Spark plugs

[windysurfer]

Hi
Just changed the plugs for the first time in my ownership.
I've done around 6k on them and have no idea when they were last changed.The car only did 1000 miles a year previous to me buying it so they could possible have been in there for years!

Car drives well and returns good mpg and uses minimal oil.
Below is an image of my spark plug I have just changed, all 4 were similar this one being the worst.

Does this look normal, anything to worry about?. I've looked at various pictures on the internet and also posted this image on FB.
I've had replies saying it looks like it's burning oil, I need to change my MAF and O2 sensors, it's just old worn plugs.

I though I'd ask on here to see what you think?

cheers

You cannot view this attachment.

[Joesson]

@windysurfer

https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/resources/read-spark-plug

Have a look at this for guidance

You will see that they are at least overdue for  replacing for sure.

[Ardent]

What is the plug code reference on the plug?

Looks over heated.

[Carolyn]

 My replies keep disappearing!!!

One more time:

White indicates running lean.  Black and fouled with dark gunk indicates oil buring.  Sooty black indicates running rich.  Light crusty build-up indicates moisture in the burn which could be coolant (but head gasket failure is very rare on the 1ZZ), so I think the crusty build-up is down to loads of short journeys without the engine ever getting up to full working temperature for any length of time.   Ideal is light sandy brown with no build-up.

I'm in the 'it's just old plugs' camp.

It won't hurt to clean the MAF and give it a fresh air filter.

[windysurfer]

I think you may have hit the nail on the head with short journeys.
It's my wifes daily drive and she only works 3 miles from home.It does get a good drive on  sunny weekends

This weekend job is a new filter and MAF

Plugs are NGK BKR5EYA-11.

How often should you change the plugs ( not owned a petrol car for a long time)

cheers

[Carolyn]

Ten thousand is probalby fine, but with your useage patterns, 5,000??

[Beachbum957]

We use the NGK BKR5EYA-11 iridium plugs, and the last set was changed after 60,000 miles, just as a precaution. They still looked fine. We don't do short trips very often, so the engine gets fully warmed up.  The plugs tend to look on the lean side being mostly white with just a small ring of brown at the base of the insulator.

Start with the recommendation of new plugs and an air filter, and check the oil regularly.

[Gaz mr-s]

I think you may have hit the nail on the head with short journeys.
It's my wifes daily drive and she only works 3 miles from home.It does get a good drive on  sunny weekends

This weekend job is a new filter and MAF

Plugs are NGK BKR5EYA-11.

How often should you change the plugs ( not owned a petrol car for a long time)

cheers

If you haven't already bought the maf, do your homework, - it's not mr2-specific & bit of research can save £30+.

3 miles x 2 each day isn't going to do the battery any good, especially if used in colder temperatures. Use a trickle charger or an isolator if possible. 

[windysurfer]

If you haven't already bought the maf, do your homework, - it's not mr2-specific & bit of research can save £30+.

3 miles x 2 each day isn't going to do the battery any good, especially if used in colder temperatures. Use a trickle charger or an isolator if possible.

I think I bought one from a link you posted on another thread £24 ish👍

[Gaz mr-s]

I think I bought one from a link you posted on another thread £24 ish👍

Good-oh, - glad to have helped.

[Ardent]

The good news.

It is the correct plug. So hopefully you have replaced with the same.

I would hang fire on buying sensors and a maf. Air filter yes.

Monitor and see how it goes.

As above, the exact same part number maf was on my rx400h. So likely appears in many places. With different prices. 

Give it a clean. Reset the ecu. Pull the fuse or disconnect the battery. So you know you are starting from an oem point.

Download torque pro, get an obd dongle and have a read of the sensors and fuel trims.

In terms of changing, I was changing every  year approx 5000. Why? I wanted to and at the time £10 £12 delivered why not.

[windysurfer]

The good news.

It is the correct plug. So hopefully you have replaced with the same.

I would hang fire on buying sensors and a maf. Air filter yes.

Monitor and see how it goes.

As above, the exact same part number maf was on my rx400h. So likely appears in many places. With different prices. 

Give it a clean. Reset the ecu. Pull the fuse or disconnect the battery. So you know you are starting from an oem point.

Download torque pro, get an obd dongle and have a read of the sensors and fuel trims.

In terms of changing, I was changing every  year approx 5000. Why? I wanted to and at the time £10 £12 delivered why not.

Replaced with the same plugs , £13 delivered so cheap enough to change.

Already ordered a new MAF as it's probably still got the original one and a new one wasn't much more than some MAF cleaner.

My plan is to change MAF and Air filter, disconnect battery to reset everything. I've got a bit of a road trip planned for this weekend (200 miles or so) so I'll have another look at the new plugs after that and see what they look like.

cheers