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| New Spark Plugs and Wires brings rough idle? | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 14 2013, 07:57 PM (920 Views) | |
| Tubablake | Mar 14 2013, 07:57 PM Post #1 |
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So after a few post over on the cavalier forum, my problem still exists. I have 1997 Cavalier 2.2 5 speed, 191860k Miles. I just changed my plugs with Ngk Platinums. (Apparently the original for the car) Also changed the wires with Xact wires from Advanced. I used Dielectric grease and anti-seize compound. So I put everything one wire at a time to make sure that everything is in right. When I started the car it idled rough for about 30 seconds then went pretty much smooth. Well I turned the car off just in case I did something wrong, but I hadn't. It smelled like it might be running rich? Any Ideas? Is this normal for plugs as like a break in period? |
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| Deleted User | Mar 14 2013, 08:04 PM Post #2 |
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![]() Drive it around a while and see what happens. The smell is normal after engine maintenance. It doesn't take much residual oil from your hands on or near the exhaust to stink for a while. |
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| idmetro | Mar 14 2013, 09:01 PM Post #3 |
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Did you check the gap on your plugs? I've gotten a few "pre-gapped" plugs that were nowhere close to what they should have been... |
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| Memphis metro | Mar 14 2013, 09:30 PM Post #4 |
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Pull them back out and check them. Maybe you bent an electrode when installing them. |
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| Tubablake | Mar 14 2013, 10:18 PM Post #5 |
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I will recheck them tomorrow morning. I did gap them with the round gapping thing you get at autozone. I read that you shouldn't use that because it can damage an electrode, is this true? |
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| idmetro | Mar 17 2013, 07:23 AM Post #6 |
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It's always possible to damage engine components. I suggest treating them with care, especially if they are any of the styles with the fine tip electrodes. Standard NGK copper plugs are pretty durable and I've never had an issue gapping them. Good Luck. I got the following from the NGK website: FAQs - Spark Plugs Q: Do I need to set the "gap" when installing a new set of plugs? A: Maybe. A spark plug part number might fit hundreds of different engines from many different manufacturers. Although the NGK factory will set the gap to a pre-selected setting, this may not be the right gap for your particular engine. The incorrect plug gap for your engine can contribute to a high rate of misfires, loss of power, plug fouling, poor fuel economy, and accelerated plug wear. It is always best to check the gap against the manufacturer's specifications. If adjusting the gap on fine wire or precious metal plugs such as platinum or iridium be very careful not to apply any pressure or prying force to the fine wire center electrode or insulator as they can be damaged. The gap should be adjusted by only moving the ground electrode. Another consideration that should be taken into account is the extent of any modifications that you may have made to the engine. As an example, when you raise compression or add forced induction (a turbo system, nitrous or supercharger kit) you must reduce the gap (about .004" for every 50 hp you add). However, when you add a high power ignition system (such as those offered by MSD, Crane, Nology) you can open the gap from .002-.005". If you have any questions, please contact the NGK Sparkplugs Tech Staff: Tech Support - Click here The manufacturer of your vehicle, the company that produced the aftermarket products you've used and/or your mechanic are all additional sources of gapping information if you've modified your vehicle. |
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| iamgeo | Mar 17 2013, 09:24 AM Post #7 |
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Big League
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This topic should be moved to General tech and tool talk |
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| Tubablake | Mar 17 2013, 01:11 PM Post #8 |
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Okay everyone thank you for the help! I took the plugs back out and re-gapped them with the help of my dad who is an airplane mechanic. So I put them back in and wow! My engine feels like it has 50k miles instead of 191k! I used to stutter up the mountains in the morning until 3rd gear, now I only have to go down to 4th but 5th doesn't even stutter! Thanks for all the help! |
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