Ok, as those who viewed my previous topic, https://honda-tech.com/forums/tech-misc-15/95-honda-civic-ex-d16z6-bent-valve-3173653/
My civic has been having a few problems, which were all fixed or so I thought. After the valves were all adjusted to spec, I put a set of brand new ngk v-power plugs in. They are all properly gaped, but I pulled them and found something that doesn't seem quite right, the plug in the number 1 cylinder is VERY dark compared to the others. Here's a pic of what I'm talking about.
The plugs are in descending order from left to right, 4 3 2 1 as you can tell the number 1 is very dark. What could be some causes? I haven't been able to give a compression test with the adjusted valves but I will tonight and post the results here. Anyone have a suggestion as to a direction I should begin my diagnosis? Any input is appreciated.

 

Unless that plug isn't firing you may have a compression issue. If your ignition components are in good shape then I'd look to compression.

 

ok, I didnt get a chance to look at compression tonight like I wanted to, and also I know from the previous bout with the timing I do not know if the distributor was messed with, I plan to check that with a timing light tomorrow at school. What are some possibilities should I have low compression on the number 1 cylinder? would the rings cause the plug to be that dark?

 

throw a timing light on the ignition wire for that cylinder and check that it lights up like the others

 

Rings can cause oil to get burnt and will cause dark plugs, usually wet if really bad.

Rich in that cylinder will cause a dark plug too. Excessive fuel, air restriction, or timing off or poor spark on that cylinder only.

Possible not hitting vtec on cyl 1 (mechanical valve train issue) if you have vtec

Bad PCM ---- I just had this problem with loss of power and audible difference in exhaust. Cylinder 3 was dark, next time I pulled them with fresh plugs, 20 miles later, 4 was dark. PCM causing crazy things. Replaced and fixed it.

I can't see your pic btw

 

you need to find out why you have low compression on 1 and 2, search on youtube for 'leak down test' and you'll see how to do that.

use the link tags instead of image tags to make your images accessible like this

http://imgur.com/UH6nEA3

 

Ok awesome, thanks, for the advice I'll have a chance to do a few tests Monday when I'm at school. Ill posts results monday night.

 

Im contemplating a rebuild. for both educational purposes and for reasons that I dont trust the way the motor was rebuilt by the previous owner, silicone all over the oil pan gasket, and all around the valve cover gasket the first time i pulled them off, Ive had to replace the oil pan gasket by the way, I will post a few pics of the underside of the crank and pistons later on, but in the oil pan I found rocks, sticks, and leaves . Also last night I was driving home and I downshifted into 4th gear I was traveling at 65 mph, I was greeted with a very loud ticking sound, when I got home I popped the hood and revved on the throttle from under the hood, I heard the ticking along with a sort of light metallic rattle, im not sure on the causes but coupled with the oil pan findings I just think I want to go safe and rebuild... Am I right to be concerned? As far as the rebuild goes it will all be done at school under the eye of the instructor whos been a mechanic for 40 years, plus some of the other students Im in class with have rebuilt engines, so I will have the knowledge and tools at my dissposal, I plan to use all OEM and Ive set aside about $450 for gaskets, seals, bearings, possibly a couple valves if they are bent, and misc expenses, are there any OEM rebuild kits out there or do I have to piece it all together?

 

WHAAAATTT!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!

yea a rebuild is a good idea, Go for it

what motor is this?

 

Is this some kind of joke ?

 

No, I honestly removed said items from the base of the oil pan.

 

The previous own said he "built" the block my only thoughts are that he left the block exposed for a period of time and decided meh itll be alright put it all together, I guess his idea of building a motor was to go forced induction with the force of nature as his turbo.

 

Its the D16Z6 motor by the way.