Spark plugs - what do u think

[toolpusher]

Spark plugs replaced from 2010 3.2 at 111k miles (not the one from the catalytic converter thread). To the experts: what do the spark plugs tell me in terms if the engine?
Thank you!

[pgill]

If you are having to add oil between changes then I would recommend a new PCV.

They should look like this (except for number 2 which has a problem)

plugs.jpg (145.99 KiB) Viewed 1325 times

The way the PCV system routes the Vapors (and oil if its broken) is in a channel that connects all 6 intake ports

Start 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 finish

Because of this plug #6, #5 will be worse than plug #1, #2 (and I think that you have that)

If the plugs have been in there for a long time you could drive with the new plugs for a month and check #6 before replacing the PCV

Take Care

Paul

[pbierre]

These plugs look the same as the set I pulled out of my 2013 XC70 at 110K miles. The gaps are a little enlarged, due to the positive electrode tip wearing down. If there's anything besides normal wear and tear, it doesn't show in the photos.

Over the course of 50K miles, a spark plug will fire 200,000,000 times.

[SuperHerman]

All pictured spark plugs look to be equal visually, meaning your cylinders and related are consistent. They have excess oil/coke deposits. This could be b/c of short driving distances, PCV system, or worn rings. I bet on short driving distances. So they look normal for short driving distance usage, but as you can see the results are not optimum. It is not just the spark plugs.

[pgill]

These plugs look the same as the set I pulled out of my 2013 XC70 at 110K miles. The gaps are a little enlarged, due to the positive electrode tip wearing down. If there's anything besides normal wear and tear, it doesn't show in the photos.

Over the course of 50K miles, a spark plug will fire 200,000,000 times.

Those plugs look original FoMoCo

I change mine at 50,000 mile intervals on my 3.2s

The replacements that you bought are the wat to go.

Note: the center wire on the Iridium TT 4704 is slightly thinner than the Stock Iridium plugs 3421 that you removed

Smaller wire advantages

+ Less work for the coil to create a spark

+ Less likely for the spark to quench (this is important for catalyst efficiency checking)

- Smaller wire will wear out faster

Did I mention a 50,000 mile service interval





Good luck

Paul

[pgill]

Toolpusher,

Based on your posts it looks like you have two 3.2s

I do as well.

Both of yours seem to have a sticking PCV Valve.

You can use the Land Rover part if you like

LR023777

The same part in a Volvo box cost almost 2X Volvo part number 31319642

Note: the 3.0T is different than the 3.2

A less expensive option is to just replace the diaphragm and cap (I tried to remove the cap on my LR2 and it cracked, but a new cap would solve this issue)

Some picture of my LR2

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic32107.html

I think one of your 3.2s is consuming a lot of oil, if you don't have any leaks then the PCV should fix the oil consumption.


Good luck

let us know what you do and if it works

Paul

[toolpusher]

Yes indeed, two 3.2s. One at 111k (this thread) and one at 147k (the oil burner). Next is thermostat and manifold gaskets on the 147k, and now I am adding PCV to the list

[pgill]

Yes indeed, two 3.2s. One at 111k (this thread) and one at 147k (the oil burner). Next is thermostat and manifold gaskets on the 147k, and now I am adding PCV to the list

Nice!!!

I would change the intake manifold gasket and clean the throttle body when you change the thermostat.

But I wouldn't change the exhaust gasket unless you have a leak or a check engine light.

Good luck

Paul

[toolpusher]

I would change the intake manifold gasket and clean the throttle body when you change the thermostat.

Thank you! Do you recommend pulling the throttle body of and then - probably - replace the gasket, or leave the throttle body on the manifold and clean it just from the outside?

[pgill]

Thank you! Do you recommend pulling the throttle body of and then - probably - replace the gasket, or leave the throttle body on the manifold and clean it just from the outside?

I didn't change the throttle body gasket on mine, I just cleaned it and reused it.

Note: the gasket is compressed by the throttle body and as long as it is compliant then you can reuse it.

The Land Rover part number is LR001462 (throttle body gasket)

Its a little expensive $24 https://www.oemdiscountcarparts.com/oem ... t-lr001462

I do recommend that you change the small gaskets Qty 6

LR001454 (I replace these every time I remove the manifold)

I use the Victor Reinz part $2.35 each https://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/LR001454-MFG17.aspx

The price is low but the quality is excellent for these parts.

Note: these small gaskets by the cylinder head will be contaminated by oil if your PCV is not functioning and they will lose their flexibility and their ability to seal. Which is why I always replace mine.



If you want the small gasket in a Volvo box then FCP sells them for $17 each https://www.fcpeuro.com/Volvo-parts/S80 ... b=5&d=3597

List price is about $25 each


Get the Victor Reinz parts you won't be disappointed.


Thanks

Paul