What causes plugs like THIS??
#1 What causes plugs like THIS??
They come out of a '65 4.2.
Engine front on the left, bulkhead side on the right.
Engine front on the left, bulkhead side on the right.
Last edited by jagwit on Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Best Regards
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
-
- Posts: 3305
- Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2014 3:08 pm
- Location: Near Andover, Hampshire,in D.O. Blighty
#2 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
More info, please.
Was the car running? In storage? Running but rough?
Geoff
Was the car running? In storage? Running but rough?
Geoff
S2 FHC Light Blue
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
-
- Posts: 5698
- Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2008 3:07 pm
- Location: cheshire , england
#3 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
That looks to me - at a very rough guess - as though there has been an intake fire while the engine has been running and a fire extinguisher of the bromofluoroethane type has been discharged into the intake . Certainly , in my view there has been a contaminant sucked into the engine
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#4 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
I had installed a 123Ignitions BT distributor and the car was driving fine - for less than a week. Then the report came in that the car is jerking when driving up a hill (obviously under heavier load).
I thought that some HT wires pulled out the dissy cap but this was not the case. That's when I pulled the plugs and found as above.
The owner roped me in to help with his car as none of the usuals here were able to sort it out. I did not think to check or change the plugs because the car was going very nicely indeed. No jerking, even well below idle speed.
Up until now the car has been driven most infrequently due to the issues I was called in for (mainly overheating). The overheating was the result of wrong thermostat, bypass circuit not shutting down (wrong thermostat), coolant short circuit in header tank via sensor hole directly to top RH radiator connection and a "radiator" fan that was mounted IN FRONT of the stone guard leaving a 2" gap between fan and radiator for fan air to escape through.
Cooling system was severely neglected: No antifreeze, much of that rust coloured paste in the water.
So, what I don't know how long it took for the plugs to become like this.
Could it be coolant leaking into the intake manifold?
Best Regards
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#5 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
This is certainly not the casechristopher storey wrote: ↑Mon Apr 09, 2018 2:25 pmThat looks to me - at a very rough guess - as though there has been an intake fire while the engine has been running and a fire extinguisher of the bromofluoroethane type has been discharged into the intake . Certainly , in my view there has been a contaminant sucked into the engine
Best Regards
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#6 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
Could it be some kind of additive in the fuel that has been mixed in totally wrong proportion? Or oil/water from the crankcase breather pipe?
Regards Johan
Regards Johan
1965 fhc
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#7 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
Blimey! Never seen anything like that before.
Paul Brazier. S2 FHC 1970, silver with blue leather. Oh, and a S1 prototype Lotus Elise and a Ferrari 488 GTB
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#8 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
Ash deposit caused by oil and or fuel addative....just google white powder on plugs...lots of info.. Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#9 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
Could be:
1. dried out anti-freeze so a head gasket or inlet manifold failure allowing coolant to the plugs
2. aluminium oxide caused by deterioration of the ally cylinder head
3. electrolysis causing build up of aluminium oxide
1. dried out anti-freeze so a head gasket or inlet manifold failure allowing coolant to the plugs
2. aluminium oxide caused by deterioration of the ally cylinder head
3. electrolysis causing build up of aluminium oxide
David Jones
S1 OTS OSB; S1 FHC ODB
1997 Porsche 911 Guards Red
Add your E-Type to our World Map: http://forum.etypeuk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1810
S1 OTS OSB; S1 FHC ODB
1997 Porsche 911 Guards Red
Add your E-Type to our World Map: http://forum.etypeuk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1810
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#10 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
I would agree with David...especially as you say the car was already suffering from overheating issues I would suspect coolant has somehow been drawn into the intake. What ever the malaise just replacing the plugs won't address the root cause. Maybe a head gasket failure. Maybe a leaking water rail on the manifold....
Julian the E-type man
1962 FHC
1966 MGB....fab little car too
1962 FHC
1966 MGB....fab little car too
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#11 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
The idea of coolant scares me a bit...
So it has new plugs in now. I'll get the owner to drive it a bit keeping a close eye on coolant level and then I'll pull a plug every now and then to monitor their condition.
It has been losing coolant, but there has been rather significant leaks, so it's hard to tell if coolant loss is causing the condition of the spark plugs
So it has new plugs in now. I'll get the owner to drive it a bit keeping a close eye on coolant level and then I'll pull a plug every now and then to monitor their condition.
