Hi all, this is kind of like part II of my first thread:

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=488986

I've attempted to run the car with the MAF unplugged but not the O2 sensors unplugged yet. I also plan on doing some datalogging today or tomorrow.

Anyway, I pulled my plugs after running the car for about 30 minutes and unlike the last time I changed them I kept them in order for inspection. All the plugs on the right side were kind of wet looking but uniform and used looking. Plugs 1 & 3 on the left side looked just like the ones on the right. However, plug 5 looks brand new and plug 7 is black as midnight. I was thinking that the car runs fine until it warms up but the last time I started it (with the plugs above) it was popping from the start. I guess that could be because 7 was fouled out already. I do have photos of the plugs if it would help.

I would greatly appreciate any help or advice. I paid a boad load of $$$ to get this car repaired and can barely get it out of my garage. I don't really want to take it back to the mechanic unless I have to. I'll buy dinner for two (up to $100) for anyone that can help me solve this. Yes, I'm that desperate!

 

Generally when they are dark you are either running pig rich or you need to check out the ignition system. It could also mean your valves are out of adjustment. Looking at your other post, I would first inspect those wires very carefully (if they aren't new, I'd replace them) to make sure there aren't any burns, they are run to the correct plug and are fully seated.

If you are certain the wires are in working order and the problem still persists, I would readjust the valves. A quick way to tell if your valves are out of ajustment is to read the engine vacuum. Generally, a low vacuum that is wondering on the gauge will indicate your valves need adjustment. Shoebox has an excellent how-to on his website that can guide you through the steps if you choose to reset them.

Also, it may seem simple but did you make sure that the injectors are plugged in correctly?

 

Thanks MatLT1, yes I've checked the plug wires. They are new and I can't see any damage. I did have a couple that I don't think were seated correctly but all the wires are running to the correct cyl. I also checked my injectors and they look correct. I'll check the valves as well... let you know how it goes.

 

OK, I finally did some datalogging with Datamaster. It showed the car was throwing a code 48 (MAF failure). I also noticed that the O2 sensors acted kind of goofy. One stayed in the same range in both open and closed loop. The other fluctuated wildly. Would anyone that knows a thing or two about it mind taking a look at my datalog and see if something looks obvious. I replaced the MAF, the car seems to run a little better but I'm still getting the popping. I also have two new O2 sensors and I've not installed yet.