Importance

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method and arrangement for cleaning the spark plugs of an internal combustion engine automatically subsequent to the engine stopping and then, preferably, after an unsuccessful attempt to start the engine. Consequently, conditions for a successful starting attempt are made more favorable. Conditions preventing the start of an engine are often due to the presence of deposits on one of the spark plugs, these deposits preventing an ignition spark from being produced in the cylinder. The inventive method and arrangement solve this problem by burning clean the spark plugs immediately after the engine has stopped, and then preferably after the engine has failed to start. A detection means establishes whether or not the engine has started by sensing a suitable engine parameter, preferably engine speed, through a speed indicator. When the detection means detects that the engine has stopped or has failed to start, a signal is sent to the control unit, which subsequently causes the ignition system to generate a shower of sparks in close succession on all spark plugs, either in parallel or in one cylinder at a time. The spark showers burn-off any deposits on the spark-plugs.

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First Claim