Changed spark plugs, got some big problems, what's causing them?
01-06-2003, 07:48 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 541
Changed spark plugs, got some big problems, what's causing them?
Ok, I finally got up the courage to change the spark plugs(all my family telling me that I couldn't do it). But now, all sorts of things have gone wrong. I rechanged the spark plugs again, in case one of them was bad, but it's still having just about as much trouble.
Here it is: First, the exhaust "putt-putt"ers, but the engine isn't quite misfiring(the mechabics and some other people loocked at it, said it was a electronic device or something got clogged). The second thing, the radiator fans are ALWAYS on! They weren't before, but now they're on even in really cold weather, right when I start up the car, untill the time I shut it off(which it NEVER did before).
Third is lack of horse power. I use to be able to haul pretty nicely, now it's accelerating like a volvo.
And this ALL happened after I changed the spark plugs. I brought it to the mechanic, and he said it would take hours try and figure out what part of the engine of having trouble, becuase the engine doesn't have the "check engine" light on, so doesn't realize there is a problem.
Also my those four bolts that hold the engine to the body are torn, so at high acceleration, the engine is jumping around, but that happened when I was trying to keep an arshole from rear ending me at 70mph.
Any idea? I think I read something like this in one of the forums a while ago, but am having trouble finding it.
Here it is: First, the exhaust "putt-putt"ers, but the engine isn't quite misfiring(the mechabics and some other people loocked at it, said it was a electronic device or something got clogged). The second thing, the radiator fans are ALWAYS on! They weren't before, but now they're on even in really cold weather, right when I start up the car, untill the time I shut it off(which it NEVER did before).
Third is lack of horse power. I use to be able to haul pretty nicely, now it's accelerating like a volvo.
And this ALL happened after I changed the spark plugs. I brought it to the mechanic, and he said it would take hours try and figure out what part of the engine of having trouble, becuase the engine doesn't have the "check engine" light on, so doesn't realize there is a problem.
Also my those four bolts that hold the engine to the body are torn, so at high acceleration, the engine is jumping around, but that happened when I was trying to keep an arshole from rear ending me at 70mph.
Any idea? I think I read something like this in one of the forums a while ago, but am having trouble finding it.
01-06-2003, 08:07 AM
#2
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 541
Re: Changed spark plugs, got some big problems, what's causing them?
Oh yeah, I forgot one more thing, the idle is way off. It keeeps jumping around. Usually just a little(the needle bobs 200-400rpm), which is still not normal for my max, but a couple times it has started bobing around ALOT...
01-06-2003, 08:07 AM
#3
Re: Changed spark plugs, got some big problems, what's causing them?
Originally posted by doomtoo
Ok, I finally got up the courage to change the spark plugs(all my family telling me that I couldn't do it). But now, all sorts of things have gone wrong. I rechanged the spark plugs again, in case one of them was bad, but it's still having just about as much trouble.
Here it is: First, the exhaust "putt-putt"ers, but the engine isn't quite misfiring(the mechabics and some other people loocked at it, said it was a electronic device or something got clogged). The second thing, the radiator fans are ALWAYS on! They weren't before, but now they're on even in really cold weather, right when I start up the car, untill the time I shut it off(which it NEVER did before).
Third is lack of horse power. I use to be able to haul pretty nicely, now it's accelerating like a volvo.
And this ALL happened after I changed the spark plugs. I brought it to the mechanic, and he said it would take hours try and figure out what part of the engine of having trouble, becuase the engine doesn't have the "check engine" light on, so doesn't realize there is a problem.
Also my those four bolts that hold the engine to the body are torn, so at high acceleration, the engine is jumping around, but that happened when I was trying to keep an arshole from rear ending me at 70mph.
Any idea? I think I read something like this in one of the forums a while ago, but am having trouble finding it.
Ok, I finally got up the courage to change the spark plugs(all my family telling me that I couldn't do it). But now, all sorts of things have gone wrong. I rechanged the spark plugs again, in case one of them was bad, but it's still having just about as much trouble.
