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bad spark plugs, detonating, knock

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Old Jan 26, 2006, 02:39 PM
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bad spark plugs, detonating, knock

does anyone has any pictures of a bad spark plugs due to detonation, knock...etc..etc..

thnx
Old Jan 26, 2006, 03:03 PM
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I once looked but couldn't find any.

What you may see, if detonating bad, is tiny droplets of aluminum which were once vaporized from intense temperature and then precipitated back to solid onto the plugs. Like little white spots or pimples.

Sometimes the plugs may appear whitish as if there was knock but not being so, it is really an inaccurate diagnostic procedure to read plugs unless of real obvious signs.

What octane, boost, and tuning do you run?
Old Jan 26, 2006, 03:09 PM
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91oct, spike at 1.5bar with safc.

here are some pixs of my plugss.. any idea if there was some detonations?


Old Jan 26, 2006, 03:19 PM
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Yes those white specs on the straps are detonation. They should be a nice light toasty tan color.
Old Jan 26, 2006, 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by razorlab
Yes those white specs on the straps are detonation. They should be a nice light toasty tan color.
can you be more specific? Thanks
Old Jan 26, 2006, 03:29 PM
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If the white area is just discolored probably not, but if those are specks of material I would say it's likely you were knocking a little. Timing and fuel by the ecu will save your engine to a good extent but if you got bad gas and hit 22psi (1.6bar) you may have issues. But if your car is running fine I wouldn't worry about it because when the motor goes, it goes at once. 20 - 21 psi should be the max on 91

What are your mods and are you running stock ecu tune (widest safety margin)
Old Jan 26, 2006, 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by evo8forme
can you be more specific? Thanks
How much more specific? White specs on that part that goes up and turns (the part you gap) is a sign of detonation. They should be a nice light tan color with no specs.
Old Jan 26, 2006, 03:33 PM
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what are some signs of detonation? pinging? etc...etc..
Old Jan 26, 2006, 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by evo8forme
what are some signs of detonation? pinging? etc...etc..

Those white specs on your spark plug straps are signs of detonation. Pretty cut and dry if you ask me.
Old Jan 26, 2006, 03:39 PM
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On our cars, if you hear it it's way too late because the ecu allready has changed maps/timing and knocking is still occuring.

Just get some new plugs, turn the boost down a little and you'll be fine. Then get an SMC so you can run 26 psi all day without worries.
Old Jan 26, 2006, 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by C6C6CH3vo
On our cars, if you hear it it's way too late because the ecu allready has changed maps/timing and knocking is still occuring.

Just get some new plugs, turn the boost down a little and you'll be fine. Then get an SMC so you can run 26 psi all day without worries.
so change the pluggs and reset ecu?
Old Jan 27, 2006, 04:18 AM
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How to check for white specs:

The engine must be at full power (4th/5th) and the ignition cut during the pull. coast to a stop and pull the plugs. If you drive around the block back home before pulling plugs the specs will have burned back off.

The specs will not be on the electrode. They collect deep down inside the plug where the porcelin is cooler and there is less turbulance. It really helps to have a spark plug loupe as they are difficult to see with the naked eye. A loupe is a maginfying glass with a light attatched. I bought one from summit for a 69 dollar ripoff. But it is an invaluble tool for detecting inaudible detonation.
Old Jan 27, 2006, 05:51 AM
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are you injecting water or alky? the ground straps look to clean. there should be some color at the threaded end of the strap. it might be wise to back off some timing tetween 3k and 7k from 14 lbs boost up. check your afr, mid elevens or less untill you get someone knowledgeable to look at the tune.
if you are injecting something the ground strap is being washed and forget the above.
if you can't adjust the tune, I would stay off boost until the car is looked at.

good luck
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