Technical What’s this on my spark plug?

[AnthonyH]

I'm very happy with using the old type "copper core" plugs in all the older family cars. The exception I make is that if the original manufacturer fitment was a long life plug then I'll replace like for like. So, for instance, I wouldn't dream of putting an older type plug in the Scala.

The top plug still had some centre and side electrode, the bottom plug had almost no centre electrode at all. All academic though as they were all pretty much rubbish!

Interesting idea, "normal" magnetic sockets. I could see the point when trying to get a nut or bolt started on a thread in a difficult position. However I've managed fine without them all these years so probably won't buy any at this point in my life. I have a number of Nielsen and Bergen (now US Pro) branded tools and find them very good for "serious" home use. The Bergen deep impact sockets I have stand up to my very powerful Chicago Pneumatic "rattle gun" - which shatters standard sockets without breaking any sweat!

I think i read that copper plugs are ok for 10,000 miles but iridium ones are ok for 30,000 miles. So all of these plugs were exhausted. It was nice to replace the plugs and feel the jitter gone, i'd wondered if there was something wrong with the injectors, its always possible in a car with high mileage (128,000).

I haven't actually used my new magnetic socket set, i will do of course, but their usefullness may be that they are shallow sockets, so they may fit into tight places.

I also shampood the front seats, they were looking quite grotty.

 

[AnthonyH]

I drove it today for a couple of hours and i was surprised at how much smoother the engine was on the motorway, nice.

 

[shera2025]

Sounds like a productive session! Replacing old plugs makes a big difference, always satisfying to feel the jitter gone. Nice touch cleaning the seats too, really makes the interior feel fresh. Magnetic sockets are handy in tight spots, you’ll find them useful for sure!

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

I think i read that copper plugs are ok for 10,000 miles but iridium ones are ok for 30,000 miles. So all of these plugs were exhausted. It was nice to replace the plugs and feel the jitter gone, i'd wondered if there was something wrong with the injectors, its always possible in a car with high mileage (128,000).

With standard copper core plugs I pull them yearly at service time so I can see how they are performing and reset the gaps if necessary. You can often get advanced warning of problems looking at the business end of your plugs like this. They should all look the same, if just one looks different you've probably got a problem with that cylinder. Of course gapping these type of plugs is normal, don't try it with long life plugs though (they should hold their gaps anyway until they need changed - which normally will be decided by mileage rather than their visual look. I've had copper core plugs go for around 20,000 miles reasonably satisfactorily when installed in naturally aspirated engines and driven sympathetically. I like to keep plug gaps slightly "tight" in deference to the HT system.

I haven't actually used my new magnetic socket set, i will do of course, but their usefullness may be that they are shallow sockets, so they may fit into tight places.

Can't remember if you said, are they single (6 point) or Bi (12 point) hex.

I also shampood the front seats, they were looking quite grotty.

Oh yes. Grotty seats? you can never be sure what caused the "grottyness" - unless you've owned it from new of course.