my car misfires all the time and i got an open loop control code which is related to misfiring. I have no idea which cylinder its coming from and its most likely not a coil pack issue because every coil pack i unhook causes for nastier idle. I checked my spark plugs today (atleast top 3) and they all seem to look burnt at the top. The tip isnt deformed or anything, just has a nice cream look to it but the last ring or two from each plug has a charcoal look to it. a little of it rubs off but not sure if this is a bad spark plug or just some nasty residue from running too rich. I'm looking for suggestions on if i need to change my plugs and or not.

If u guys can tell me they are bad, i'll be very happy cause it will solve my problem and be a lot cheaper than changing coilpacks. Also i'm boosted and running 1 step colder with 9-11 psi. Do i need 2 steps or am i ok with 1 step? and yes these are OEM NGK copper 1 step plugs purchased i believe from courtesy.

here's a pic, not the greatest but i cant seem to get a better pic, atleast u can see the heavy darkness. Like i said, the tip looks to be perfect except the cream color.

Also one the cylidner that this plug specifically came from, the boot of the coil pack had like a wet residue on it, like it was sweating or something. The outside of it i mean. Could that mean improper sparking and small flooding of gas?

 

It looks a little "toasted" to me.
I could be wrong though.

 

thanks for your input

 

Yup looks bad. I mean it's all blurry and everything

 

replacing, just need to find a spot that sells 1 step copper plugs. Do u guys think i need 2 step? i'll probably be between 280-310 @ the wheels once all issues are taken care of.

 

hoo golly!

 

I just switched to 2 step colder plugs on my 3rd gen turbo VE...went for a drive and for some reason feels the same as the 1 step colder plugs...well..it runs a little more smoother..hope that helps....
Side note..Sunoco gas Octane 94 is the Sh**...first time used it today and car runs better...no hesitation anymore..might be my mind playing with me but for 2.05/gallon..its worth it..

 

you're running N20, right? from the blurry pic (put the plug down and take a pic...) it looks either "worn" or "carbon deposits", using the Haynes manual terms.

from your description it looks like "carbon deposits", which Haynes describes as:

"dry sooty deposits indicate a rich mixture or weak ignition. Causes misfiring, hard starting and hesitation."

"make sure the plug has the correct heat range. Check for clogged air filter or problem in the fuel system or engine management system. Also check for ignition system problems."

Hope that helps.

 

If the car was running rich, woulnd't the spark plug be black? I'm thinking it would be black. But that one looks white'ish... So looks like you are running lean. I would suggest you try the 1 step colder plugs to see if you have the same prob. If you do then move over to the two step. Copper plugs are pretty cheap so, and can be found at any pep boys store.