Spark Plug Question

[kcaudill]

I have a 89 Accord LX with 225k miles. I had some stumbling so I decided to change the plugs. Well that took care of the stumbling, but I would like to describe what the old spark plugs looked like. Cylinders 1,2,4 were all black and carboned up, cylinder 3 was a medum tan color but cleaner. Could someone shead some light on what my engine is doing? thanks

[FyreDaug]

What do they look like?

WITH THIS LINK

[kcaudill]

I would say that its the Cabon fouled look on 3 and Normal on the one. Quoted from the site:
Carbon Fouled
Basically, soft, sooty carbon deposits, as shown below, have a dry, black appearance. If only one or two plugs in a set are fouled, it is a good practice to check for sticking valves, a cracked distributor cap, or bad secondary ignition wires. Fouling of the entire set might result from an incorrect heat range spark plug or an over-rich air/fuel mixture caused by a clogged air cleaner filter element, a sticking heat riser valve, or a faulty choke. Fuel injectors that malfunction can also lead to this condition."" end quote.

I looks like I have to re-check my valve clearence, or buy a new dist cap, I just replace the wires, ingnition coil. Thanks for you help. That was a good site to reference from!!!