Here it is: First, the exhaust "putt-putt"ers, but the engine isn't quite misfiring(the mechabics and some other people loocked at it, said it was a electronic device or something got clogged). The second thing, the radiator fans are ALWAYS on! They weren't before, but now they're on even in really cold weather, right when I start up the car, untill the time I shut it off(which it NEVER did before).
Third is lack of horse power. I use to be able to haul pretty nicely, now it's accelerating like a volvo.
And this ALL happened after I changed the spark plugs. I brought it to the mechanic, and he said it would take hours try and figure out what part of the engine of having trouble, becuase the engine doesn't have the "check engine" light on, so doesn't realize there is a problem.
Also my those four bolts that hold the engine to the body are torn, so at high acceleration, the engine is jumping around, but that happened when I was trying to keep an arshole from rear ending me at 70mph.
Any idea? I think I read something like this in one of the forums a while ago, but am having trouble finding it.
but did you gap the spark plugs to factory spec.?
01-06-2003, 08:17 AM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 541
Re: Re: Changed spark plugs, got some big problems, what's causing them?
Originally posted by shock211
silly question,
but did you gap the spark plugs to factory spec.?
silly question,
but did you gap the spark plugs to factory spec.?
Reading some of the other posts, I forgot to mention a couple things:
The ehaust(stuttering) is also comming out very thick. I can see it most of the time sice changing the spark plugs, but it's the stuttering thats got me worried; I can feel the vibrations from the steering wheel. But the strange thing is, none of this really seems to happen in the first couple seconds(5-15s) after starting up(except for the radiator fans).
01-06-2003, 09:02 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 298
Pretty simple...
Let me get this straight:
1. The car was fine before you changed the plugs.
2. Now it runs crappy after you changed the plugs.
Questions:
Is the firing order correct?
Did anything fall into one of the plug holes?
What is the condition of the plug wires, did you pull, bend or tug on them forcefully?
Backtrack what you have done. Check everything over. You'll find it.
1. The car was fine before you changed the plugs.
2. Now it runs crappy after you changed the plugs.
Questions:
Is the firing order correct?
Did anything fall into one of the plug holes?
What is the condition of the plug wires, did you pull, bend or tug on them forcefully?
Backtrack what you have done. Check everything over. You'll find it.
01-06-2003, 01:51 PM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 541
Re: Changed spark plugs, got some big problems, what's causing them?
Oh yeah, since the electronic store installed an amp, I've gotten engine noise from my radio/HU. But since installing the spark plugs, and getting all these problems, the engine noise has gotten worse. before I could never hear it in overdrive below 3 1/2, but now it's alway on, , and gets louder with less rpm. Would that help me pinpoint the problem any? Does anyone happen to know a good mechanic in arizona the pheonix(better the east valley, mesa, gilber, chandler...) that I might be able to take it to to look at the car? Someone who knows alot about cars, might help me out, and show me a couple things?(while fixing it for the $$$)
01-07-2003, 07:16 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 298
Re: Re: Changed spark plugs, got some big problems, what's causing them?
Originally posted by doomtoo
Oh yeah, since the electronic store installed an amp, I've gotten engine noise from my radio/HU. But since installing the spark plugs, and getting all these problems, the engine noise has gotten worse. before I could never hear it in overdrive below 3 1/2, but now it's alway on, , and gets louder with less rpm. Would that help me pinpoint the problem any? Does anyone happen to know a good mechanic in arizona the pheonix(better the east valley, mesa, gilber, chandler...) that I might be able to take it to to look at the car? Someone who knows alot about cars, might help me out, and show me a couple things?(while fixing it for the $$$)
Oh yeah, since the electronic store installed an amp, I've gotten engine noise from my radio/HU. But since installing the spark plugs, and getting all these problems, the engine noise has gotten worse. before I could never hear it in overdrive below 3 1/2, but now it's alway on, , and gets louder with less rpm. Would that help me pinpoint the problem any? Does anyone happen to know a good mechanic in arizona the pheonix(better the east valley, mesa, gilber, chandler...) that I might be able to take it to to look at the car? Someone who knows alot about cars, might help me out, and show me a couple things?(while fixing it for the $$$)
We did a Car Care Clinic for Single Mom's through our church there.
