Carbonized Spark Plugs
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Carbonized Spark Plugs
Hello, I need a little help please. I have an 80 corvette that I bought a brand new turn key engine from pheonix engines. It was running when I first installed the engine. However, I took my car to get a new paint job and it was parked for 6 months. Now the car won't turn on and all the spark plugs are really dark. I changed the spark plugs and even though it doesn't turn on it keeps on carbonizing the plugs. Does any one have an idea of what it could be? The carb is also brand new, it's a 1400 edlebrock model. Thanks in advance for all your help. It's getting a little stressful knowing I have brand new engine, rebuilt transmission, all new engine parts and hoses and it still doesn't fire up..
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Could the shop "grunts" have been abusing the car for the last 6 months. 
They have the car. They have the keys. They have the time. And they have the motivation.
If you know what the car's mileage was when you left it there, go check it out. If they have put over 10 miles on the car, sue them.
They have the car. They have the keys. They have the time. And they have the motivation.If you know what the car's mileage was when you left it there, go check it out. If they have put over 10 miles on the car, sue them.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: Castle Rock CO
This is just from a past experience and might not be the problem but I would say black Plugs are from a weak spark on the HEI Ignition system. Last time I had a 1976 that did not start the HEI Ignition Control Module went bad. I realize yours is a 1980 but they suffer the same symptoms because the parts did not change much on the 350 engines throughout these years.
I would check for spark first and if the spark is weak replace the coil and/or the Ignition Control Module.
I would start with the Ignition Control Module then replace the Coil if it still does not start.
I would check for spark first and if the spark is weak replace the coil and/or the Ignition Control Module.
I would start with the Ignition Control Module then replace the Coil if it still does not start.
Last edited by MakoJoe; Aug 2, 2013 at 09:26 PM.
