How do these plugs look?

[mephiska]

I did a tune up on my '94 3.0L this weekend and took a couple pictures of the plugs that were in there. How do these look? See any signs of a problem at all?

Larger image here

Also, just for fun, this is the rotor and cap that was on it. Naturally I replaced this too, along with new wires.

Overall it seems a bit more rev happy now, though I don't notice a huge power increase. I also replaced the PCV valve while I was at it. It was a still working but a bit gunked up.

 

[SenorNoob]

I gotta ask.. Do you know why the one was different? (It looks original maybe?)

 

[Tedybear]

NGK V-Power and one autolite?

Interesting combination.

I'd guess the oddball one probably was in a tight spot and the last guy to do the tune up couldn't do what you just did.

That cap and rotor are the prime examples why I used to always suggest that when I was a tech years ago. That rotor button is roached. big time!

S-

(Plugs look fairly good btw. NGK v-powers are actually a very good spark plug in my opinion.)

 

[adsm08]

Well, number 3 looks a little black, might have been rich, might just not have been burning hot enough. Number 5 looks like it might have damage to the electrode.

Beyond that, I think I might have just put them back in.

 

[Tedybear]

Well, number 3 looks a little black, might have been rich, might just not have been burning hot enough. Number 5 looks like it might have damage to the electrode.

Beyond that, I think I might have just put them back in.

Oddly enough? #5 is actually good for the electrode. The NGK V-Power plugs get their name from the 'V' groove cut into the electrode. That groove cut is actually very clear and distinct in the photo. When the plug does wear out? The 'V' slowly kinda turns to rounded edges and gets a bit mushy looking.

We use those plugs in all our family cars and trucks. NGK gets a bad rap from other websites, but their quality is actually very good.

S-

 

[txgocartB3000]

I have had a problem when using plugs with only half shaft threads.

After some use they tend to get loose.

The full thread ones have a more solid grab and I would assume have a deeper reaching spark.

Am I correct in my assumptions or misled?

Ray

 

[Tedybear]

I have had a problem when using plugs with only half shaft threads.

After some use they tend to get loose.

The full thread ones have a more solid grab and I would assume have a deeper reaching spark.

Am I correct in my assumptions or misled?

Ray

Honestly I'm not sure? I always tell people to use what ever the maker recommends, or their equivalent plug. I always use a 3/8 torque wrench and a light coating of anti-seize when I install plugs. And I've never had one work it's way loose?

The idea is always to have just the tip of the plug peeking into the combustion chamber with a fat wide clean spark.

S-

 

[4.0B2]

I think I might have just put them back in.

yep... this. Change the rotor and ride...

 

[mephiska]

I ended up replacing them anyway because I'd already bought new ones and they were so cheap that it wasn't worth the effort returning them.

As for the odd autolite plug, the PO told me it failed a smog test because of a bad spark plug, so when I saw it I immediately knew.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Good to know they look okay.