Normal Operating

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Pickup and 2004 Dodge Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The few deposits present on the spark plug will probably be light tan or slightly gray in color. This is evident with most grades of commercial gasoline (Fig 1). There will not be evidence of electrode burning. Gap growth will not average more than approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 3200 km (2000 miles) of operation. Spark plugs that have normal wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes filed, have the gap set and then be installed.

Fig 1: Identifying Normal Operation And Cold (Carbon) Fouling

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT) for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with MMT causes the entire tip of the spark plug to be coated with a rust colored deposit. This rust color can be misdiagnosed as being caused by coolant in the combustion chamber. Spark plug performance may be affected by MMT deposits.