Big, Big Time Poster
So I changed my spark plugs the other day....
Never figured out what was wrong... Compression test results were ~180-190 on all cylinders. Just need to bite the bullet and spend some money I guess but here are some pictures.
Big, Big Time Poster
4 Grand Master
If compression is okay then I'd look to the crankcase ventilation or valve guides for the oil source.
How long did it take for these deposits to accumulate?
I suspect the white crap might be from coolant.
"The gas pedal wouldn't go to the floor if it weren't meant to be there"
Big, Big Time Poster
A few months.
When I start the car and not rev to ~3k the plugs go bad instantly.
As long as I remember to rev it up every time they last for months. This is about 3-5 months since my last change. They stay pretty clean until I forget to rev it up.
Cold start with 3k rpm it blows out a cloud of smoke. 5 seconds later, nothing. No noticeable smoke while driving.
4 Grand Master
Sounds like valve guides are shot.
If it smokes on decell from high speed that pretty much confirms it.
The white deposit on one is interesting.
270k, it's entitled to use a little oil. Since you have a method of extending plug life I'd leave it alone. Spark plugs are cheap.
Eventually this will kill the catalyst and O2 sensor if enough oil goes through.
Big, Big Time Poster
No smoke on deceleration that I can notice while driving, and I have been looking for it for months.
I will shoot a video maybe a little later tonight of a cold start and throttle. Maybe it will give some tips. Show something I can't see from in the car.
4 Grand Master
If your car has auto trans this test doesn't work as well. If so try it in a lower gear to have the engine braking effect. Have someone follow while you do it.
What happens is when you close the throttle with the engine turning fast the vacuum is very high and will draw more oil in through the (intake)guides.
Big, Big Time Poster
Its a manual transmission. Thanks for the tips.
Gives me a good idea of what to look for now.
Major Contributor
Did you replace them with Champions or did you use real spark plugs this time?
Big, Big Time Poster
I think I got "autolite" this time. Don't want to use anything expensive since they can all go out at any time.Originally Posted by BMWCCA1
I got expensive "platinum" ones once, they didn't last a day.
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