Reading spark plugs
06-13-2018, 11:36 AM
#3
Too hot? Just a guess here. I don't know how to read them either lol.
But I believe a good read on minimal use race car plugs, the ground strap should not be as discolored all the way down the strap like the one in the first pic. They're usually discolored right around the bend of the strap. Plus, the ceramic looks like it's been running hot, too.
Again, Total guess. I probably shouldn't even be posting here FYI but I hope this helps get you the right answers from the people who know best!
But I believe a good read on minimal use race car plugs, the ground strap should not be as discolored all the way down the strap like the one in the first pic. They're usually discolored right around the bend of the strap. Plus, the ceramic looks like it's been running hot, too.
Again, Total guess. I probably shouldn't even be posting here FYI but I hope this helps get you the right answers from the people who know best!
06-13-2018, 11:39 AM
#4
TECH Senior Member
OP, do you suspect a lean condition? Those plugs DO look like they've been a little cooked.
06-13-2018, 12:03 PM
#6
Those look completely normal, how did the other look? Those back 2 cylinders run hot and get more oil stuffed into them from the PCV system because the oil tends to go to the back of the manifold.
06-13-2018, 12:33 PM
#7
Yours look good for general inspection. Usually when someone says reading plugs they mean for tuning, that is a little different inspection. For tuning you are supposed to do a wide open throttle pull on fresh plugs then shut down the engine and inspect and read. For general plug checking you can pull and inspect like you did, and yours look good. NGK has some good vids on it too.
Here is for tuning. But again, this way you're supposed to do a wide open throttle pull and shut it down and not run it again before pulling the plugs.
http://www.enginebasics.com/Engine%2...k%20Plugs.html
Here is for tuning. But again, this way you're supposed to do a wide open throttle pull and shut it down and not run it again before pulling the plugs.
http://www.enginebasics.com/Engine%2...k%20Plugs.html
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06-13-2018, 05:01 PM
#9
The plugs should be tannish or greyish, which yours are. I agree that the plugs are a little hot. Not enough to cause detonation but a little hot. Why do I say this? There is no heat band on the ground strap. Since there is no heat band discernable, that means the band ends at the base ring (plug body). When the plug is running hot, the ground strap heats through to the ring. When it is too cold the band will appear almost to the strap tip. When the plug is of the right heat range the band will appear at or near the bend. So the next time you change plugs, drop it down a range and after driving it for a few days, check where the band appears.