So, we bought this car about 4 months ago, and other then a problem with the windows (which we is no big deal), and needing to flush the heater core (which we have now done) we have had no problems - until now.

However, about 1 week ago, the engine just started missing whenever it is under load (jump on it, or just rev it really high, in any gear other then nuetral). It will start out barely missing, but then it will get to the point of not being able to drive it at all, and then sometimes the problem will just go away completely.

It is inconsistant enough to make it difficult to track down which cylendar, if it is even a specific one, is missing, as the problem only appears under load.

I have heard of bad sparkplug wires causing this, but was under the impression that the heat problem was mainly only on the 3.8L engine.

As a side note, no idiot lights are on, and all the guages are normal.

Any suggestions on where to start troubleshooting this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

Start with the small things first...change out all of your spark plugs and wires. It sounds like that to me. If that doesn't work, test other ignition components, such as the coil packs.

Are you new to working on cars? Get yourself a Haynes manual; that would really help you.

 

Not new to working on cars, just new to this one - mostly, I have owned small and large trucks - mainly old, easy to work on, and mostly deisel *grin*.

I was figuring starting with at least the wires, though I am not looking forward to removing the plug, as they look quite fun to get to.

Thanks

 

I'd start with plugs and wires (which I typically do when I buy a car anyways).

If it does not solve the problem, repace the coils.

most likely this will solve it.

I just changed plugs on Friday and have never had a car respond better to them (the old ones were less than a year old). Took 20 minutes with both a 4 and 8 inch extension. The first time may take you longer, but its really not that bad.

 

When any of you had this problem, and pulled the plugs, was the one with the bad wire obvious? Like, looked like it had beening running really lean, rich, etc?

 

Also, anything special that needs to be done to pull the plug for cylender #3? We got all the rest out (with #1 looking quite black/carbon deposited).

We managed to pull all the rest of the plugs, except #3, and the wires, especially #3, are very brittle - decomposing even. The #3 wire, when pulled on only slightly, broke about 4 inches above the spark plug socket - and the wires inside were powdery almost - so at the very least, we found one problem - if it fixes the actual problem, we will see once we manage to get it all put back together and working.

Right now, we are using Bosch Platinum plugs, and Autolite wires, since that is all the local shop had today - but if this fixes the misfire, then I'll probably go ahead and order some very good quality wires.

So, anyway, any suggestions for pulling #3? We can not get the spark plug socket onto the plug at all - it goes on a little way, then will go no further.

 

Well, we went ahead and put on all the new wires, etc, leaving the old #3 plug in. It seems to have fixed all the problems - all the misfires are gone.

thanks!

 

I cant remember if it was number 3 or not and mine is a 3.8 but same idea. I had to use a 5/8" spark plug socket that had a 13/16" 6 point on the end that goes into the ratchet. Instead if using the rachet I used an open end 13/16' wrench on the socket. That gave me enough room to do it. Hope it helps.... and I wouldn't leave that old #3 plug in too long as it may cause problems soon. considering that the others had carbon deposits on them.

 

I've never had any problems with getting the socket over the plugs. Just slide it on by itself, then attach your extension after it's seated.

 

No, not getting the ratchet on their - specifically the socket will not go over the sparkplug, like it can't fit around it or something...

 

You're havin the same problem as me! I was gonna go to sears and get a thing walled socket piece. If that won't help me I'm gonna try what that guy suggested. It seems to be in a little hole that the standard socket piece won't fit in. It blows!

 

Weird, did the tip of the boot tear off in there when you changed out your wires?

 

Nope! I see the plug! My buddy says it's probably carbon build up or something like that. It's the furthest sparkplug on the left side if your lookin at the engine. I'll take a picture after I get out of class today.

 

Wow, that just sounds bad... carbon build up on the outside? Won't that contaminate the cylinder if you pull that plug without removing the buildup first?
And, if it's carbon built up around the plug, is there another problem to deal with there?

 

I honestly don't know what I'm talking about. I think it's just a recessed plug inside of a whole. It's ornery to get at I will post a picture tomorrow. I was putting in my flow master the stock exhaust was a joke. It rusted right through.