230SL Plugs and Mixture

[paul_GB]

Recently Ive been adjusting the fuel mixture setting on my 64 230 using the guides on this site, plus adjusted the timing (to idle at 8deg BTDC & approx 35deg BTDC at 3000RPM). I want it running as well as I can get it to drive to the LeMans classic(tomorrow). Its around 180 miles (from Hampshire, UK). I have just pulled out the plugs after about 200 miles of driving and would appreciate any feedback on the colour of them (see pic). Are they indicating too lean??

That said.. I have just noticed a evidence of a few small traces of coolant down FIP side of the engine (from the C/H Gasket)  . I will drop everything do the head bolt re-torque process this afternoon and see if it improves . Arh.. Murphys Law strikes yet again. A worry given the temperatures are upper 26-30 degC in N Europe at the moment and Le Mans will be busy (with traffic queues).

Cheers
Paul

[UJJ]

Hi Paul
I think your plugs look just fine. Mine ran quite white after I moved to a much warmer climate (CA) and I changed from NGK BP5ES to BP6PS and now they look the same as yours.
Enjoy your trip to LeMans sounds like a lot of fun.
Urban

[paul_GB]

Thanks Urban, appreciate your opinion!!
These are NGK BP5ES's.. they seem to suit the set up of my car and the type of driving I do.

Ive re-tourqued the head bolts and hoping it all holds if I go gentle on the cruising speed/revs. I have have a can of head gasket sealer as a very very last resort.

Yes the Le Mans 24hr Classic event is always good, shame it is only every other year.

Any other Pagoda club folks going..? 

Cheers
Paul

[ja17]

Spark plugs look near perfect!