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Topic: Changed spark plugs... now big problem (Read 609 times) |
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atressler
Newbie
I have a 2.9 12V
 
Posts: 28
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Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« on: Feb 25th, 2006, 2:59pm » |
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Before I changed my spark plugs, the engine wasn't idleing properly (I even changed the IACV), and when I would start it up, the engine would rev, and then would drop to 1000rpm. When I would push down on the gas pedal, it would misfire. So I changed the spark plugs, and now, the engine starts up real nice (goes right to 1000rpm), doesnt misfire anymore BUT... the engine shakes a lot, and is running real rough. I can smell the exhaust when the windows are rolled down, and before, the exhaust used to put out a constant smoke (not a lot), but now it is "puffing". Anyone have any idea whats going on? I'm completely stumped!
Also, my friend had a temperature gun, and here were the readings from the exhaust (next to the spark plugs)
1:217
2:218
3:178
4:250
5:175
6:255
Not sure if that helps... but those were the readings. I thought 3 and 5 were considerably low... considering.
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-Alex
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tony
Full Member
1996 2.9 12v
Posts: 114
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #1 on: Feb 25th, 2006, 3:16pm » |
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Misfiring.
Check plug leads correctly fitted, recheck spark plug gaps.
Could also be a faulty or damaged plug.
May be worth reinstalling the old IACV just in case the replacement is faulty, but the "shaking" suggests it not firing properly. You have connected the leads to the right plugs too haven't you?
Others will pipe in there suggestions before too long.
Good luck.
Tony
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Dave
Senior Member
Tourmallard 24v (ex-owner)
Posts: 1984
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #2 on: Feb 25th, 2006, 3:46pm » |
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As Tony says, make sure the leads are on the right plugs, have you got 2 mixed up? Sounds like 1 or 2 cylinders are not firing hence the fuel smell as it isn't getting burnt.
Are your leads ok? Check they are making a tight connection, make sure they are pushed fully on.
Have a look at this:
http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/engdata12v.htm
Take off the distributor cap and make sure that and the rotor arm are both clean and unburnt too.
See how you get on.
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Snoopy
Administrator
Very old.BAD tempered and missing friends.
Posts: 6278
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #3 on: Feb 25th, 2006, 4:43pm » |
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Could also be faulty leads. When they break down they can cause syptoms that you describe.
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atressler
Newbie
I have a 2.9 12V
Posts: 28
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #4 on: Feb 25th, 2006, 4:54pm » |
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I'm pretty sure that I put the right leads on the right plugs, but to make sure, I want to double check, but where do I find which lead goes to the right plug? I couldnt find it on the site.
I'll check the leads to make sure they're not faulty. How do u know when they're faulty? I didn't look around for that one on the site.
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-Alex
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atressler
Newbie
I have a 2.9 12V
Posts: 28
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #7 on: Feb 25th, 2006, 5:45pm » |
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Tony, thanks for the link, that did help. But there is a problem...
I was looking at the cap, and it does not match the link that you sent. Here is what is on the link:
Distributor Cap
1 2 3
4 5 6
Cylinder
3 6
2 5
1 4
Here is how mine is connected:
Distributor Cap
1 4
6 7 3
2 5
Cylinder
same as above
The 7 is a lead that is connected to something else, but I thought I should mention it. What I have there is how my leads are connected... obviously different from that post. Could that be the problem?
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-Alex
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tony
Full Member
1996 2.9 12v
Posts: 114
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #8 on: Feb 25th, 2006, 7:01pm » |
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Lead 7 is connected to the coil.
I've got a 12V, so if you can wait, I'll have a look tomorrow and draw you a picture of the way they should go. If you're still working on it this evening, someone else will help I'm sure.
Tony
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atressler
Newbie
I have a 2.9 12V
Posts: 28
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #9 on: Feb 25th, 2006, 7:17pm » |
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Tony, i stopped working on it for the day... it's dark... and cold. So hopefully tomorrow, I can get this thing fixed for work on monday.
