Possibly agree with Doc Entropy--head crack #3. Apparently, enough water is getting into #3 to prevent firing of the cylinder, yet is hot enough to come out as steam. But usually, it "cleans" the combustion chamber/spark plug in the process. However, you state the plug is still jet black??
I had a remotely similar problem: a water heated intake manifold was leaking a small amount into the intake plenum. The plugs showed up a rust color (rust taken from the steel water line routed thru the aluminum intake) but were still firing.(I have a high output coil so managed to keep firing the plugs).
Let us know what you find.
I had a remotely similar problem: a water heated intake manifold was leaking a small amount into the intake plenum. The plugs showed up a rust color (rust taken from the steel water line routed thru the aluminum intake) but were still firing.(I have a high output coil so managed to keep firing the plugs).
Let us know what you find.