Alright folks , I have a '87 n/a and I was just doing my clutch and exhaust the other day, but when i took off the part of the exhaust that connects to the actual exhaust manifold flange, I looked in the end of the exhaust manifold and saw that it was chalky white in there...weird. Anyone know what this may mean ? Am I running too lean maybe ? Just looking for some insight on this. Thanks a lot

 

Pull your plugs......if they are white....tooo lean. If they are covered in soot, too rich. The exhaust is usually not an indicator

 

Hmm, i'll check that out when i get back over there.

 

Well, the chalkyness i'm talking about was in the exhaust manifold which is damn close to the rotary housing, that's why i assumed i could tell from that. Now, if my plugs are white, how do i fix the air/fuel mix (w/out buying a SAFC) ? I just got a new 02 sensor, the old one was due i'm sure.

 

If you are indeed running that lean, you are going to create plug melting temperatures and the car would be driving horribly (bucking and hesitation all over the place). There would have to be something wrong with the car. How large are these deposits and where exactly are they located?

 

Well, lately i haven't been able to really "drive" the car hard since the clutch was smoked but, as far as engine problems....none noticeable really. No bucking, no hesitation. It revs up pretty smoothly & the short distances i have driven it, it didn't seem to have a problem other than the clutch. The deposits are more consistently present then just a random "deposit". When i took the pre-cats off @ the exhaust manifold flange, i looked in the exhaust manifold end and it's kind of coated w/ a white chalkyness, all around. I'll check the plugs tonight since i'll be changing the oil & plugs. Like i said, no overheating issues, no hard starting, no hesitation....engine seems good to go.

 

After pulling the plugs, i noticed that the previous owner was running Bur7eq (think thats how it went) all the way around. instead of 7's & 9's. wouldn't this cause problems because all the plugs are too hot ?