You're also running E85, IIRC, that changes things considerably, I think, but thanks for the tip all the same!float_6969 wrote:They're fouled out. You're SUPER rich. Because of the carbon, the electricity has a path to ground once they get a little fuel/moisture on them and fail to spark properly. They're basically done and you need to replace them.
I would get some cheap NGK coppers, BCPR6ES-11 (unless you're running a lot of boost, you don't need 7 heat range plugs) until you figure out the over-fueling issue so you're not wasting money on fouling out those iridiums.
Since I mentioned it. I see WAAY too many people switch to 6 heat range plugs IMHO. I ran BCPR6ES-11 at 15psi on a CA T25 for YEARS without any issues. I ended up switching to the Iridiums, but I still stayed with a 6 heat range.
Last time I calibrated the LC-1 was maybe 1.5 year ago, but that was only about 500 miles ago, and even then, nothing changed at all. Anyway, I guess it's worth a try.float_6969 wrote:I ran the Iridiums both before and after the E85 switch. Regardless, a fouled plug doesn't care what fuel was used. That kind of fouling only comes from too much fuel/poor fuel atomization.
When is the last time you calibrated the LC-1? I've owned 3 of them and I know they can get out of calibration. I don't know what you're using for tuning, but maybe it's screwing up your LTFT's and making the engine run rich, even though it shows the AFR'S are OK.
12's in boost shouldn't foul plugs, and the 14.7 swing is normal.
My only other idea is that maybe there is a bad ground(s)/failing ignitor. That could cause a weak spark and might show up as fouled plugs from incomplete/delayed combustion.
I can always rely on Nico club for an honest, educated answer.float_6969 wrote:I would put the timing back to the 10° and see if the pinging is still present under load. If it is, THEN try the colder plugs. I would be willing to bet that extra 3° is contributing to issue. From my experience, this motor is picky about timing, and it doesn't handle too much advance very well, especially the 8 port heads.
When running a chipped ecu, you will likely foul plugs quickly with a colder plug. They tend to let the engine run VERY rich in the top end to fight detonation. Going to a colder plug will cause it to foul quickly. Those chipped ecu's also tend to be a bit aggressive with timing advance IMHO, and so advancing the base timing even more is a BAD idea IMHO.
All of that being said, a colder plug does drop the cylinder temp by 70°-100°C, and can help with the pinging, but I would do that last.
Also, retarded timing and colder plugs are REALLY a symptom of fuel that lacks the octane rating for the engine. If you want to keep the benefits of the advanced timing and the self cleaning abilities of the colder plug, I would put water injection on the engine, or switch to E85. Either option will allow for the most power, with the best reliability.... or run less boost, but who wants to do that!?!?! LOL
It definitely had standing water in it, that sludge is made of rust and salt. Although the ECU is inside the car, it wasn't screwed back into place, just stood on the carpet on that corner, and also leaning a bit sideways. Since I don't have any traces of water drips or flows inside the chassis (though my right carpet is always a bit damp), I'm guessing this was "just" condensation, that couldn't get out like it was supposed to, around the harness connector area, for example.float_6969 wrote:That looks like it had standing water in it. Is the ECU in the engine bay?
I believe you when you say that Float.float_6969 wrote:Working in the spa business, you would be REALLY surprised the amount of moisture/water a circuit board can tolerate. If there is no obviously burned traces, you can often clean off the corrosion/scale and everything will work just as it did before.