Did plugs, wires, cap, rotor, belts and new silicone radiator hoses. I had a bit of an issue getting #5 back in. I would hand tighten it into the slot with a 3" extension and the spark plug socket. and then it would tighten up like it was cross threading. well, spent about an hour on it threading it in, tightening it down and backing it back out to see if any threads are damaged and it looks fine. I guess that's just how it mounts in there? I'm still a bit iffy about it. but its not getting any blow by. Anyone else have this issue?

Anyway, the truck's got a random miss now and its really pissing me off. cap, rotor, and wires were installed right, and double checked. I put denso plugs back in and gapped them to what they were before .37 ( which stock is .32, so I'm thinking that's my problem ) But I'm also still weary about the #5 spark plug mounting. it literally only got about 4 threads in hand tightened and then would only crank about 1-2 more times before it tightened up. Does anyone else have the same experience with that spark plug? I'm thinking the gap on the plugs is causing the miss. The previous plugs were platinum cores and these are copper, but gapped the same amount. I'm thinking that could be the issue. but like I mentioned, the #5 has me worried, as it didn't thread in the spark plug holes like the rest of the ones I did.

Anyone have any advice?

Thanks,

 

Do you know for sure the miss is spark related? Could be the injector. Have you moved the spark plug that you were having trouble with to another cylinder? The threads might be messed up from previous work.

 

Pretty sure its plug related. I'd notice a power difference under acceleration if it was fuel related.

I tried putting the plug I pulled out from that cylinder back in and it did the same thing as the new one. I checked the threads on the head and they looked fine. Its just tough to get tools in there. But the top end was recently done at a shop. Should I have it checked out just to be sure?

 

Here's some pictures. Its all nice and blue under there. lol But yeah, has a slight miss... I might have it checked out. the top end has a warranty on it for a year.

 

A miss is a miss. If your missing one of the 3. Fuel, spark, compression. That cylinder will not fire=no power from that cylinder. Test for spark on that cylinder with another plug with the engine running. If that checks out test the injector. Does the spark plug smell like fuel after running the engine? Color of the plug?

 

i'll pull it out when I get home tonight. All the plugs looked great when I pulled them out. Appreciate the info, Jason

 

My first thought was maybe the washer from the old spark plug got stuck in the seat. But if that were the case the old spark plug would probably go full depth. I'm no mechanic. I'm not too good at diagnosing but I'm finding I can fix most things once I know what the problem is. Sorry, not much help here!

 

Most plugs have a non removable washer. its there to insure a flat mate to the head. its just irritating that I take such damn good care of this thing and it gives me a headache haha

 

Well you do have a 3vz... that's what they do best!!

Totally kidding. I'd take my 3vz back over my 2.7 any day.

 

what's wrong with your 2.7? lol

 

I think it's just liked they way it ran better. The 2.7 is fine. There's just something I miss about my old '92. I can't put my finger on it though.

 

Get a thread chaser set and go through the head. That should clear the threads. Just make sure you get a glob of grease on the tap to grab any filings.

 

Just got around to solving the problem.

Like I said, developed a miss. but I usually let my 3vz have her temper tantrums before I really dig into it. after a week of a slight miss. I went and bought new plugs ( NGK V Power ) and swapped them. same gap ( .37 ) and the truck runs great now. No miss, no sputtering. guess it prefers a nickel plug than a copper.

Strange.

 

what a silly problem.. I hate to think a spark plug can make this difference... 3VZE has very sensitive feelings

 

you're telling me. lol she's becoming more and more like my 67 mustang every day.

 

More and more I see how picky these engines are I'm sure glad I'm getting rid of mine

 

Yeah, they're about as difficult as a teenager, but with a little patience and guidance. they go a long way. lol regardless, when my mustangs sell, its getting a 3.4 supercharged anyway.