The owner was really cool, letting use all his equipment. You can mention that Christian from the Grace Community Church Car Care Clinic recommended you.
Let me know how it goes. I can also help, but they have better diagnostic equipment than I do.
01-07-2003, 07:22 AM
#8
Re: Changed spark plugs, got some big problems, what's causing them?
Make sure you put the plugs wires back on the correct plug. The wires are numbered on your distributor cap. If you are standing in front of the engine, the cylinder numbers are:
firewall
1 3 5
2 4 6
radiator
Make sure that the wires are properly seated. If you damaged them or you are unsure about their condition, replace them. Check your distributor cap for cracks. Also check the rotor button. Replace if worn. Make sure that you have the correct plugs. You didn't indicate what engine you have. For the SOHC, you want NGK plugs. Don't waste your money on platinums.
firewall
1 3 5
2 4 6
radiator
Make sure that the wires are properly seated. If you damaged them or you are unsure about their condition, replace them. Check your distributor cap for cracks. Also check the rotor button. Replace if worn. Make sure that you have the correct plugs. You didn't indicate what engine you have. For the SOHC, you want NGK plugs. Don't waste your money on platinums.
01-07-2003, 09:26 AM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 541
Re: Re: Changed spark plugs, got some big problems, what's causing them?
I just checked the order of the spark plugs - they're correct. Distributer cap looks fine, but I haven't looked up where that button is yet. I first bought NGK copper plugs, but then when that wasn't working, I thought 1 might be damaged, so I bought another set of NGK V tipped. Still didn't work. I think it might have been something I accidentally unplugged, or maybe something that was on the spark plugs or that fell in the holes(lotsa crap around the holes, but I got most of it away). I also had put to much anti seize on it the first time with the coppers. The mechanic I usually go to is still to busy tody, have to wait untill tommorrow at the soonest. 
01-07-2003, 03:30 PM
#10
Re: Re: Re: Changed spark plugs, got some big problems, what's causing them?
Originally posted by doomtoo
I just checked the order of the spark plugs - they're correct. Distributer cap looks fine, but I haven't looked up where that button is yet. I first bought NGK copper plugs, but then when that wasn't working, I thought 1 might be damaged, so I bought another set of NGK V tipped. Still didn't work. I think it might have been something I accidentally unplugged, or maybe something that was on the spark plugs or that fell in the holes(lotsa crap around the holes, but I got most of it away). I also had put to much anti seize on it the first time with the coppers. The mechanic I usually go to is still to busy tody, have to wait untill tommorrow at the soonest.
I just checked the order of the spark plugs - they're correct. Distributer cap looks fine, but I haven't looked up where that button is yet. I first bought NGK copper plugs, but then when that wasn't working, I thought 1 might be damaged, so I bought another set of NGK V tipped. Still didn't work. I think it might have been something I accidentally unplugged, or maybe something that was on the spark plugs or that fell in the holes(lotsa crap around the holes, but I got most of it away). I also had put to much anti seize on it the first time with the coppers. The mechanic I usually go to is still to busy tody, have to wait untill tommorrow at the soonest.
