spark plug pic- what is going on in this cylinder?

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  • clydesdale
    Mod Crazy
    • Aug 2006
    • 631

    #1

    spark plug pic- what is going on in this cylinder?

    This is from the cylinder that is second closest to the firewall. I end up needing a new plug every 10 thousand miles. This plug has only about 8 thousand miles.


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  • SpecM
    R3V Elite
    • Oct 2005
    • 4531

    #2
    carbon fouling

    maybe a leaky injector or intake valve stem seal?
    1989 cirrisblau-metallic 325i

    Comment

    • clydesdale
      Mod Crazy
      • Aug 2006
      • 631

      #3
      It appears part of the insulation around the electode has disintegrated.

      Comment

      • AndrewBird
        The Mad Scientist
        • Oct 2003
        • 11892

        #4
        That doesn't look like carbon fouling. Way to white. Looks more like pre-ignition problems.

        Comment

        • clydesdale
          Mod Crazy
          • Aug 2006
          • 631

          #5
          That is what my brother said. What causes it?

          Comment

          • clydesdale
            Mod Crazy
            • Aug 2006
            • 631

            #6
            Well, I have some new info. I pulled all the plugs:
            #1. clean
            #2. clean3
            #3. white deposits and part of insulator broken
            #4. just replaced, but the old one had white deposits and broken insulator
            #5. replaced last year and now has white deposits
            #6. clean

            The plugs and wires have about 60k on them.
            Last edited by clydesdale; 03-02-2010, 12:13 PM.

            Comment

            • bddog
              Grease Monkey
              • Feb 2004
              • 351

              #7
              Pre ignition, cross firing- Incomplete ignition is what my book says- Your pic looks just like it

              Comment

              • clydesdale
                Mod Crazy
                • Aug 2006
                • 631

                #8
                I am unsure of the cause. Any ideas?

                Comment

                • tn325i
                  E30 Enthusiast
                  • Feb 2005
                  • 1154

                  #9
                  Originally posted by clydesdale
                  The plugs and wires have about 60k on them.
                  Not being a smart ass but I think you answered your own question... Plugs nor wires should be run that long..
                  sigpic

                  Comment

                  • clydesdale
                    Mod Crazy
                    • Aug 2006
                    • 631

                    #10
                    I do not think it is just a simple plug change. One of the plugs has been changed twice during that time because the cylinder stop firing. There are 3 plugs in a row that have insulator damage, the other 3 plugs are fine.

                    OK, I have a minor update. I did not do the compression test yet, but I did replace all the spark plugs. The stumble is now completely gone. The car drives great. But, obviously I know the problem did not go away. So, does this change anyones potential diagnosis? I know it is not one single injector anymore, as there are 3 plugs that were screwed up. All 3 cylinders are in a row, 3,4,5. I am hoping to get a compression test this weekend or next.

                    Comment

                    • AndrewBird
                      The Mad Scientist
                      • Oct 2003
                      • 11892

                      #11
                      If I remember right, the injector harness is split up into 2 banks of 3 cylinders (someone correct me if I am wrong). I would check the harness for cylinders 3, 4 and 5 and see if there is anything obviously wrong like missing insulation on wires.

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