Spark Plugs - Use caution when washing your car!

Smart Ferrari tech. I had a couple rusty plugs too, a few years ago. Mainly because the foam blocks were not installed during the previous major service! These blocks are located at the rear most part of the valve covers, wear the plug wires exit the valve covers. So with no blocks, the most rearward plug on each bank got a little wet over the years (I have never used a pressure washer, but normal washing or driving in the rain must have allowed some moisture in without the proper foam blocks. In addition to the foam blocks, you also need to make sure you have the proper gaskets on the valve covers that seal the covers after replacing the spark plugs.

 

+1, rusty plugs here too. None cracked and I don't think engine performance was affected, but still not a good thing. Personally I'd never wash the engine cover with water, just dust it with a Cali Car duster.

 

Likewise on the California Duster.

Most times a wipedown with "Quik Detailer" is all you need even if the car looks dirty. I would rarely recommend washing with water unless you really like wet feet, drive on a lot of dirt roads or are parking outside under a tree that drips.

Generally among Ferrari owners I see too much washing, not enough driving.

 

How many owners just do a sponge wash (no running water over the surface)? That's what I've always done, but after reading tropicaldetail's excellent wash, care, and detailing posts, I understand more water=fewer paint swirls. Water helps flush grit away from where you're working. He also says car dusters = more swirls, since they just hold and rub the grit over the surface. So after I get my paint spruced up, I'm going to rethink my wash methods.

 

I always wash with water, my car gets far to dirty from being used every week, much to dirty for quick detailers. I always follow the instructions posted by Todd (tropical detail); the 2 bucket method is a great way to keep as many scratches off the car as possible.

I have not checked my plugs since my major 8 months ago, might take a look at my annual just to make sure all is well. Thanks for the heads up.

 

RAIN???????? These cars will not melt???

 

I've seen cars with serious rust that have never been in a rain.

I repeat, less washing, more driving.