(T) Dead plugs?

OK this is weird. I had exactly the same problem 12 months ago, but I think it's just a coincidence. The problem's hard to explain, but I suppose it sounds like there is a bannana stuck up my Zorst. It sounds quiet. Last year it started at around this time, and gradually got worse, and worse. In the end I didn't want to drive it because it sounded terrible, I was supprised it even worked. So on my way to uni I got some new leads, and new plugs. The problem seemed to be cured IIRC.

This was 07/05/04 (less than 12 months ago), and the plugs that time were about 11 months old. These were also Champion EON 6 plugs, which should last twice as long (upto 36,000 miles it says). I've only did 4,000 miles since the last plug change, and my leads are now Magnecor.

I do short trips at weekends, but my uni is about 7 miles. I also haven't driven it much recently because it's been the easter break, and I've finished work now. Recently I've done 300 miles on the m/way, and some long trips, so there shouldn't really be any water left in the zorst etc. The petrol filter, air filter, oil filter, and engine oil is all pretty new (and genuine Fiat), so they shouldn't be a problem.

When the engine's cooled I'll check the plugs. Has anybody else had plugs go this quick? If I replace them I think I'll stick with genuine Fiat. Oh yeah, another thing that's funny is that it's happened almost exactly the same time each year. It can't be anything to do with the warm weather can it? My car's also parked in the shade at home anyway.

Oh, got an 899cc Sei btw

your not washing the engine bay are you?

what are the condition of the plugs when you remove them.

Normal plugs should be changed every 6months and are cheap anyway - set of 4 costing £5-6 from a motor factors...

Just replace them...

Really

I thought it was every year, or two years for the 'performance' ones. If they are supposed to be changed every 6 months then why is the service interval only 12 months? Are you supposed to take the car in after 6 months for the plugs, and then a full service every 12?

I think I will be replacing the plugs. Just had a look, they seem to have a lot of carbon on them. It's mainly around the outer ring. I checked the gap on one, and it was correct!

Oh yeah I don't wash the engine bay, although some water quite often drips through the bonnet around the injector area.