Thoughts on spark plugs I just pulled, head gasket issue?? (1 Viewer)

[97 greenmonster]

So I decided to change my spark plugs on my 97 with 250,000 miles after about 45,000 miles sense last change. Here’s some pics . Im looking for thoughts on how they look. I’ve been loosing antifreeze for about 6-8 months. It’s very sporadic. Some times I go a month with no noticeable lose in the over flow other times after two weeks the over flow can be almost empty. At first I figured it was outside temperature difference when I was checking it or a small leak I wasn’t seeing. I feared it was head gasket issues. But I have no other signs. No bubbles in over flow no intermix in oil no white smoke or smell from exhaust. So I figured I’d see others thoughts who have head gasket issues on there cruiser. Thanks

 

[Bambusiero]

I have a very similar looking white deposit on only my #1, while #2,3,4,5,6 look very nice and normal.
Also, no signs of exhaust gas in coolant. No bubbles. Negative on the exhaust gas detection test liquid.
Compression is good.
This photo was after about 7k miles on new plugs.
It remains a mystery.

 

[97 greenmonster]

All of mine looked normal with a even build up for mileage but number 6 looked clean like it’s brand new.

 

[jpoole]

My quick guess is that your valve stem seals are leaking which is leading to the oil burning that has left the white deposits on #1-#5 and that a small HG leak in #6 is leading to the steam cleaning of that plug which is why it looks so much different.

There are some very experienced/smart folks on here that can supply better guesses and information but the above is at least in keeping with the information you've shared and with these engines.

A borescope in the cylinders may be informative, but I expect you'll find that the piston in #6 is pretty clean, unlike the other cylinders. It may not be that likely but I assume it's possible that loss of fuel or spark to #6 could be keeping it too cool for the deposits to form on that plug? You may get some other ideas here as well.

Good luck figuring out what, if anything is going on and with getting it sorted.

 

[BILT4ME]

So I decided to change my spark plugs on my 97 with 250,000 miles after about 45,000 miles sense last change. Here’s some pics . Im looking for thoughts on how they look. I’ve been loosing antifreeze for about 6-8 months. It’s very sporadic. Some times I go a month with no noticeable lose in the over flow other times after two weeks the over flow can be almost empty. At first I figured it was outside temperature difference when I was checking it or a small leak I wasn’t seeing. I feared it was head gasket issues. But I have no other signs. No bubbles in over flow no intermix in oil no white smoke or smell from exhaust. So I figured I’d see others thoughts who have head gasket issues on there cruiser. Thanks View attachment 1929106View attachment 1929108

Those plugs look very worn for only 45K on them. Are they the CORRECT plug for this engine? What brand and model are they? I recommend you get a new set from Toyota, as they are long-life plugs.

What you have are plugs that the gap has opened and they are running hot, hence the white deposits.
#6 is clean, probably due to beginning of HG leak. Continue to run and monitor, but start preparing.

A completely normal plug should be a light tan. (About the color of that cardboard)
White deposits indicate it is running lean and /or hot.
Black plugs with light deposits indicate over-fueling (running rich)
Oily black plugs with thick black deposits are burning oil.

You may want to see if you are throwing any O2 sensor codes that may be running "rich' which would cause the computer to lean out the mixture.

Also may want to look over your EGR system.

 

[thebus]

Toss some bars head gasket repair in there call it a day. For the spark plugs not sure seems I should change mine or just leave them as in third worl countries these are still running with way less maintenance. Don’t over think things just keep it simple

 

[97 greenmonster]

The plugs were bought from Beno with all the other tune up parts that were done at same time. No codes at all. I run an ultra gauge and watch engine temperature closely sense I’ve owned the truck about 6 years and it’s always run about 185. I also replaced both O2 sensors around 20,000 miles ago with Denso ones. Thanks

 

[97 greenmonster]

I wasn’t really worried with the first 5 plugs it was the glaringly clean number 6 that made my stomach drop. Lol Bars head gasket repair is on my list while I get parts together. Thanks

 

[whaler]

Youre always running around 185? you mean 186?

 

[Mighty690]

Some thoughts, from my experience. Take it for what it's worth to you:
1) Blackstone. There won't be a lot of questions once you do an oil analysis.
2) Do NOT use some kind of head gasket in a bottle. Ever. In short, it will compromise a future proper repair with a nice glaze in your cooling passages where you don't want it.
3) I think you are already, but keep 100% OEM on ignition system. One of the first best pieces of advice I received joining the 80x community.

 

[NLXTACY]

#2 ^ above has been disproven repeatedly, and once by my own engine. YMMV

 

[97 greenmonster]

I thinking of going with the bar head gasket repair after seeing good reviews on here. I’m figuring that with how little my head gasket seems to be leaking it be a good candidate.