cracked head or manifold leak

[dmarx]

OK, I have been chasing an exhaust leak and couldn't find where it was coming from. Then I had the AH Ha moment, maybe the headers are leaking. Just for the hell of it I pulled a plug and this is what I found. Now, could this be blow by at the spark plug, ie cracked head, or a leak in the header? 140 PSI on 2-4-6 cyl. this issue is with #2 cyl. Opinions?
Using the old rubber hose to the ear to check for exhaust leaks, there is a lot of flutter at # 2 cylinder. However, the rusted area on the plug, which looks like an exhaust leak, gives me concern!
Dan Marx
dlmarx@bellsouth.net

 

[b4black]

I would say 9/10 it exhaust. Does it have exhaust manifold gaskets? Like these? https://www.jegs.com/i/Fel+Pro/375/...LmI4uer6DcAdGTBAvsjGnU5io29ZVObBoCRksQAvD_BwE

They blow out easily. The factory didn't use gaskets.

 

[dank GN]

I would do a leak down test . The tool u can get from harbor fright for cheap . That will tell you a lot of information about your motor health. It’s way better then just a compression test .