It has been losing coolant, but there has been rather significant leaks, so it's hard to tell if coolant loss is causing the condition of the spark plugs
Best Regards
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#12 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
Something's getting into the combustion chamber that shouldn't be.
Contaminated fuel. Coolant additive. Silicone brake fluid.
Contaminated fuel. Coolant additive. Silicone brake fluid.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#13 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
I would not run the engine until in had established what the contamination source is and fixed it. The plugs are covered in white powder. I'll bet the valves are too and very likely the piston tops. If it is burned silicone brake fluid or decomposed aluminium head material it will be silica or alumina which are very hard and abrasive and will do serious damage to the valves, seats and bores if you run the engine. What ever it is it should not be there. A fix is required or you could do serious damage to the engine in a worst case scenario.
Julian the E-type man
1962 FHC
1966 MGB....fab little car too
1962 FHC
1966 MGB....fab little car too
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#14 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
The car does have silicone brake fluid (I do wonder why....). The owner was not complaining about brake fluid loss. I'll ask though.
Best Regards
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#15 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
Ingesting silicone fluid via the Reservac is likely then. That dust is abrasive so it may have attacked the valves and bearings. Check the Reservac for fluid, fix the problem drain the oil, flush the block with proprietary fluid, refill and try running. Check the compression and hope you got away with it.
David Jones
S1 OTS OSB; S1 FHC ODB
1997 Porsche 911 Guards Red
Add your E-Type to our World Map: http://forum.etypeuk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1810
S1 OTS OSB; S1 FHC ODB
1997 Porsche 911 Guards Red
Add your E-Type to our World Map: http://forum.etypeuk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1810
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#16 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
Am I the only one shouting at my laptop screen, "Stop stop stop! A '65 4.2 deserves better than this."
A well sorted '65 must be worth at least £100k (unless, of course it is a 2+2 like mine). It should be treated accordingly. There is at least one thing seriously wrong with this car. Do not drive it until it is sorted, it wont get better by driving it. Take the car to someone who knows what they are doing and pay them enough to strip and rebuild the engine+carbs+ignition properly. And while the engine is out, go over the rest of the car, cooling system, drive train, brakes and suspension, and replace repair restore as required.
Just me? I really must go and lie down in a dark room.
A well sorted '65 must be worth at least £100k (unless, of course it is a 2+2 like mine). It should be treated accordingly. There is at least one thing seriously wrong with this car. Do not drive it until it is sorted, it wont get better by driving it. Take the car to someone who knows what they are doing and pay them enough to strip and rebuild the engine+carbs+ignition properly. And while the engine is out, go over the rest of the car, cooling system, drive train, brakes and suspension, and replace repair restore as required.
Just me? I really must go and lie down in a dark room.
Chris '67 S1 2+2
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#17 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#18 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
So, I asked. He reports no brake fluid loss.
More facts:
He recons the spark plugs may not have been replaced in the last 20 years....
The 3-way vacuum valve is broken and has a vacuum leak. Can clearly be heard and an attempt was made to repair it with epoxy glue and tie wrap (not me though...). New one is on my list of purchases of the car.
You really don't have much confidence in me Chris!! Well, I must frequently remind myself that I am blond with blue eyes....chrisfell wrote:Take the car to someone who knows what they are doing
Best Regards
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#19 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
Yep, the car has clearly been neglected - although the owner does love it. The main issue is that the car was not driven much because of cooling problems (which I have now sorted). The engine has not seen anti-freeze for a long time (now corrected) judging by the colour of water drained from the engine and amount of rust coloured residue in the cooling system.Heuer wrote: ↑Tue Apr 10, 2018 7:13 amIngesting silicone fluid via the Reservac is likely then. That dust is abrasive so it may have attacked the valves and bearings. Check the Reservac for fluid, fix the problem drain the oil, flush the block with proprietary fluid, refill and try running. Check the compression and hope you got away with it.
I'll do an oil change and check compression - although the car feels very perky/healthy to me, starts on the "first spark".
Best Regards
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Philip
Jag: 72 S3 XKE, 74 S3 XKE OTS, 80 XJS (Megasquirt + 5sp manual O/D)
Jensen: 74 Interceptor (EFI by Megasquirt + O/D 4sp auto)
Chev: 59 Apache std, 70 C10 (350V8, 700R4)
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#20 Re: What causes plugs like THIS??
"You really don't have much confidence in me Chris!!"
It's just me, Phillip, just me.
It's just me, Phillip, just me.
Chris '67 S1 2+2
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |