Thoughts on these spark plugs

[thearkatek]

So I recently bought my girlfriend the "car of her dreams". It's a 92 Celica GT

Anyway I got it for 500 bucks so you can imagine that its a bit of a headache. It idles like complete shit, and sounds like it is misfiring slightly when driving. I am going to verify spark and fuel, but before that I'm getting her used to working on her car. I had her take out the spark plugs and take some pictures of them. They all look surprisingly good to me but I wanted to see if you guys think the same.

I see some evidence of slight headgasket failure (milky oil on the oil filler cap), but I can't imagine it would be causing a misfire. It's not noticeably going through coolant and it doesn't smell like burning antifreeze.

Thoughts?

 

[bryanwheat]

the plugs look about right. As for the moisture in the oil, if the car has been sitting for a while it could have something to do with it. Also check to make sure that the pcv system is working properly. Before pulling the head i would do a cylinder leak down test and a coolant system pressure test. These cars are somewhat notorious for head gasket failures, I've replaced a few in my time, they aren't too bad to do if you do have to tackle that job.

 

[thearkatek]

Ya the pvc valve had gone to shit. I cleaned it all out so I'm hoping that, combined with old oil, is what caused the milk. Gonna clean the injectors, do compression test, and check the timing next.

 

[boost97gst]

ive had that milky look on my oil cap for oooooh about 100k miles now in my expedition. Cant say exactly what it is. Condensation most likely. I think the plugs look good. Just go through everything and do all maintenance. Hell, its a 500 dollar car, cant beat that! Celicas are nice, im a fan of the 2k and up. Better looking that a dsm in my book

 

[thearkatek]

I've heard the MAP sensors go bad on these cars sometimes. What do you guys think should happen when I unplug the map sensor? Would it just use the TPS to approximate things? Or just shut off.

 

[Cdc1221]

Most likely itll stagger and shut off. Not seen one yet thatll run without it

 

[bryanwheat]

I've heard the MAP sensors go bad on these cars sometimes. What do you guys think should happen when I unplug the map sensor? Would it just use the TPS to approximate things? Or just shut off.

If the map sensor is bad than it will throw a code.

 

[thearkatek]

Even if the diaphragm is just ripped or stuck? I'm gonna hook on with a multimeter and see if it's varying with vacuum.

Here's a video of it. Notice the piece of cardboard holding the throttle open a bit at idle. Also the exhaust is broken off at the flex pipe. https://www.dropbox.com/s/f8gr4bh543s33zw/video-2012-10-22-18-39-47.mp4