Does anyone know why the spark plugs in my truck would turn red? Also would the engine run with a bad camshaft sensor?

 

Don't know if this will help you. I have never seen a "red" plug, but my auto manual lists these as possible operating colors:

"NORMAL CONDITION: Brown, tan or grayish-tan with slight electrode wear is normal.

"ASH DEPOSITS: Light brown deposits encrusted on the side or center electrodes or both. Derived from oil and/or fuel additives. Excessive amounts may mask the spark, causing misfiring and hesitation during acceleration."

The manual doesn't describe any "red" colors but these are the closest I can find.

 

I've never seen a red electrode before thats what bogles me! I just got my truck a few months ago and I discovered that the used dealership that I got my truck from removed the "check engine" bulb! That realy P&#^% me
off. Oh the spark plugs were Bosh Plat. I hate Bosh plugs, I went ahead and put the original Motorcraft Plat. plugs in and the truck is running better.

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1998 F150 Triton 5.4L

 

I'd definitely take the truck in and check it for trouble codes. Obviously, they're hiding something if they took the bulb out.

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1999 F250 LD S/C XLT 4x4
5.4L, 3.73, 4R100 trans.
Flowmaster 40 "DF" series, K&N, Superchip, WMS Velocity Tube, Rancho RSX shocks, Stull billet grille, 2-PIAA Pro80XT's (120W), 2-KC Daylighters (150W). 265/70 R17 BFG AT KO's on 17x8 American Racing Atlas rims
Kenwood 7007 CD, Alpine 3342 Signal Processor, Alpine MRV-F353 5Ch. Amp, Pioneer TS-A6865 3-way speakers, MTX Thunderforms. CompuStar alarm/autostart.

 

How many miles?

My first thought was that maybe they fell into the salsa, prior to installation.

Both are decent plugs. If the Bosch fouled out, the Motorcrafts will foul out as well. You can corrosion blast plugs and re-gap them but with time any money being as they are. It's usually easier to throw them away and buy new ones.

Still, if they're fouling, there's a reason. Have you had the oil changed by someone qualified to analize the wear particles? This would tell you quite a bit. What types of metal, if any, are floating around in there and what part of the engine they came from.

Maybe the goof ball that had the truck before you accidentally put trans fluid in the engine?

Here's another thought: What about that Marvel's Mystery Oil stuff? That will burn red or foul plugs. I actually had that happen once when I got my foreign and domestic car knowledge confused.



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97 XLT SC w/62k mi. 3:55, 4.6L, 2" Fabtech coils w/arms & 2" add-a-leaks, snug top tonneau, Tow package, CD, Auto, avg. 17.2 MPG w/ Goodyear GA 255/75/16's
future mods: BFG 285/75/16's, 3" fabtech front coils, rotunda trans flush, B&M shift plus, fuzzy dice,
80-90k mi. mods: 3" spindles, centerline rims with 35's
<creativepen@yahoo.com>

 

Well just to let you guys know the truck is running much better with the new Motorcraft plugs, I even reset the computer. I sent a nice E-mail to the car dealer that sold me my truck and they had the nerve to tell me that they would give me a free tune-up (YEAH RIGHT) like im going to take up on that offer!!

thanks to all with your imput (Even the salsa bit)

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1998 F150 Triton 5.4L
K&N Air Filter

 

104 Octane booster colored the plugs in my SBC a maroon to orange tint depending on the percentage used. This is a built pre emission engine and vehicle. I was warned it would also coat O2 sensors in emission era rides regardless of what the bottle says. You might try a jalapeno salsa for a green hue.