How bad does this plug look?

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MDN123

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2010 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi. 136,000 mi. Bought it a few months back with 131,000 miles.
Seem to be generally maintained with good records but nothing to indicate when the plugs were last changed.
Performance slowly and steadily deteriorated over last month or so, until it finally started stumbling and sputtering couple days ago and the check engine light came on. Flashing at first and then steady. Hooked up the code reader got p0303. I know that could be a lot of different things, figured I'd start at the plugs. I know they need changed, for sure. But does anyone with more plug guru-ship than myself think they're in bad enough condition to trip that code?
Any help or insight would be appreciated.
 

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Jane S

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The gap on third one look large.

 

mikeru

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It looks like a worn out plug from a healthy engine to me. Time to replace them and keep on truckin'.
 

GTyankee

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If you recently bought this Ram & you don't know the history
It is time to update to Iridium Spark Plugs, 100,000 mile plugs used by Mopar for years now

NGK 92145 Laser Iridium; Pre-Set Gap: 0.044"
Dual Plug; OE-Recommended Gap: 0.044";
Recommended FCA IRIDIUM OE extended service part


Then do the oil & filter change
Brake fluid, power steering fluid changes
HOAT anti freeze change
 

Rlaf75

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They definitely need to be replaced but they look surprisingly good for that kind of mileage
 

huntergreen

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If I’m not mistaken, 2010 model year has a 30000 mile change interval with copper core plugs. If you upgrade you also need to upgrade coil packs.
 

gtomike60

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The plugs are worn but they are in the correct color range(light tan)for a good working ignition system
 
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MDN123

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Thank you for the input, I appreciate it. That confirms what I was thinking, that they didn't look too bad for the miles on them. I did go ahead and upgrade to the NGK laser iridium plugs 92145.. also had new plug caps put on as well.
Unfortunately, the p303 code and flashing engine light is still a thing. Had the #3 and #1 coil packs and injectors switched and the code still throws as a misfire on number 3. Looking like the valve covers are probably going to have to come off. Unless it's just a carboned up valve, I'm fearing it's new cam and lifter time.
Major bummer.
Anyone have any suggestions or experience with upgrading to a non-mds cam and lifter that would be more reliable and possibly add a little extra performance?
 

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