Well, I dont have a noticeable difference, heatwise, on the manifolds. I'll try new plugs first, I suppose. I just want it running. Thanks guys, I appreciate all the help.

 

Why not rip the opti off Brad, it doesn't take that long. I've had my opti off one hole but my car wouldn't run. It would just hit every once in a while. I've heard of people having theirs one hole off and it still ran. I'd say double check the plug wire routing. Then if not rip the opti off. Its really not a bad job. Now I always put the opti on and the balancer back on then fire it up for a few seconds to see if the opti is on right before i button it all back up.

 

finally got around to tearing into the car today. I took the opti off and reattached it, its a PITA with the crank hub on, but I dont want to take it off.
Well, I put it back on and the car wouldnt start. Cranked for 5 or so seconds and "BOOM!!" Scared the hell out of me. Very loud noise. I took the opti out and reinstalled it and it fired right up. But with the same miss as before but this time with a little black smoke. I think it was from a rich condition... must of had too much fuel in the cylinders from the previous attempts[?].
My question is, its very difficult to be SURE its on correctly, is there a way to tell its on correctly when your car has a miss?

I'll listen to any suggestions, just reply!

 

To confirm the opti is on correct, pick a cylinder, anyone. Put the piston on TDC. Remove the cap from the opti and see if the rotor contact is pointing in the direction of the contact for that cylinder in the cap.

This excercise will confirm a couple of things. If you check the movement of the valves at the same time you are confirming TDC, you will have checked for a problem in the valve train.

If you only have a miss, it's probably installed correctly. If it were off by 120 degrees, it would run so bad, you would know it's wrong. But you will be able to identify any rotor or cap problems while you're there. If the opti is your problem, that is probably where you will see the problem, at the inside of the cap or at the rotor.

Indicently, the connection method of the vent tubes and the restrictor going to the opti are very important that they be correct or serious damage can result to the rotor and or cap.

 

Hi guys, I have an update. This weekend I pulled the plugs on the driver's side. All 4 of them looked the same. Smelled of fuel and oil... HERE IS A PICTURE: http://members.***.net/95lt1/sparkplug.jpg

Whats the matter? Could this have happend when I was adjusting the valves to zero lash [car was running]? They were VERY loose. Anything I need to be wary about?

 

Umm, if you cant put your opti on right the first time something is wrong with you. I did mine in the middle of winter, broke 2 torx bolts holding the opti cap on(still fine), and did all mods in sig by myself at the same time.. With really no experience doing something like this at all, let alone swapping motors. Beginners luck? I think not.

 

Yea, I know what you mean.. I shouldnt have taken it off. It wasnt on wrong. Then when I reinstalled it I did put it on wrong [the hub is still on so its difficult to see it slide in].
Do you know whats up with the plugs? http://members.***.net/95lt1/sparkplug.jpg