Rate my plugs and Cylinders.... [Image heavy] (1 Viewer)

[unclegit]

Did my first plugs today - unknown history before I bought the truck, but it's a '97 with 190k on the truck now.

Trying to decide ifs it's time to pull the head and have it rebuilt with new valve guide seals etc. I'd love some feedback on this as I'm a total engine newbie - think 0 bananas.

I've done all the suspension, oil and electrical stuff, just trying to pop my greasy bits cherry so I figure I'd start at engine 101 with plugs and a new charcoal canister.

For the most part the cylinder bores look decent to my extremely novice eye with crosshatch still clearly visible on the walls - bit of carbon build up on the head and valves.

Number 3 :

Number 2:

Number 1 :

Cylinder 1 :

 

[unclegit]

Here is 4-6.
4 come out really wet with oil and there is a ton of carbon build up - it's just nasty.

It came out a little easy and I'm half wondering if it wasn't torqued properly by whoever did the plugs last ?

Two bore pics are from #4.

Number 4:

Number 6:

Number 5:

Bore 4 :

Piston 4:

 

[unclegit]

This is the valve on 5, which is the worst of them I think - the piston looks not too bad.

 

[Kernal]

Been discussed in the past, most likely valve stem seals, fix is to replace them but in the meantime you can try a different viscosity oil (like 15W-40 depending on your local temperatures) which may decrease oil consumption. Also check that your PCV valve is operating and not stuck/clogged. Spark plug tube seals may need replacing if oil is pooling in the spark plug tubes.

 

[manofthewoods]

This is the valve on 5, which is the worst of them I think - the piston looks not too bad.

View attachment 3867081

View attachment 3867084

I agree with Kernal.
At this point, miles are less important than age. Time and heat cycles matter to seals of any kind. Assuming the HG hasn't been done...
I could argue for doing a head job as PM. Especially if you plan on going to remote places and/or stressing the engine.
Doing the work BEFORE you get in a overheating situation is mucho advantageous.
I know many beloved MUDDERS say don't fix it if it ain’t broke. Me? I'd rather prevent fixing, on my own schedule.
Call me crazy

 

[unclegit]

I'm a big fan of preventative maintenance as I roll solo as a landscape photographer.

PCV valve and hoses are already on the way - one of the hoses has a visible split. Agree it's likely valve stem guides....
HG has not been done as far as I can tell.

I appreciate the time you took to view the pics and give feedback - thank you.