Spark plugs really can tell you a lot about your engine's health

[450knotOffice]

I decided to replace my plugs, cap, and rotor today because I haven't done that since I've owned the car (5000 miles now) and I've been meaning to see how all the cylinders have been running. The plug wires are OEM and look good so they are staying put for now.

Anyway, I was pleased to find that all six plugs are a nice light grey color with no hot spots or dark soot anywhere. They're all about the same shade of grey too which tells me that the cylinders are all getting about the same fuel mixtures and running at about the same temperatures. The only thing I found wrong was the gap on all the plugs was WAY off on the high side. Spec is .7 to.8 mm and mine were all at 1.05 mm. That would give me a weaker spark and harder starting, I believe.

I have to say that I was a little worried that I might find evidence of oil getting past the valve guides, considering that worn guides are a well known Achilles heel of the 3.2 engine. No evidence of that at all, thankfully.

Anyway, I just wanted to pass that info along ( I know, wasting bandwidth). Spark plugs should be looked at more often by drivers because they can really tell you a lot about the health of your engine.

[Zeke]

Heh, heh, tell me about it, I've got 3 black ones and 3 tan. Yours look teriffic for the type of engine you have. Happy 4th, Scott.

[450knotOffice]

Thanks Milt. You too.

[efhughes3]

I know what you mean-here are mine which I pulled while the motor was out a couple of months ago. I had about 4K on them, and the motor was right at 121K at the time. I was/am happy

[450knotOffice]

Those look really good. I replaced my copper Bosch plugs with their Platinum versions, like yours.

Engine feels a bit smoother (probably my imagination, I know)

[Nitrometano]

Looks like lean condition in 3 cylinders

[bigchillcar]

been meaning to do this for several weeks..guess i'll have to tear up the knuckles tomorrow. thanks a lot, scott..
;
ryan