Why Do Spark Plugs Get Wet?

Spark plugs are the basic necessity for every vehicle to start and run smoothly. It is known to determine the efficiency and life of the engine. However, there are times when the spark plugs present in your vehicle tend to show you some signs and indications that actually need a proper and attentive look. However, before actually reading those signals, it is very important to have a basic knowledge of what a spark plug really is.
A spark plug is simply defined as a device that delivers electric current from the ignition system to the combustion chamber of a spark-ignition engine with the purpose of igniting the compressed fuel-air/mixture by an electric spark while containing the pressure of combustion within the engine. Hence, it is the reason why the engine of a vehicle starts smoothly. Thus, now that we know what a spark plug is, we must now come back to the core area of focus. Why does a spark plug get wet? Is it a red alert for your vehicle?
Even though the list of reasons may be long, here are some of the best ones mentioned below:

Flooding Of The Engine

The failed vehicle starts to attempt, thus eventually resulting in wet spark plugs. This happens, when the drivers try to start their vehicle quite a number of times without actually succeeding. This may lead to engine flooding, which in turn may soak the plugs so that they are unable to form any sort of spark to start the engine properly. This happens more often in the cold weather conditions, when the spark plugs that have been previously worn or fouled, actually require a higher voltage to properly ignite the engine. In the case mentioned above, the best thing the driver can do about it is either wait for the plugs to get dry, or remove the spark plugs and clean them off.

Leaking Of The Injector

Wet fouling is not very common in the modern fuel-injected engines, but it can happen due to a number of existent as well as non-existent mechanical failures. One such example can be of a leaking cold start injector. This would then lead to the creation of a rich and start-up mixture in the engine compartment that would be a major cause for the plugs to foul.

Worn Out Rings Of The Piston

In the older vehicle engines, worn-out piston rings or the excessive wearing of the cylinder often lead to wet fouling, as stated in many recognized surveys. This could then result in the release of excessive oil or gasoline into the engine compartment, which would normally prevent a spark from forming during an ignition attempt. Wet and fouled spark plugs can be cleaned well and should be re-installed to work better and effectively.

These were some reasons why your spark plug may get wet and fouled but being aware of the fact that these signs are crucial and must be noticed beforehand. If your vehicle is already showing certain symptoms of being damaged or even distorted, it is then high time for you to take a check of it thoroughly. When servicing your vehicle, you must make sure that your engine does not make sounds again, or that it starts smooth or even the little intricacies that involve your spark plugs within. When spark plugs are the driving parts that make your vehicle take you to places, you surely should be the one to first notice what is going within it and what the consequences could be if not looked after within a considerable period of time.