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-Alex
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Simmo
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #10 on: Feb 25th, 2006, 9:25pm » |
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If the firing order is 1 4 2 5 3 6 as stated then the leads must surely follow in that order on the distibutor cap. If i read your post correctly then 2 and 3 should be swopped over so the plugs fire as intended.
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atressler
Newbie
I have a 2.9 12V
Posts: 28
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #11 on: Feb 26th, 2006, 4:37am » |
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Simmo... i know the firing order, but I dont know what the lead numbers are on the distributor cap are. Thats my concern right now. And when you say 2 and 3 should be swapped over... which ones? the leads on the plugs, or the leads on the cap? Wow, I just reread that and it sounds like I'm being a big butt head... didnt try to be. I'm a friendly guy.... really I am.
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-Alex
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Simmo
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #12 on: Feb 26th, 2006, 6:48am » |
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Dave, (Post no 2) said have you got two leads mixed up. Try pulling the lead off no 2 plug an putting the lead from no 3 on it and vice versa. Unless you've had the leads out of the distributor cap they should be in the correct order in the cap. There is a Kent meet today so I'll see if there is a 2.9 12v there in case I'm missing something.
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Annelk
Newbie
2.3 Ghia X estate '98
Posts: 48
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #13 on: Feb 26th, 2006, 9:36am » |
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had similar problem on my pre '95 Scorpio, I had dislodged a multiplug from one of the fuel injectors whilst changing the sparkplugs...... changed the distributor cap/leads/plugs but that didn't cure it of course..... don't know if you could do the same on the 2.9?
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atressler
Newbie
I have a 2.9 12V
Posts: 28
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #14 on: Feb 26th, 2006, 11:03am » |
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PROBLEM SOLVED!!! Yipee. I did mix up leads 2 and 3. I swapped them, and the engine is running smooth again. Thanks a lot.
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-Alex
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tony
Full Member
1996 2.9 12v
Posts: 114
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #15 on: Feb 26th, 2006, 12:23pm » |
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Good to hear. I was just about to go out and get soaked to draw a little diagram 
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Dave
Senior Member
Tourmallard 24v (ex-owner)
Posts: 1984
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #16 on: Feb 26th, 2006, 3:00pm » |
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Good result
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Simmo
Administrator
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Posts: 5508
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #17 on: Feb 26th, 2006, 4:14pm » |
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Glad you solved it. Pagey stuck stickers on all the leads on his 12v in the freezing wind at the Kent meet today and photographed the engine so you could see where they all went!!. Guess he may post them just to make it all worth while!!.
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atressler
Newbie
I have a 2.9 12V
Posts: 28
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #18 on: Feb 26th, 2006, 4:42pm » |
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Simmo, he should still put it up for future reference.
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-Alex
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cossie_al
Full Member
Ex 24v
Posts: 902
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Re: Changed spark plugs... now big problem
« Reply #19 on: Feb 26th, 2006, 10:34pm » |
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Okay Guys I know the problem is solved but this is a storey worth knowing. My mate asked me to service his mk 2 escort  and after much free beer I agreed.
However I did the usual brakes filters oil leads and PLUGS the car didnt have any real probs before the service but after I did the leads and plugs it ran like a bag of spanners.
Being a 4 cylinder it did not take long to track down the suspect cylinder.
I put the old lead back on, no change still the missfire, out came the new plug and it looked fine rested it on the engine and turned it over a good healthy spark it whent back in and again the miss fire was there. did a compression test that turned out good. While I was doing the test I put the plug on the bench and when I whent back to pick it up I noticed something very strange I could not see the centre electrode for pocelaine 
I picked up the plug and held it as if I was inspecting it and the porcelaine surround of the centre electrode fell back to where it should be!!!
I then turned the plug the other way as it would be in the engine and the electrode was again covered by the porcelaine surround 
You can imagine my disbelief.
I whent back to the supplier with one offending article and requested a replacement the look on his face was a picture when i took the plug of him turned it over and held it up to his eye level
Al
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