Chapman88SR5

I recently replaced my 3.0 in my 88, we did not gap the plugs and I do not know if they were already gapped (bought from a Pep Boys). What problems could happen if they are not gapped?

I have a problem when my engine is cold. If I give it ANY gas, the RPMs will stick there and wait a few seconds then jump up. If I give it a lot of gas, the engine will bog down a little bit, and than the RPMs will jump up. When the engine is warm it does not do this, it runs perfectly fine.

Could this be a symptom of gaps being to wide?

rdharper

Did the symptoms appear right after you changed the plugs?

For what its worth, I've changed lots of plugs. My experience suggests that if you picked plugs that are specifically for your vehicle (and lots of others), the gaps will be correct every time.

Chapman88SR5

The problem started after we put the new engine in. I was thinking an EGR valve or cold start injector. But I have no clue...

rdharper

Sounds like you are getting fuel. Maybe the choke is not working correctly. VAFM. Remember the days of manual chokes? If you don't tighten down on the air-flow during warm-up, you get the symptoms you describe.

MudHippy

I got one too, so I do feel for ya, but you got a case of the 3.slow. They do that when they be cold. You will get better throttle response from proper plug gap. All the ones I've checked outta the box, that were sposed to be, were true to specs. Lucky? Lucky nobody dropped em before they got to me, I say. Always check, you will at minimum save $$$$$ in mpg.

Chapman88SR5

this problem is not normal for an engine to do when cold. It is rather severe because sometimes it almost bogs so low that it dies.

MudHippy

Opinions vary there, won't argue, except from what I know from exp., and the majority view regarding our 3vze. Not sayin' that's the ONLY "problem" your facin' here. Jus' hope it is I geuss, other words I dunno what else it could be, by what you've said.

MMA_Alex

On ngk the gaps are right out of the box. I found on a set of autolites I bought for my 22re the gaps were incorrect out of the box.

Its worth checking the plugs before you put them in in general. even if you just use one of the cheapo $1-2 guages.