helly

My setup: 1990 1.6 NA. With M45, intercooler, MSPNP, 550cc injectors, bigger fuel pump etc.
I know I'm running crazy rich. The plugs are very black and some of the have oil on the threads.

andyfloyd

Calling Pat the Spark Plug reading genius.

To me it looks like a combination of silly rich and burning oil. Does your car tend to use oil at a accelerated rate?

matrussell122

iTrader: (1)

You are exactly right those plugs are way too rich and its burning oil (more so not burning)

hi_im_sean

iTrader: (3)

You don't need to be a plug reading genius to know its burning oil, lots of oil. And how can you guys even comment on AFRs when the plug are fuking dripping in oil?

Valve seals, PCV, rings....

helly

PVC is new. The car does not use that much oil. And I know the CAS o-ring is leaking. Compression was good the last time I checked. Car works fine.
Valve seals then?

rleete

iTrader: (21)

Threads are wet. That indicates oil in the plug wells. That indicates a poorly sealing head gasket around said plug wells. Tighten head cover to proper specs in proper order. See if it helps.

And do something about that extra gas. You are running pig rich.

gooflophaze

Valve cover, not head.

Stealth97

iTrader: (5)

Replace valve cover gasket, clean the holes, try again

rleete

iTrader: (21)

Yes, you are correct. My bad.

helly

EDIT: If the valve cover seal is leaking. Shouldn't the top part of the spark plugs be covered in oil then? At least some?

Thanks for the help.

Valve cover got replaced along with cam-gasket, waterpump, belt etc. But that about.. .wow.. Time flies! 5 years ago maybe. I did tighten the valve cover according to this book. and I did use the correct torque.
I've got a spare gasket, so I'll swap it asap and update this thread, so that people with the same problem can find this thread in the future :-)

BTW: Isn't it easier to change the CAS O-ring when the valve cover is off ?

Stealth97

iTrader: (5)

Way easier, so you can see the dogs on the CAS engage the cam

x_25

The top part of the spark plug is mostly covered by the wire boot. They tend to stay clean. That's least of your worries though. Also, you need to retorque the valve cover bolts after a few drive cycles I have found.

But yeah, you are either running pig rich everywhere or burring a good bit of oil.

helly

I think it's a combination.
No tuner near me. So I've just autotuned it a bit rich.. I know it's too rich on WOT.
The car is now stock again. Need it to pass inspection.

I hope 18psi is ready to tune when the summer comes around :-)

andyfloyd

I would say thats more than a bit rich, in order for the plugs to look that bad it has to be running pig rich under all conditions not just WOT.

helly

I was being ironic.

Se my first post: