I'm lucky to be allowed to store my van in the in-laws' barn over the winter. I then just give it a run each time we pop over (being able to take the van out for a run makes it more bearable
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
We haven't been over for what must be at least eight weeks so went in to start her up yesterday and found the battery to be dead. So, after being charged up over night I gave it another go today. The starter is turning well but it seems to be just not quite firing, but very close. In trying for fifteen minutes or so I managed to run the battery down again so it's gone back on charge. Could it be that the fuel has gone stale?
I've had a new set of plugs on the side in the garage since the summer and hadn't gotten around to fitting, so after gapping them to 0.7mm (pretty sure that's right for these: https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/spark-plug.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) I fitted them today so that once the battery is fully charged again, at least I know that the plugs are nice and fresh to give myself a fighting chance of getting it running.
Having taken the old plugs out, I'm conscious that they can tell me a lot about the condition of the engine, but I am no expert. Hence, would really appreciate your thoughts on the photos below.
Cylinder 1:
![Image](https://i.ibb.co/CshTWF1/1-3.jpg)
Cylinder 2:
![Image](https://i.ibb.co/BgfVn8L/2.jpg)
Cylinder 3 (nervous about this one as it has deposits on the side electrode):
![Image](https://i.ibb.co/jfMyTkb/3-2.jpg)
Cylinder 4:
![Image](https://i.ibb.co/WnsBVSD/4.jpg)
Engine is a 1.9 DG. I've kept the plugs and can take any necessary additional photos.
I've thought that the engine has smelt as though it is running a bit rich this summer. They don't appear overly deposited with carbon, but I'm happy to be advised otherwise.
Cheers,
Ben