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Mo money = mo parts
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Does this plug look normal?
I purchased an 86 Carrera last summer with about 85k miles. I had a PPI performed that showed very good leak down and compression. Thought I was in good shape, but oil consumption may be higher than recommended. I say 'may' because I have been chasing a few leaks - return tubes, valve covers, etc. - that have prevented me from getting a good number. Plus, I have only put about 1,800 miles on it since the purchase.
The PO told me that he replaced the plugs just before I purchased the car. Quite frankly, I wasn't smart enough to ask about his oil consumption, but don't know if I would have gotten a straight answer anyhow. I pulled a plug today to see what it looked like. It has 1,800 miles on it, so relatively new. This is my first Porsche, but have done lots of tune-ups over the years. The electrode (greyish brown) and insulator (fairly white) look pretty normal to me. I wasn't certain about the darkness at the base of the plug, just before the threads start. The dark deposits flaked off when I scratched them with a blade. I'd appreciate anyone's thougts, I never cease to be amazed at the collective knowledge of this board. Thanks. ![]()
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Greg 86 Coupe (stock - pretty much like Butzi designed it) 65 Ducati Monza 250 & 66 Monza Junior (project) "if you are lucky enough to own a Porsche, you are lucky enough" |
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Wer bremst verliert
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 4,767
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The electrode and insulator look fine, so your combustion mixtures are in the neighborhood (not sure what RPM/load you were under before shutting down.) Some oil around the jacket might indicate some cold oil leaking? Do you burn oil? any symptoms you are trying to diagnose?
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2007 911 Turbo - Not a toy 1985 911 Cab - Wife's toy 1982 911 3.2 Indiash Rot Track Supercharged track toy 1978 911 3.0 Lichtbau toy "Gretchen" 1971 911 Targa S backroad toy |
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Mo money = mo parts
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Thanks for the response. Yes, I am trying to determine if this condition is indicitive of oil consumption. The car is a street car. I do not baby it and it does not see stop and go traffic, but it is also not under heavy loads most of the time it is being driven.
I will get a good read on oil consumption this spring/summer when the weather breaks and I can get it out. I will be shocked if it is not under 1,000 miles/qt and could be lower than the 600 miles/qt threshold. I was hoping the plug may be a telltale sign that might support or not support my concern. I assume by your response that plug condition can vary quite a bit based on rpm and load. Interesting. I guess that I haven't pulled plugs routinely enough to consider that. One question. By 'cold leaking', do you mean oil leaking back through the valve guides into the cylinder? I get the customary 'puff' of smoke at start up, but it's gone in a few (2-3) seconds. Again, thanks for the response.
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Greg 86 Coupe (stock - pretty much like Butzi designed it) 65 Ducati Monza 250 & 66 Monza Junior (project) "if you are lucky enough to own a Porsche, you are lucky enough" |
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Registered
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MS.
Posts: 2,322
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It looks like the fuel mixture may be on the lean side, or an incorrect heat range plug is being used. Generally, when the insulator tip is as white as this one shown is, it is due to a higher than desired temperature.
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84' Steelslantnose Cab. 1953 Dodge B-4-B-108" 90,127 miles 1953 Dodge B-4-C-116" 58,146 miles 1954 Dodge C-1-B8-108" 241V8 POLY 1973 Roadrunner 440-SIX-PACK* 1986 F-250 Super Cab-460 V8 tow Newest additions- Matching numbers 1973 340 Road Runner!! 1948 Dodge B-1-F-152" 1-1/2 ton Dump body, 39,690 miles others... |
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Air Medal or two
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: cross roads
Posts: 14,079
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Most do not know how to do a plug check..even if you do, with todays gas you may be way off on the reading.
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D troop 3/5 Air Cav,( Bastard CAV) and 162 Assult Helicopter Co- (Vultures) South of Saigon, U Minh Forest, Delta, and all parts in between |
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Less brakes, more gas!
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It is hard to tell in the picture, but is it even gapped right?
Best regards, Michael
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![]() ![]() '82 Euro SC 'Track Rat' 22/29 Hollows, 22/22 Tarrets, Full ERPB F/R, Rennline Tri Brace, Glass bumpers, Pro 2000's, 5 pts, blah blah blah '13 Cayenne GTS |
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Registered
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I am with Michael on the gap being a little tight. At least it looks this way from the pictures.
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Ed Paquette 1983 911SC 1987 944S 1987 944 Manual (Donated to the Nat. Kidney Foundation) 1987 944 Automatic (Recently sold to another Pelican) |
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