How do these plugs look to you? | FerrariChat
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How do these plugs look to you?

Discussion in 'California(Portofino)/Roma(Amalfi)' started by Bill Phillips, Jun 18, 2021.

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  1. Bill Phillips

    Bill Phillips Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2019
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    #1 Bill Phillips, Jun 18, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2021
    I have a 2013 Cali with 18,000 miles, and I pulled one plug today just to take a look because I worry about carbon build up, and here’s what I found. The central insulator is tan and the side (ground) electrode is much darker but with a lighter area on its back. The edge of the threads facing the combustion chamber is a dry, sooty black.

    Here’s what has me puzzled. The actual gap measures .020 or .021 while NGK calls for .024 and the service manual calls for .025 or .026, which should be making the engine run too hot, which doesn’t appear to be the case. Acceleration is strong and smooth and idle is steady. I’m going to go ahead and change all the plugs rather than clean them, but now I’m not sure what gap to use. I would appreciate some knowledgeable opinions on that, and what you see here. Thanks.

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  2. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

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    #2 Il Co-Pilota, Jun 18, 2021
    Considering the fact that the Cali is known for carbon build up, that isn't too bad. But there's no doubt looking at that plug, there is carbon in the chamber.

    CRC makes a cleaner for direct injection engjnes that work superbly well and that would be a good solution.

    Start by running a tank of fuel mixed with 20 oz of Royal Purple Max Clean.

    Then refuel.

    Then use this as per the instructions.
    https://www.crcindustries.com/products/gdi-ivd-174-intake-valve-cleaner-11-wt-oz.html

    After the CRC treatment you should change the oil.

    After this your plugs should also be fine. Your plugs are dirty but otherwise in good shape.

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  3. Bill Phillips

    Bill Phillips Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2019
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    Bill
    #3 Bill Phillips, Jun 18, 2021
    Thanks for all that. Any thoughts on the gap being smaller than recommended?
     
  4. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

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    #4 Il Co-Pilota, Jun 19, 2021
    Looking at the ground electrode, I'd say you are fine. The spark seems to be where it should be. The mark left from where the spark jumps from, is at the right spot.

    Also, if you clean the plug I think you will find that it gets a slightly larger gap. The ground ekectrode is pretty dirty.

    And you can open it up a tiny bit if you are worried, but to me things look good. Aside from the carbon, the electrode colour looks to be a pretty nice brown.

    Had it ran too hot due to a short gap, the ground tip is usually eroded like you see on engines with too much timing, or too lean. The tips are complete and looks nice aside from carbon.

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  5. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

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    #5 Il Co-Pilota, Jun 19, 2021
    Oh and if you do the treatment with the Max Clean, drive it like you stole it. Lots of fuel and high dynamic compression is what you want for best result.

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  6. Bill Phillips

    Bill Phillips Formula Junior

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    #6 Bill Phillips, Jun 19, 2021
    Sounds like a plan, thanks again.
     
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  7. Bill Phillips

    Bill Phillips Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2019
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    #7 Bill Phillips, Jul 7, 2021
    I’ve run through twelve gallons of gas treated with the fuel additive, driving hard and accelerating to near redline rpm in 1st through 4th gear almost the entire time. I haven’t run the CRC spray through the intake yet because my annual service is coming up in six weeks and I want to wait until right before then so the oil will be changed afterward. Here are pictures I just took of the same plug as in my original post above. The electrode is noticeably lighter and cleaner, and there is no carbon buildup in the gap. I’m very happy with the results so far.

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  8. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

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    #8 Il Co-Pilota, Jul 8, 2021
    Looks good. No need to change those. Ground strap and everything is in great shape.

    The Max Clean is good stuff.

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