I pulled 3 of my spark plugs last night... The conductive parts were covered in a whitish coating. I took some sandpaper and got the stuff off, but it was getting dark and I only got the 1st 3 sparks done. Do you think that coating could be whats making for hard starting?
Thanks.

 

btw it wasn't carbon.... And this stuff was just caked on.. what could it be?

 

prolly oil ash

 

I'm guessing thats what could be causing hard starting?

 

yes, it would definetely have a part in it.

 

oil ash?? Ive never heard of that before. Is that caused by running lean?

 

Quote from Hayne's:
Ash Deposits
Syptoms: Light brown/white deposits encrusted on the side and/or center electrodes. Derived from oil and/or fuel additives. Excessive amount may mask the spark, causing misfiring and hesitiation during acceleration.
Recommendation: If excessive deposits accumulate over a short time or low mileage, install new vlave guide seals to prevent seepage of oil into combustion chamers. Also try changing gasoline brands.

So if you car burns oil then that's what causing the fouling on the plugs, if it doesn't then it might be as simple as bad gas.

 

could also be antifreeze.