What's wrong with my spark plugs?
 

Hi all,

The last month, I went back and forth deciding whether to keep the RX or get another car. In the end, I couldn't part with it and decided to do all the maintenance I've been putting off. I got the car 3 years ago at 95k miles (3rd owner - first two services at Toyota). It's currently at 113k miles.

Right when I got it, I changed transmission pan and changed fluid to royal purple. About 3 months ago, as preventative measure, I also did Auto RX treatment (still on first flush). Since I decided to keep it, here are all the maintenance I've done in the past week.

- change timing belt
- change both drivetrain belts
- change rear differential fluid
- 3M Fuel System Tune-up kit

While trying to clean out IACV, I accidentally broke the spinning magnet and I'm waiting on a new one. Since I was back there, I changed out my spark plugs and noticed all of them are black. I'm going to put in a new IACV and clean out the maf sensor. Below are pictures of the spark plugs Do you think that it's black because of the 3M fuel kit or is there something wrong with my car? Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

https://picasaweb.google.com/1116141...34542736940210

https://picasaweb.google.com/1116141...34542586630770

If pictures don't work, link here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1116141...807209/Public#

they dont look real bad maybe some oil useage, did you change the PCV valve....You may be getting some blow by......

2nd Thomas1`s opinion. ^^^

Yea the plugs really don't look that bad at all. PCV Valve is really easy to replace too. With all of the work you have done to the car, absent any other conditions, I would recommend you keep the car unless you really want a new one. Properly maintained, these cars will run much longer than 113k.

Thanks for all your input. I replaced the PCV valve about a year ago. While changing the plugs, I checked on it again and there was some white film in the pipe connecting it. I cleaned it out a bit and hopefully that helps.

I wasn't sure about the spark plugs since all previous plugs I've changed before (on previous cars) never had that black coloring.

I did get the new IACV and installed it tonight. Wow, the car runs so much better with all the recent maintenance, new IACV, new plugs. I think I'm going to enjoy it awhile longer!

Good to hear!