Does this spark plug look normal?

toyotacelicagt4 · 1 Dec 2019 at 13:59

Afternoon people,

I’ve just changed the spark plugs on my wife’s Mini Cooper as I can’t see that they have been changed for the past few years. My wife has complained that it’s really drinking fuel. I think she’s done around 80 miles and it’s already used half a tank. Does this spark plug look like something might be wrong? Everything looks fine in regards to engine oil, coolant etc

Car is a 2004 Mini Cooper 1.6 auto

Thanks

https://imgur.com/gallery/Wap4Z0w

Kei · 1 Dec 2019 at 15:49

The centre electrode looks well worn so I'd be replacing them. It does look quite sooty too which suggests running rich.

andy_mk3 · 1 Dec 2019 at 15:54

Looks pretty normal to me.

-westy- · 1 Dec 2019 at 17:38

Fairly normal looking I’d say. How many miles is she getting from a full tank?

Kei · 1 Dec 2019 at 18:34

The green colouration to the deposits is not right and the centre electrode should be flush with the insulator on a non projected plug. The green colour might be caused by the excessive gap due to the electrode wear.

Slightly different plug type (Projected electrode), but this is what mine looked like when removed. (left set have only done a few trips right set are near 2 years old) Tan deposits are what is expected on a healthy engine.

This is just over a year old but not done as many miles as the ones above.

BUDFORCE · 1 Dec 2019 at 19:05

Checked for a fuel leak?

toyotacelicagt4 · 1 Dec 2019 at 19:26

Not checked for a fuel leak yet but cannot smell any petrol whilst driving or whilst on idle. I might buy a cheap obd scanner and see if it picks up any codes.

wedrum · 1 Dec 2019 at 19:47

Worn piston rings

HoneyBadger · 1 Dec 2019 at 19:50

I’d say the SP in the OPs original post is well and truly knackered.

theone8181 · 1 Dec 2019 at 20:08

Does your Mrs treat the right pedal at a digital switch and drive around city centres

.

bainbridge · 1 Dec 2019 at 23:18

HoneyBadger said:
I’d say the SP in the OPs original post is well and truly knackered.

+1

MatteH Oxford · 2 Dec 2019 at 16:18

Do you know anyone with an OBD tool, torque etc? If so, check the fuel trims and see what the figures are both short & long term. Plug looks rather sooty and rather worn.