i'll start off w/ my setup:
-freshly rebuilt b17a motor (stock except for 11:1 compression)
-converted from obd0 to obd1 in my 91 integra (using stock p61 ecu)


Now the problem. I'm getting a bit of hesitation/bog in the lower rpms (2-4.5k), sometimes its worse than other times. The exhaust is putting out a lot of black soot on my rear bumper (I know a little is normal for vtec motors....but this is excessive), from everything everyone has told me, this means i'm running rich. I just pulled my plugs to check them out and they are very white, which would indicate a lean mixture right? Also, my oil turns black very quickly....again, i've been told this is due to a rich mixture.

I'm just really confused because it seems like the motor is sending me mixed messages. Any input on what exactly is going on w/ my motor or how to fix it would be great. Oh, and i've already:
-new O2 sensor
-tried spare ecu
-tried spare injectors
-tried spare MAP sensor
-tried spare fpr
-running 91 octane all the time (most we can get here in cali)
-checked timing....its at 16 deg btdc

Thanks in advance!
-colin

 

You may have too hot of spark plugs...
Are they real sooty around the base of the plug?

 

the base of the plug (where the threads end) are black, but the rest is white. I'm pretty darn sure i'm running the right plugs though. I've searched and talked w/ a couple of the guru's on g2ic and they all have agreed that the BRK6E-11 is what I should be using. Here's the post if you're interested: http://www.g2ic.com/forums/showthrea...&highlight=ngk

to the top.....thanks.


[Modified by 91IntegGS, 1:46 AM 2/6/2003]

 

I'm experiencing similar symptoms with my plugs ... the tip seems relatively clean, but there's a lot of carbon buildup around the base. The plugs were direct replacement NGKs, and the heat range was right - maybe running a bit rich? I've noticed my exhaust has smelled a bit more like gas when starting too. Is running rich a common problem after just having done a few bolt-ons?

 

theres nothing wrong with the plugs and its quite normal. You are probably running a little rich, but this is not a problem as it is always better to run rich than lean. You may use more gas up, but the extra fuel will help keep your engine a bit cooler.

 

aren't the plugs supposed to be a orangish/tanish type color, not pure white? Oh, and my gas mileage is great. And it may be better to run rich than lean...but running rich isn't good either. I want it to run like it should.

bump

 

bump

 

up

 

I have been having the same problem with my plugs. Mine were black around the base and white on the tip. Is this a lean or rich problem?

 

have you tried a new air filter? do you have an aftermarket one?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TheDingo8mybaby &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">have you tried a new air filter? do you have an aftermarket one?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes I have an aftermarket one. I know that I don't need a new air filter. Anybody else have any ideas?

 

i am having the same exact problem, my car hesitates, backfires and crap, anyways i pull the plugs, same stuff, black threads white tip. i was told by many, maybe go buy a new set see if it helps, also you could be running to hot.
i bought colder plugs, and i'll see if that helps..
i know that you were told to buy the plugs you have but those signs are that your running too hot, maybe try one step colder, see if that helps.
good luck

 

I recently replaced my old bosch plugs with OEM NGK's from acura. Those bitches cost me $15 each. That is over $60 for plugs, they better be the right temperature.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SpyderZEX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I recently replaced my old bosch plugs with OEM NGK's from acura. Those bitches cost me $15 each. That is over $60 for plugs, they better be the right temperature. </TD></TR></TABLE>

damn why did you buy them from the dealer? i bought my ngk's from auto zone.
wow, that a grip of money for oem plugs..

 

From my experience, black at the thread (base) and whitish at the electrode means you are using too hot of a plug. if you notice the hotter plugs vs. the cooler plugs, the cooler ones have the electode closer to the base. I know there is more to it than just the distance of the electrode, but it's a basic way of looking at it.

Try a NGK 6 or 7 plug and see what happens.

 

If the engine is actually running lean, the whole plug would be white right. I'm currently using bosch plat and I'm having the same problem. Just ordered a set of NGK 7, will see if this still happens.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fox297 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If the engine is actually running lean, the whole plug would be white right. I'm currently using bosch plat and I'm having the same problem. Just ordered a set of NGK 7, will see if this still happens.</TD></TR></TABLE>

correct

 

I'm experiencing similar symptoms the cyl 1-3 plugs all OK in brown on the left in the pic, but cyl 4 look running lean I've changed the plugs and injectors its make no difference.
any input??

 

this might help:
http://www.dansmc.com/Spark_Pl....html

mine look just like evo's ,only worst...

 

mmuller thanks for that.

Can't believe I'm running too hot using HKS S45I = heat range 9. that's about coldest plugs I can get.
PS. engine cr= 11.6:1 and 98 octane fuel

 

Well I have been running ZFR7f-11 plugs in my turbo integra LS and it has bene awesome for me.

Just s off the wall question but check your exhaust itself. Pull the pipes off and see if there is an area where it switches from from gray to black. IF anything you could also be just burning off the glass in the muffler or resonators if you have any. Also if you are running a Cat then it is possible that it is plug with crap too. Just a whim guess.