I’m terrible at reading spark plugs

[gmctavish]

What does this look like to you all?

Two sides of the same plug by the way.
I was going to clean my MAF sensor and throttle body, but they both look nice and clean. I moved onto plugs, but this doesn’t look terrible to me.

[awesomeaustinv]

@gmctavish It looks like some sort of specialized robotic hand.

[Old Busted Hotness]

@gmctavish Color looks great, but there's serious erosion on the center electrode. Replace.

[gmctavish]

@old-busted-hotness Awesome, best case scenario. Healthy engine, and I didn’t buy spark plugs and get at them for nothing

[TheBarber]

@gmctavish Looks like ash to me. You have a very slight oil burning issue. If it's on the one side like that it's probably a valve seal issue. Time for the spark plug to be replaced anyway due to that gappage.

[AMGtech]

@thebarber said in I’m terrible at reading spark plugs:

@gmctavish Looks like ash to me. You have a very slight oil burning issue. If it's on the one side like that it's probably a valve seal issue. Time for the spark plug to be replaced anyway due to that gappage.

Meh. Not worth worrying about of it is burning oil. Super minor. But that build up can happen just because of incomplete burns or crap fuel quality. I'd throw new plugs in and call it a day unless we're actually chasing a symptom.

[TheBarber]

@amgtech Agreed. I should of added an additional very for the very very minor issue. I would assume the plugs have been in their well past the service life and having the deposits in not indicative to a serious issue at this time. If they were newer I'd say stop using crap additives or there is a decent oil burning issue. Still curious on if it was just on one plug or on all of them though.

[AMGtech]

@thebarber for sure. One plug could definitely indicate oil burning, but even still, top it off and keep on truckin' unless you're going through a few liters between oil changes

[pyroholtz]

@gmctavish they look okay but worn....how many miles on them?

[gmctavish]

@amgtech Just trying to improve fuel economy. If it still smells like it’s running rich after a new air filter, plugs, and a cleaned MAF sensor, I think it’s time for a new upstream O2 sensor.
I have had to add a couple litres since I got it, but it has a leaky rear main seal and valve cover gaskets.

[gmctavish]

@thebarber They all looked basically the same. Definitely all changed at the same time, and with the right double ground plugs too, which is a good sign.
One or two might’ve had a bit more build up than the others, but no significant differences. I also have no idea how long they’ve been in there

[gmctavish]

@pyroholtz Your guess is as good as mine, I unfortunately got this one with zero service records

[ibRAD]

@gmctavish

Did you clean the throttle body too?

How did the suspension install go?

[gmctavish]

@ibrad No it looked nice and clean actually. So did the MAF sensor, but I sprayed it anyways since my air filter was so packed with dust, just in case.
Didn’t get to install the suspension, sadly. The springs are too thick for my spring compressors, so I have to take them to the shop I’ve being dealing with on Monday to get them assembled. Then I’ll install it all next weekend

[ibRAD]

@gmctavish Have you got an intact stock air box on that, or has it been messed with?

Springs are a pain. Sucks to wait but will be nice to have them assembled ahead of time.

[gmctavish]

@ibrad It is intact and stock, and it’s my favourite airbox I’ve ever encountered because of how easy it is to change the filter with the door on top.
This is true, and I do hate using spring compressors, it’ll be nice to not be doing the compressing

[pyroholtz]

@gmctavish replace em and watch the engine oil burn.

[Wrong Wheel Drive]

@amgtech said in I’m terrible at reading spark plugs:

@thebarber for sure. One plug could definitely indicate oil burning, but even still, top it off and keep on truckin' unless you're going through a few liters between oil changes

But if it were a Subaru "a few liters" still sounds about right!