What causes this?

[bob]

The other day I pulled my ATR wastegate off to get it rebuilt and the exhaust passage is covered with tiny little orange specks on the inside. It doesn't look like chunks of foreign material, it appears to be a by product of the combustion process. I've never seen this before and didn't know if it was normal from maybe condensation or if it tells me something about the motor. I'm kinda worried now, I haven't had the car very long and have a feeling it's done it's fair share of detonating (previous owner didn't have a scan tool.) I do know it idles pig rich if that makes a difference.
Any help is appreciated.


bob

[tim87tr]

The other day I pulled my ATR wastegate off to get it rebuilt and the exhaust passage is covered with tiny little orange specks on the inside.
bob
Not real familiar with you setup, but I remember reading that is caused by the use of the cheap octane booster additive. It would also be on the plugs if you want to pull one to check and replace them.

[bob]

The previous owner put new plugs in it right before I bought it from him, or at least he said he did. I'll have to check it out. Thanks.
bob

[jmidolo]

Yea, sounds like Octane booster was used in the car. Stuff is useless, wouldn't use it.

[TTA1401]

Ditto on the octane boost.

[JayC]

Only octane booster Ive ever seen leave orange residue was 104 Octane Booster.

Ah the good old days.