Takeda

I changed the Motocraft Fine Wire Platinum plugs in my Ranger with 103K miles on them. They were all gapped about 0.062", well beyond the 0.044" spec, but it was still running great.
You can see the effect of opposite polarity spark from Ford's EDIS. The GND electrode is eroded on the passenger's side, and the center electrode is eroded on the driver's side.

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danthurs

You do realize all those plugs have ash fowling on them.

Takeda

I disagree!

If you look closely at my plugs, compared to your photo, the insulators on my plugs are clean. Also, I never had a miss-fire with them, so by
definition, they aren't fouled. With a foul, there will be a miss-fire.


Check out the top (normal) plug in this link. This is what my plugs look like, except my photos are a higher magnification:

http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk/pages/t.../diagnosis.htm

danthurs

Ya they are. Your is just very slight. That example is a extreme example. This is how a plug should look.



Clean, with a whitish to slight tan color, clean electrodes, sharp edges.

danthurs

Let me add this. It's not something I would be overly concerned about. But something I would keep a eye on. That could be a indication of your valve seals getting a little worn.

Takeda

Again I disagree, there is no oil consumption, and no blue smoke after sitting.

Takeda

You must have missed the point in my OP, that these plugs have 103K miles on them, beyond the recommended 100K miles.

danthurs

You did say you have 103k on them. Over that time it takes very little. Have you used any fuel additives? That can also cause a build up like that. If not ash fowling, what would you say it is? It's possible I'm mistaken, but from where I'm sitting, it sure looks like it to me.

Takeda

Never use any fuel additives! What you are seeing are normal deposits from the combustion process.

You are mistaken, because these plugs are not fouled, like the example you showed.

Did you open the link for the "NORMAL" plug example?

danthurs

I just looked at the link, and what it shows does look very much like what you have. Here are the examples I go by. http://www.verrill.com/moto/sellingg...colorchart.htm And here normal is clean. I guess it comes down to personal preference. I learned that plugs are clean, if not you find out why. Plugs can tell you just about everything about your engine, if you just know what to look at. I really like your observation about the electron flow and wear on the electrodes. And as I said, it's not something I would be worried about. But if I were to say pull my valve covers for some reason, I would change out valve seals. But that's just me.