01-13-2003, 07:36 AM
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
listen to your parents and dont change the plugs lol
dont feel bad, atleast your not leaking from the exchaust manifold/rotten catalysitic converter, tranny not going anywhere in overdrive
now should i go fix these problems, or just trade it in forwhatever i get and get a toyota 4runner
dont feel bad, atleast your not leaking from the exchaust manifold/rotten catalysitic converter, tranny not going anywhere in overdrive
now should i go fix these problems, or just trade it in forwhatever i get and get a toyota 4runner
01-25-2003, 03:38 PM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
selling a 94 maxima, as in, pictures are up custom maxima.com
95K maxima, runs good, selling as is, in ny , putnam county, price is negotiable, i am not gona demand something crazy i know it has high miles, so AIM me or respond or email me
ok
aim:skyrockerr
95K maxima, runs good, selling as is, in ny , putnam county, price is negotiable, i am not gona demand something crazy i know it has high miles, so AIM me or respond or email me
ok
aim:skyrockerr
01-25-2003, 06:36 PM
#17
Re: Changed spark plugs, got some big problems, what's causing them?
Originally posted by doomtoo
Ok, I finally got up the courage to change the spark plugs(all my family telling me that I couldn't do it). But now, all sorts of things have gone wrong. I rechanged the spark plugs again, in case one of them was bad, but it's still having just about as much trouble.
Here it is: First, the exhaust "putt-putt"ers, but the engine isn't quite misfiring(the mechabics and some other people loocked at it, said it was a electronic device or something got clogged). The second thing, the radiator fans are ALWAYS on! They weren't before, but now they're on even in really cold weather, right when I start up the car, untill the time I shut it off(which it NEVER did before).
Third is lack of horse power. I use to be able to haul pretty nicely, now it's accelerating like a volvo.
And this ALL happened after I changed the spark plugs. I brought it to the mechanic, and he said it would take hours try and figure out what part of the engine of having trouble, becuase the engine doesn't have the "check engine" light on, so doesn't realize there is a problem.
Also my those four bolts that hold the engine to the body are torn, so at high acceleration, the engine is jumping around, but that happened when I was trying to keep an arshole from rear ending me at 70mph.
Any idea? I think I read something like this in one of the forums a while ago, but am having trouble finding it.
Ok, I finally got up the courage to change the spark plugs(all my family telling me that I couldn't do it). But now, all sorts of things have gone wrong. I rechanged the spark plugs again, in case one of them was bad, but it's still having just about as much trouble.
Here it is: First, the exhaust "putt-putt"ers, but the engine isn't quite misfiring(the mechabics and some other people loocked at it, said it was a electronic device or something got clogged). The second thing, the radiator fans are ALWAYS on! They weren't before, but now they're on even in really cold weather, right when I start up the car, untill the time I shut it off(which it NEVER did before).
Third is lack of horse power. I use to be able to haul pretty nicely, now it's accelerating like a volvo.
And this ALL happened after I changed the spark plugs. I brought it to the mechanic, and he said it would take hours try and figure out what part of the engine of having trouble, becuase the engine doesn't have the "check engine" light on, so doesn't realize there is a problem.
Also my those four bolts that hold the engine to the body are torn, so at high acceleration, the engine is jumping around, but that happened when I was trying to keep an arshole from rear ending me at 70mph.
Any idea? I think I read something like this in one of the forums a while ago, but am having trouble finding it.
If a plug is not properly tightened it can run hot, and if its overtightened then the ceramic insulation can crack leading to a path that the spark plug can short out to. Dumb ***** fourth gen people were complaining about bosch plat +4's and that their car was running crappy, then when some of the guys removed their plugs they found that some of the electrodes had been eaten away or fallen off, this is due to overheating (because they didnt tighten them properly) one of the guys said that he just put them in loosly
now thats a big no-no.If you wanna tune up your ignition system properly you should do the cap and rotor and wires as well. Get good wires, ones that say that they have a lifetime gurantee, also the thicker the better get atleast 8mm wires.
01-25-2003, 08:25 PM
#19
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 367
You say you had a whine through the stereo before, but it's worse now? If that's so, I would definately replace your wires. Sounds like you're getting an arc in one or more wires as the engine runs. This arc (or electrical energy) has nowhere to go but back into the cars electrical harness and/or chassis (through the ground). That extra energy is manifesting itself as alternator whine in your stereo.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1992maximase30
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
3
08-05-2015 09:27 PM
yat70458
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
2
08-03-2015 01:16 PM