Yellowish and cracked spark plug

This was in #4 cylinder 95 v6. Think it’s a coolant leak into the cylinder? I do burn through some coolant, not much maybe a cup over 5k miles, but I think it was leaking at the heater core hose and I fixed it there.

 

Statement or question? Replace all the plugs.

 

Both, I'm guessing on the coolant leak. I don't ever recall seeing a plug come out like that. I had a misfire on the #4 cylinder which is why I checked it. The other plugs on that side looked good.

 

man im sorry but tht coolant smell/rusty color on plug is tell tale sign of a HG issue

do a leak down and compression test

 

Some coolant is getting there .

Thing with a coolant leak it can be tiny for years.

It never fails you really need to be some place then is the time it fails completely .

At least in my case with my bad luck.

Good luck.

 

Think I should add some of that magic stuff that comes in a bottle ? I'll probably just keep running it

 

One does what you need to at times.

Get the Good Stuff Follow directions to the letter. Check out K-seal !!

I always disconnect the heater core.

It will buy you sometime How much you never know.

Good Luck

 

I would do everything in the world not to put s*** in my motor. Before whatever stop leak you're thinking of, do a compression and leak down test.

 

Ive had the truck since spring. I think the previous owner had something in it, the heat wasn't working well so I flushed the engine and core out with some cleaner. Probably washed out some gunk that was sealing the leak. If I do add anything I will definitely unhook the core, maybe even the radiator if possible

 

That plug would be a lot cleaner if that cylinder was seeing coolant. Put plugs in it and monitor the situation for another 5000 miles before you do anything else.

 

Exactly! Got a snake camera? Compare the piston to the others. Coolant will steam clean anything it touches.
Misfire was most likely caused by the cracked plug. Put some plugs in it and continue diagnosis.

 

Excellent suggestion ^^^^

OP seen that HG in a can fail more than it works. It’s a band aid if it works.

before you pour tht stuff in
AND
You just don’t want to dump $$ in the truck

be honest and put up for sale
Think you will be pleasantly surprised what you will get for the Taco
Especially if a buyer can do HG job on his/her own
Shit, I’m sure someone in rust belt needs a frame
GL

 

yep, I had a small crack in my head on cyl3 on my 2003 when I got it with 165k miles. I put in a bottle of the head gasket in a plastic bottle. Bought me maybe 6 months before it shifted and started leaking coolant into the cylinder again.

for that $20 bottle, it clogged my radiator AND heater core and hoses so the shop that rebuilt my engine also had to replace those.

From personal experiences, I don’t recommend using the fix-it liquids.

 

^^^^same
Buddy’s Ranger
Radiator clogged and rotted out his freeze plugs

 

Another thing to look for as far as the slow coolant leak goes is the heater control valve. They like to leak when the valve moves, every time you switch from cold air to heat it opens, and closes when you go back to A/C. Most don’t leak enough to ever hit the ground. Pay close attention to it during a warm up. This time of year is the worst for them, heat in the morning, a/c in the afternoon…at least where I live.

 

As for every single decision you make in whatever the situation may be….is there really a band aid? For anything? I’ve spent way more money in the long run trying to save money for “now”

If you don’t have the time and money to fix it right the first time, when will you have the time and money to do the job all over again along with the complications of the quick fix??

 

A cup per 5000 miles are you kidding me.....

I've seen trucks that used that much in 50 feet.....

Your a long ways away from trouble.....you could lose that much thru an old radiator cap.....

or a bad reused constant tension clamp....