choices for repairs and maintenance. 

Many generator maintenance kits include Generac spark plugs for specific generators. By purchasing a kit put together by the manufacturer, you ensure you get everything you need to keep your generator running smoothly. The included instructions and Generac spark plugs will make replacement a breeze.

By understanding the importance of spark plugs and keeping up with engine maintenance, you ensure your generator is efficient, powerful, and functioning properly. With the proper knowledge and Generac spark plugs, you can keep your generator working so you can depend on backup or off-the-grid power when you need it most.