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Calling all spark plug gurus...

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Old Aug 6, 2009 | 07:54 PM
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Default Calling all spark plug gurus...

I just replaced the plugs and wires in my stock 99 vert at 60K. The plugs that came out are marked AC 41-952 25321615. I believe they are original but not sure?

Pictures follow, and I am seeking to learn what I can about the condition of the engine based on the plugs that were removed.

There was a very occasional miss at idle only before the change. The idle miss has all but disappeared with new plugs/wires. My guess is the missing cathode from the cyl 4 plug was the cause of the miss.

I appreciate any insight you gurus can give.















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Old Aug 6, 2009 | 08:10 PM
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They look normal to me.. Those "pucks" have a tendency to come off.

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Old Aug 6, 2009 | 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by VinnyT
They look normal to me.. Those "pucks" have a tendency to come off.

That is the reason I went with the NGK Iridiums instead. They don't have those cathode pucks.
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 01:36 AM
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If you're only missing one you're doing good. I lost 4. I run the NGK plugs with no pucks.
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 02:02 AM
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if those whites spots are shiny , pre-ignition
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 10:23 AM
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Impressive pictorial
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by thetaxman
if those whites spots are shiny , pre-ignition
I wouldn't call them shiny like metal, they appear to be a white chalky or powder like residue.
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 11:14 PM
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The miss most likely was a result of the excessive gap. It idle that becomes an issue. Most people who replace the OEM plugs marvel at how much better their car idles.
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Old Aug 8, 2009 | 01:05 AM
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Hell mine just flat did EVERYTHING better after new plugs and wires (Delco Iridiums at .040) But the ones that came out had gaps from mid .060s to mid .080s. I was amazed that it was running as good as it did!!
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Old Aug 8, 2009 | 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by lespaulr0cker
I wouldn't call them shiny like metal, they appear to be a white chalky or powder like residue.
good
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Old Aug 9, 2009 | 07:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Cybermind
That is the reason I went with the NGK Iridiums instead. They don't have those cathode pucks.
Those damn little pucks always fall off.
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Old Aug 9, 2009 | 08:24 AM
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There is some deposit and the color is dark.
That tells me that either you are running slighly rich or the detergency package in your gasoline is mediocre.
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Old Aug 9, 2009 | 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by rws.1
There is some deposit and the color is dark.
That tells me that either you are running slighly rich or the detergency package in your gasoline is mediocre.
Thank you for your observation, I thought the deposit looked a little heavy and on the dark side also.

I am thinking the original owner may have used the most "affordable" gasoline they could find.

I have only run premium in the four months that I have owned it.

I am wondering if I should take it to a tuner and ask them about possible richness?

It is 100% stock now, but I will be installing GHL bullet exhaust soon.
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