New parts, but running worse??

[KB88]

About a month ago now i carried out some work on the engine, at the time it was running badly because the plugs were shot and the Distributor cap was knakard.
I went to GSF and got myself some more bits.
Air filter
Oil filter
HT leads
Distributor cap
Fuel filter
Spark plugs

I replaced all of these parts, sadly they didn’t have a distributor rotor on the shelf (I think that’s the name). So i need to get one.
I regularly check under the bonnet for anything that needs tweaking most weeks, I had a look at the weekend and wasn’t happy with what I saw.
The plugs look buggered, basically black and gunky. That’s all of them too, I cleaned them up and put them back in but I’m a little worried as this was not how it was before on the old plugs.
The only other thing is that these patent spark plug leads I replaced are the German ones with a metal outer sheath, they have corroded and caused corrosion on the plugs!
After some thought i came to this conclusion. For all of the pots to show similar signs says that it’s how its running i.e. fueling etc. The plugs i bought were those fancy four point spark plugs from Bosch (i hope you know the ones i mean) and also i have an old distributor rotor. So i was thinking, maybe it’s because they are the wrong plugs for the job and it’s not firing that well.
If it sounds like i should replace these straight away let me know, but if you think i’m barking up the wrong tree and you think it maybe something horrible like a gasket going or something...any advice welcome.

Thanks for your time

Mike

[Nate]

if the rotor arm is past it, then it ain't gonna be helping you.

are the plugs black and sooty or black and oily?

compare to the plugs on this chart and report back http://www.dansmc.com/spark_plugs/spark ... talog.html

[KB88]

Black and oily really.
Thanks for the link.

Errrm, it also might have something to do with the fact the exhaust system has a hole in the back and front.

[Nate]

something like [1] or [2] on that page? would point to ignition most likely. chuck a new rotor arm on it, clean the plugs and see what happens.

and yes, a blowing exhaust isn't going to be doing it any favours ;)