Need help diagnosing spark plug

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xung
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2004 3:48 pm

Post

I've had 2 sets of spark plugs in the last year and every time I take them out, cylinder 2 plug is always a bit seized and has a reddish-brown burnt color. The degradation of the plug leads to a rough shaking when the engine first starts up but the shaking dies down after I get going. I burn a little oil during the summer, about 1/4~1/2 quart every oil change. I burn more during the winter, about 1.5 quarts every oil change. Does anyone have an idea as to what could be causing this?

Sorry I don't have a picture but my camera doesn't have an analog zoom so the plug either is unfocused if I hold it too close or too small if I hold it far away.


NISTECH
Posts: 10585
Joined: Sun May 25, 2003 4:17 am

Post

burning oil and a discolored plug typically indicates rings or valve guide seals. Warm the engine up and do a compression check. see if that cyl is low, if it is slightly low add a small amount of oil to the cyl and retest it if your number comes up you got bad piston rings. Be sure when you do these tests the fuel pump fuse is out and you let the car run out of fuel before conducting the test, and that you have all plugs removed with the throttle held wide open while cranking.


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