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I put in new spark plugs about a month ago. Is it normal for the metal base of a spark plug to look black/darkened like this? If not, what kind of problem does this indicate? Thanks.
That is carbon. It normally builds up a bit on plugs. I have seen excessive carbon build up on plugs when a car is running rich. However I have always known already that it was running rich when I pulled the plugs to see if they were fouled. In that case, the carbon build up was major, not a light dusting like your picture. I do not know what amount is normal or what amount indicates a problem. I usually find some on plugs that I remove.
Looks like the vehicle is running a bit rich. If it's a newer vehicle, make sure the maf is clean, and that you are using a clean air filter, on an older car, it may mean that something requires tweaking.
[quote=davidt1;23933110]Proper heat range? What does that mean? I use spark plugs recommended by Honda.[/auote]
Colder plugs are used if you have problems with timing, pinging like if you added a GT35R turbo kit to your car. If you used what was recommended by Honda don't worry/
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Also what does running rich mean? Too much gas? Too much air?
Car is 94 Honda Accord.
Rich means too much gas. An older car like a 94 probably runs a bit rich. New cars run really lean for emissions, unless they are factory turbo then they run a bit rich for safety.
Running rich means more fuel than necessary for combustion. Colder plugs retain less heat at the insulator, (Therefore it runs colder), A hotter plug retains more heat at the insulator, but can increase detonation, (pinging).
So, a car that is running rich, (More fuel than oxygen to burn it), tends to build up carbon deposits much faster. This does not necessarily mean there is a problem, as certain makes/models run a bit rich, for one reason or another, as normal operating parameters.
When the transmission is engaged, there is a low frequency humming/vibration at idle that does not sound/feel normal. Other than that, the car runs well. There is no CEL.
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