C:\Documents and Settings\Ryan\Desktop\IMAG0046
I don't know if that picture worked, but my plugs are really, really white after about 10-15k. In fact, that picture barely does it justice. All 4 plugs are the same. I know fuel injected 4 bangers in general tend to have whiter plugs; but I thought our engines ran a little on the rich side? Fuel filter is relatively new, never changed any injectors or anything. Engine has about 60K on it and runs pretty smooth (for what it is). It's a 2001, 2200 SFI
I will say this:
Sometimes under even a slight load, the engine will bobble in 2nd or 3rd gear between 2000-3000rpm when I'm at 75%-100% throttle. It ALMOST feels like it's right on the edge of running out of fuel. Then after that, it'll run great all the way to 5200rpm. It's very slight and I only notice it once every couple days. I never really thought anything of it, just assuming that it's because this car wasn't tuned for smooth, perfect performance. But in light of this new evidence, I'm beginning to wonder if something's up.
any insight?
"In Oldskool we trust"
Guess that's a negative on the pic...
"In Oldskool we trust"
Normal spark plug color should be a tan color on all plugs. White colored could be High heat, Head gasket. Are you losing coolant? has youre cooling system been serviced?. hows the condition of the rad?. No overheating?. I would clean the plugs off with a wire brush, Reinstall them, Check them out in a weeks time see if it happens again.
Good Luck.
Keep us updated.
All good theories. I service the cooling system pretty much yearly (My family owns a garage, so it's cheap and easy for me to do so). The rad only has about 20,000 on it as the old one cracked, so it's pretty much brand new. No leaks out of this head at all; or engine for that fact. And i do check (on and off the lift). You could eat off of it.
I also replaced the dex-cool with good ole ethylene glycol anti-freeze as well. I watch my temp gauge religiously, as I know what can happen in these cars. It NEVER makes it to 3/4 (~225) of the way. It fact, it barely goes over 200 most of the time. Suffice to say I know the cooling system is in exceptional shape. That's what has me so baffled. Just as a double check, I'll be compression testing soon.
Furthermore, I replaced the plugs today with E3's. Figured I'd give them a shot; advance auto had a sale. That's why I noticed the old plugs being so off. I know my old LN2 always gave me a nice light chocolate brown color; as desired. This is why I'm a little concerned.
"In Oldskool we trust"
That's a sweet graphic.
I suppose the closest to my situation would be high speed glazing, but I really don't see any yellow or a glazing effect. The plugs are almost pearly white. What's strange is that the electrodes are in great shape. The last tank of gas I ran through was 93, think that would make a difference?
"In Oldskool we trust"
To my understanding, octane levels don't have much of an effect on cars unless you are too low (engine knock) or much too high (incompete combustion). I don't think running 93 octane would cause spark plug issues.
Me either, just throwing out as many ideas and details as I can think of.
"In Oldskool we trust"
Think maybe the ethanol in the fuel would make a difference? I know here it's anywhere between 10-15% The Hess I usually by from is like 12.5% iirc.
"In Oldskool we trust"
