Take a look at these spark plugs

[E-CLIPS97]

Hey,

Tell me what you think of these spark plugs. Quite a bit of white smoke coming from exhaust. Once I drove it for about 10ish minutes, the smoke wasn't bad while driving, but would come back a little bit at a stop. I am planning to have the motor rebuilt regardless, but can someone give some insight on the condition of these plugs?

When I pulled the plugs, there was oil and goop on the threads. You can also clearly see the insulator is burned. Car drove fine otherwise with no hesitation or anything. Drained the oil, no coolant in it (though I did see some sparkling metal flakes...)

Thoughts?

 

[grothe3297venge]

Do a leak down test, should let you know if your rings are shot (speculation on smoke, and oil on the threads of the plugs). As for how the plugs look, I am sure someone else will chime in about those.

Edit - I would also do a compression test.

 

[NHerron]

I might be way off base here but

Lack of maintenance -Spark plug well seals bad, bit of oil fills the well

Judging by color, been like that a while, possibly overdue oil change?

If so, check the PCV valve too.

Stick with coppers, leave the 'inum products to the other cars that use them stock. There's not much gain there other than extended service intervals.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/frequently-answered-dsm-questions/233421-spark-plug-faq.html

 

[E-CLIPS97]

I might be way off base here but

Lack of maintenance -Spark plug well seals bad, bit of oil fills the well

Judging by color, been like that a while, possibly overdue oil change?

If so, check the PCV valve too.

Stick with coppers, leave the 'inum products to the other cars that use them stock. There's not much gain there other than extended service intervals.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/frequently-answered-dsm-questions/233421-spark-plug-faq.html

Its possible that this car was not maintained well...I just bought it on the cheap and it was clearly in need of many things. With the metal flakes in the oil and the white smoke coming out the exhaust (with a light oil burning smell), I am thinking the condition of the plugs would be an indicator of something....fun.

 

[Calan]

With the metal flakes in the oil...

Methinks you have issues that are more urgent than old plugs.

 

[ManticSHadow]

Methinks you have issues that are more urgent than old plugs.

Surely oil comes with glitter and metal flakes now? Right? But No might want to look into your bearings maybe tear apart that used oil filter too see what its caught, whats the color of the flake?

 

[Ghost_92TSi]

Yea the shavings in your oil is not good, also it looks like the valve cover gasket was leaking oil into your spark plug wells. Address the metal issue first because that can go south really fast.

 

[E-CLIPS97]

Surely oil comes with glitter and metal flakes now? Right? But No might want to look into your bearings maybe tear apart that used oil filter too see what its caught, whats the color of the flake?

The flake color was almost a gold or brass color. They were very very small flakes though.

 

[Funfettie]

GlitterOil! my favorite brand!! yea a rebuild is going to be required in my opinion. refresh the block, throw new gaskets in the head including valve seals. Then re-tune and boost on!

 

[glowryder]

Bearings are gone if your seeing copper in the pan.

 

[ManticSHadow]

Bearings are gone if your seeing copper in the pan.

Yep right here ^ your engine got hungry went for the bearing, its better to catch it sooner than later!

 

[E-CLIPS97]

Bearings are gone if your seeing copper in the pan.

Makes sense. Spun bearing(s) wouldn't be the cause of burning oil/white smoke coming from the exhaust right?