Plug color Topic is solved

Post by **Sveedy** » 29 May 2022, 16:58

I decided to look at my plugs today - this is what I found.
Not sure about this color......I'm used to white or black typically. I'd think major head gasket leak, but fresh engine and no signs of coolant issues ( exhaust vapor/smell, drop in coolant level ) so I'm at a loss.

: IMG_20220529_123829690.jpg (492.22 KiB) Viewed 365 times

Post by **abscate** » 29 May 2022, 18:37

Dry light powder colour? Might be a fuel additive. Are you running a high end detergent gasoline?

Post by **Sveedy** » 29 May 2022, 18:46

Actually, yes - a little additive for a long highway drive I took the other day. But less than recommended on the label. Just wanted a little octane boost for higher fuel demands etc for a sustained highway drive.

Post by **abscate** » 30 May 2022, 02:56

Hmmm, I had the correct nostril sniffing on this one! I’ll guess that is it.

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 30 May 2022, 04:02

Although the color reminds me of the coating the swamp water leaves in my trucks cooling system, I believe coolant "burns" white. I pulled and cleaned the plugs in my truck, and the plug with crusty white garbage on it, near the intake manifold coolant leak had quite a bit of white build up. I was actually relieved when Google told me coolant, as that made perfect sense given the known issue. I cleaned all the plugs, checked the gap, and re-installed them.

I need to find my original Volvo plugs. I'm going to see if I can clean them up and re-use them.... I think I saved them just because the 3 electrode design is new to me.

duke1 · Post by **duke1** » 30 May 2022, 05:29

Sveedy wrote: ↑29 May 2022, 16:58 I decided to look at my plugs today - this is what I found.
Not sure about this color......I'm used to white or black typically. I'd think major head gasket leak, but fresh engine and no signs of coolant issues ( exhaust vapor/smell, drop in coolant level ) so I'm at a loss.
IMG_20220529_123829690.jpg

hi thats near perfect colour for a sparkplug,black is burnt oil white remnants of ethylene glycol once its been super heated. i would be happy to see such colour a nice tan is good!happy motoring

Post by **BlackBart** » 30 May 2022, 10:24

Sveedy, my plugs are white with some writing and a little silver thing on the end..............ohhh, you mean the other end!

Post by **Sveedy** » 30 May 2022, 10:38

^

I know. I should have been clearer about that.