Spark plug, normal or other issue?

[Hobbes]

I just finished replacing my spark plugs with the Porsche recommended Beru Ultra, 14FGR-6KQU, Porsche Part number 999.170.207.91. It was relatively easy to do following the DIY. After looking at the plugs, I noticed they were a bit dirty and the electrodes were a bit worn. My guess is the plugs are the original factory plugs when the car was built.

My car is a 2000 C2 996 with 66000 miles

Replaced MAF about two months ago (Clutch/RMS too) :D

I'm getting about 22 mpg HWY - about normal.

From the picture, is this normal or is there another issue I might need to be concerned with?

Side by side

Thanks,

Ken

[JeTexas]

They have spark plug reading charts in most automotive manuals. Here's a link to one online.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/reading_spark_plugs.jpg

Yours looks pretty normal as far as I can tell.

[wvicary]

The colour looks fine to me also. The threads seem dirty/corroded, where any of the plugs loose when you removed them?

[Hobbes]

Thanks for the spark plug guide.

All six plugs looked like the one in the picture. All plugs were tight, but easy to get out.

The rusty brown on the threads did raise an eyebrow. None of the rubber tubes were cracked.

Unfortunately, the previous owner did not keep any records of maintenance or any other work done on the car. The work I am doing is based on what i read form Renntech and other owners.

I do appreciate the help.

Regards,

Ken

[cyclocross]

Yeah, they look pretty good for 66,000+ miles. The color on the threads sort of looks like the color on the threads of plugs I've replaced over the years on different makes of cars. I don't think it is a problem.

The reddish deposit on the side wires is interesting. I have not seen that color on my plugs. I use Chevron or Shell gas and either Mobil1, Syntec, or Chevron Supreme motor oils depending on the car and I have never seen a reddish deposit.

[ahamay]

they look great for that age!

and..

you can allways use the bosch upgrade for late 996 and 997 ,i have tested several and those was the best goodlooking

i was having at the begining the beru sparks ,they where goodlooking too but i was assuming that after 20k of working milles for the little sparks,a replacement is a must

Edited January 29, 2009 by ahamay

[KevinMac]

Yup look like you have proper combustion. Porsche calls or plugs to change at 30K miles for that year car. But you just poved they can go further.

[Hobbes]

Thanks for the feedback.

This is my DD. I've made several roadtrips in the 150-250 mile range here in the southwest (lots of long straight stretches on the interstate), but because I tend to drive a little faster I wanted to make sure the plug wear is consistent with 'normal' for the car. Some with triple digit speeds - I mean within the speed limit :) . All is good.

A local "german & japanese" shop told me my original Beru plugs were good for about 100K miles. I have not doubt I could have continued with what I had, but it gave me peace of mind to change them.

Ken