My mechanic told me today that when he pulled my spark plugs that the number 1 top plug was moist and the bottom number 1 plug was frankly oily. My mechanic suggested we "watch" this but not take significant action now. Anyone have any thoughts as to what I might expect as we watch and wait for some undetermined period?
What steps if any would you recommend at this point?
Engine is a factory new Continental IO-520-D with 150 hours. Plugs are Champion massive electrode.
Could you post the compression numbers?
What is your leaning habit?
I would take a leak down check on that cylinder and determine if you have leakage past the rings.(you'll hear air coming out of the crankcase vent). if you do I would use some Marvel Mystery oil in the gas for a couple of tankfuls. Could be the rings are stuck. Do alot of T.O.s and ldg's. The mystery oil should loosen them up.(sometimes). Then check compression again and see if it helped the situation. Check plugs again for oil. I should mention that you'll hear a little air even on a good motor because of air leaking through the ring gaps. Your mech. should be able to determine if it's excessive or not. This works sometimes and sometimes not, but it's worth trying. better than a teardown.
John
I see it from time to time when pulling plugs. I'd check compression first. Sometimes rings line upand oil blows by.
Steve Pierce
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."
Henry Ford
also, swap those two plugs with another cylinder, and see if issue follows the plugs....
Good idea Mike, Eliminate the easy stuff first.
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Were break-in recommendations followed, being followed?
Yes. Break in procedures went fine. Compression in the #1 cylinder is 72. #4 is the lowest at 70. All others are between 72-75. Engine went 25 hours since last oil change and hasn't consumed any perceptible amount of oil.
Run it and check again. I bet you will find it ok.
Steve Pierce
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."
Henry Ford
My feeling is you are running it a little cold. Fly it hard and lean well. Make make sure mags, sparkeplugs, timimg is good,.
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