How are my plugs?
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,708
Likes: 2
From: Porter Ranch, CA
How are my plugs?
I pulled them out, and the gap was more than 0.040" and less than 0.045" for all four. I regapped them using the wire gapping tool (didn't touch the tip). I have a new set that I can put in. I just wanted to know how the car is running based on these plugs:
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 36,017
Likes: 226
From: Queen City, NC
Are these the original plugs? You have over 200k mi?
I'd say they look good all things considered, but I would not regap and reuse an old plug. Gap once when new and use, but over time the metal will fatigue and regapping imo makes the electrode more likely to crack and fall into the cylinder. If you have new plugs, just use them.
I'd say they look good all things considered, but I would not regap and reuse an old plug. Gap once when new and use, but over time the metal will fatigue and regapping imo makes the electrode more likely to crack and fall into the cylinder. If you have new plugs, just use them.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,708
Likes: 2
From: Porter Ranch, CA
Are these the original plugs? You have over 200k mi?
I'd say they look good all things considered, but I would not regap and reuse an old plug. Gap once when new and use, but over time the metal will fatigue and regapping imo makes the electrode more likely to crack and fall into the cylinder. If you have new plugs, just use them.
I'd say they look good all things considered, but I would not regap and reuse an old plug. Gap once when new and use, but over time the metal will fatigue and regapping imo makes the electrode more likely to crack and fall into the cylinder. If you have new plugs, just use them.
I'm pretty sure these are not 200k miles old. Haha. I just took over the car at 198k so I'm not sure when they were last replaced. The previous owner doesn't remember either. I'll just put it in the new ones then.
Also, does everyone agree that the plugs should be torqued to 21 ft/lbs instead of 18 ft/lbs?
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 865
Likes: 1
From: Carolinas
IMO,looks to me like a little too much ash deposits.Could be due to poor gas,gas additives or plug too cold.
I run NGK copper V-Power plugs in all my cars.My 03S likes either the BKR7E(stock heat range) or BKR6E( -1 range).These copper plugs last about 20k miles and are $2 each.Since a plug change is a 30 min job.....why not change them often.
\rlr
carolina
I run NGK copper V-Power plugs in all my cars.My 03S likes either the BKR7E(stock heat range) or BKR6E( -1 range).These copper plugs last about 20k miles and are $2 each.Since a plug change is a 30 min job.....why not change them often.
\rlr
carolina
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Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,094
Likes: 6
From: Vienna, VA
IMO, all of the plugs in this thread look great.
Some extra deposits that isn't excessive, but considering the age I wouldn't call this a problem in any of the above cases.
Sharky, you may want to look into reasons for the oil on #3. It isn't much at all, though. If you use M1 I'd say that's probably why.
Some extra deposits that isn't excessive, but considering the age I wouldn't call this a problem in any of the above cases.
Sharky, you may want to look into reasons for the oil on #3. It isn't much at all, though. If you use M1 I'd say that's probably why.
