White Ashy Deposits on Spark Plug Boot

[The Critic]

96 Saturn SL2 with 125k.

I removed my spark plug wires a few days ago to check for any valve cover leaks. When I got to cylinder #4 (or #1, it's the cylinder nearest the battery), I discovered a 1" section of white, ashy deposits on the spark plug wire boot. None of the other spark plug wire boots have this.

What could it be?

 

[hal]

anti-sieze grease probably. someone must have used too much.

 

[jldcol]

I use boot lube, and over some time it dries out and becomes flaky and white. Is it possible to get water from windshield running down around there or even the squirters? Just guessing.

 

[Kestas]

When silicone chars, it leaves a white ash, unlike carbon-based material that leaves a black ash.

Mist some water in that area while the engine is idling. Do this when it's dark outside. Maybe you'll find arcing in that area that indicates the ignition wires need to be replaced.

Or maybe an exhaust leak in that area?

 

[The Critic]

Some of the other boots had traces of di-electric grease on them and it looked very different from this.

Not sure what it is, I hope it isn't antifreeze.