spark plug diagnosis

[rlddlr53]

Hey R3V,

Just changed my plugs and this is what they looked like. Anyone know what this is an indication of?

[TurboJake]

I see nothing of concern.
But the photo's kinda blurry.

Browned or some white/grey powder is normal.
Oily, glossy/glazed, greened, deposited, bad pitting, or excessive white powder is bad.

[rlddlr53]

yeah browned with slight black on top.

Do you know how long it takes for plugs to get like that?

This is the first time I changed the plugs since I bought the car.

I also have higher HC, 147 trying to get below 86

Thinking new plugs may help.

I see nothing of concern.
But the photo's kinda blurry.

Browned is normal.
Oily, glossy/glazed, greened, deposited, bad pitting, or excessive white powder is bad.

[TurboJake]

They can get brown like that in less than 1k miles. So it's kind of hard to date a plug. But by the looks of them, they're the minuscule electrode Bosch platinum +2's.

They could be less than a month old. But they aren't ancient plugs.
But, don't put them back in(as in, a new set of them). Run the factory Bosch supers. WR8LC

[rlddlr53]

I already used NGK's

[TurboJake]

Good. Anything is better than the +2's and +4's.
(The exception being a 99+ VW. they love them. But that isn't whats in question here)

[FCBmw]

What does it mean if the plugs have a slight green coloring?

[TurboJake]

Oxidation. Car probably sat a long time or the plugs are freaking ancient

[TooSlowToCare]

As long as the tips aren't white/visibly burnt or dripping wet, there isn't much to be concerned about with plugs. Sometimes they can shed a little insight on diagnosis, but it's hard to tell if your plug is 100 miles old or 100k looking how it does.

[rlddlr53]

Def saw a huge difference after changing plugs

[ivo316]

If the edges are a little rounded or worn or seem molten, (too blurry to see well), the plugs are too hot or you are using too low octane fuel, maybe your pistons/head are dirty (with coal deposits) and have some preignition. Check your plugs after 200 miles, they should look light brown or whitish.

good luck