Tore my head off today, to put a new head gasket in.

What I found, the exhaust valves had alot of build up on them, was kinda white and "lumpy, spotty". Intakes had a little carbon on them. The pistons had a good size layer build up of carbon on them, particulary the 2nd and 3rd pistons.

The spark plugs are white, obviously indicating a lean condition, over heating or timing being off.
Timing was good.
The coolant boiled in the res. on warmer days, no leaks anywhere and it was going missing, which is what led to the HG change. It was hard to find any leaks in the gasket, it was quite dirty when I got to see it. Had a friend helping me, woo lol

As for my questions, whys there so much carbon and what would case the plug to be so white?

 

Neons seem to give off more carbon than normal cars for some odd reason. What i would suggest is sea foam. its a great way to get rid of carbon. and it makes pretty cool smoke hehe

 

Do you think thats the reason the plugs are white, from all the carbon?