Reading sparkplugs
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Reading sparkplugs
I was wondering If anyone could tell me what this spark plug is telling me about how my engine runs.
I think I know but I want some other opinions.
It's been about 2,000 mi since they were changed.
I think I know but I want some other opinions.
It's been about 2,000 mi since they were changed.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Germany
'00 S320 W220, '98 A160 W168/ sold in 2005 '86 260 E W124 '90 260E W124
If I'm not completly mistaken you are using the platinum spark plugs. I tried them and for me they were not worth the extra money spent. But now I'm trying to "read" your plugs. To me they look ok. A light brownish cover, only little carbon residues, insulator is clean, no greasy/oily substances. The "white stuff" is hard to tell on the picture, could that be anitfreeze residues? Check by just "tasting" it, should be sweet if it is antifreeze. What is the milage on the car and the year? You might burn little oil, nothing to worry about. If the valve seals are bad it lasts less than 1000 miles to just cover the plugs with burnt oil to even short-circuit them.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 81
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From: Chicago
90 300e and B5 S4
Looks like you might be burning a little coolant (maybe headgasket). Check your oil cap for milky residue then check your dipstick for the same thing and also check your antifreeze to see if you are mixing coolant with oil. For 2k miles those plugs don't look that good. It's hard to diagnose problems over the internet by looking at only one thing.
Are you adding coolant often? Have you done a compression check?
Are you adding coolant often? Have you done a compression check?
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Canada
1989 300CE
These pictures are of the spark plugs I took out of the car appoximately 3000 miles/5000km ago. They were the ones that were in the car when I bought it. I saved them and labelled them. I do apologize for the quality of the pictures.
How do mine look in comparison?
Spark Plug 1
Spark Plug 2
Spark Plug 3
Spark Plug 4
Spark Plug 5
Spark Plug 6
How do mine look in comparison?
Spark Plug 1
Spark Plug 2
Spark Plug 3
Spark Plug 4
Spark Plug 5
Spark Plug 6
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98 C-230
reading plugs
i agree with the coolant theory ironzey
lino yours look pretty normal but they look as if they should have been changed a while a go. those electrodes look wore down. if the carbon problems persist you might think about a higher heat range plug.
lino yours look pretty normal but they look as if they should have been changed a while a go. those electrodes look wore down. if the carbon problems persist you might think about a higher heat range plug.
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 85
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From: Canada
1989 300CE
Originally Posted by 13benz
lino yours look pretty normal but they look as if they should have been changed a while a go. those electrodes look wore down. if the carbon problems persist you might think about a higher heat range plug.
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98 C-230
reading plugs
hi lino, my guess is that the carbon is probably just from stop and go driving, and going too long between plug changes, i wouldn't worry with it much if the car runs fine now, when you change them again if there is lots of carbon build up you might try a "hotter" plug. if there are ashy deposits go "colder", the parts guy you go to will know what the number of that plug is. you should be able to get a different heat range in the brand and type of plug that you use now. i don't think there is a thing wrong with copper plugs and a small amount of carbon dust on the plugs and a tan to grey color (not pitch black) is what i was always told was just right. i would stick with what you got in it now if that's what is recomended, getting it out of storage and blowing the cobwebs out of it may be all that is needed to get things cleaned back out. just my .02, nice looking car in your sig by the way
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98 C-230
that's one heck of a nice ride you got.dont see many of them with sheet metal that straight around here. ill post some of mine when i get some put on this computer. this link covers plugs pretty good.
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/spkplghnbook.htm
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/spkplghnbook.htm
Last edited by 13benz; Sep 23, 2004 at 12:31 AM. Reason: adding link
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