I usually buy old cars and do what it takes to keep them going.  The
latest purchase is a 5spd 4cyl dohc 93 camry.   I got it at 188k and I
dont think it was carefully maintained by the last owner (proly shoulda
shopped more, but it was a 5spd).  Last timing belt change sticker
said 90k and I think Toyo says do it every 60k. So for fun, sport, and
35$ I changed it.  As part of changing the T-Belt I pulled the plugs,
the electrodes in the plugs' bodies were nicely rounded off (worn out),
and the longer electrodes were covered in a nice white deposit, not
grey, white.  Anyway, took them in to Advance Auto and the guy said my
engine was running lean, and was going to burn holes in my pistons.
Any thoughts on the white deposits?  burning lean?  normal build-up
from never being changed (guessing here)? Also, the repair book said to
use only platinum plugs. I did not, I will be happy to get 50k out of
this car, and i can afford to replace the plugs at 1.75ea.  Is the some
important reason i should rush down the to auto store and get platinum
plugs?   Oh, and before all this I was usually geting 32mpg in mixed
driving, and the air filter still needs to be changed, badly I think. .
..

Thanks