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    Save my spark

    Holden Holden Advice Holden Gemini Holden Gemini Advice Holden Gemini 1983
    I HAVE a 1983 Holden Gemini and the spark plugs keep clogging up with carbon, with the result that I have to clean them every 200km or so. Holden dealers told me it was oil deposits, a speed shop said it is a fuel problem. I followed their advise and used PULP without a lead-replacement additive, but the problem was still there. I replaced the spark plugs, leads, distributor cap, points, set the timing and the idle mixture, and changed to a lighter oil. My father told me to put in straight 50 oil, others say try a hotter plug, others say it could be bad fuel, and others say use very expensive oil. What should I do?
    Answered by CarsGuide
    13 May 2004
    Graham Smith

    THERE could be a number of reasons for your problem, Paul, and as you've tried many fixes I'd suggest you go back to basics. Make sure all the settings are correct as per the specifications, then concentrate on the oil side as it seems likely that its oiling the plugs. It seems to do it so quickly that I would expect to see some smoke from the exhaust and some loss of oil as measured on the dip stick. Check the compression to see if there's been any drop, check valve-stem seals for any leakage. It doesn't seem likely that it's a fuel problem since you've switched fuels and still have the problem. Using hotter spark plugs might help, but that's treating the symptoms and not the problem.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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