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Signs of old plug and o2 sensor
Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 2:48 pm
by ericem
Hey guys, so recently did my spark plugs and replaced the o2 sensor. Why does one plug has rust around it? I am wondering if using the v power plugs are a bad idea. I think next week I might try just normal copper plugs and gap them at .28 instead of .38.
What I am noticing is acceleration is very laggy and unresponsive. Actually its pretty slow sometimes. Car does not seem to misfire, or have trouble starting (instant).
Oh and here is what the o2 sensor looks like. Is this normal?

Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 2:52 pm
by Legacy777
You probably are getting a little blow by on that plug.
Which cylinder was it?
Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 3:09 pm
by ericem
number 1 I think. Front passenger side. Closest to the rad.
Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 4:18 pm
by vrg3
It could also just be caused by improper spark plug boot fit. What kind of plug wires are you using? Are you using dielectric grease to protect the connection?
Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 5:30 pm
by ericem
there oem wires and no i am not using grease.
Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:03 pm
by vrg3
You should. If that is rust it could very well be because rainwater is getting into the spark plug well.
Get some dielectric grease (also called "tuneup grease") and smear a little into each spark plug boot. I also usually coat any rubber surface on the boot that touches the engine to help it seal there too.
Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:40 pm
by ericem
ok cool ill give it a shot. I am still wondering if i should just get some normal copper plugs and gap them to like .28. I still dont feel the acceleration is there.
Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 11:07 pm
by jefferson
Josh nailed another one. You had a bad seal on that plug that was allowing combustion pressure past. Good time to replace it.
Jeff
Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 11:00 pm
by suba
That plug (front on drivers side) seems to have a tendency to get rusty, mine does it as well. My theory on it is that because of the battery being in the way it's hard to get the boot seated all the way on the plug so it doesn't seal against the engine as well so water can seep in and cause rust.