New Spark Plugs Causing Problems?
05-28-17, 10:32 PM
#1
New Spark Plugs Causing Problems?
Today, I switched out the old HKS M45RE & M50RE spark plugs (heat ranges 9 & 10) for brand new NGK BUR9EQP (using 9s for both trailing and leading).
The car started up with no issues, but after a short drive, the headlights turned off (not fully off, but it's running on the daytime lights only), stereo shut off, cluster became dim, and the engine ran like crap. The volt meter was giving me a reading of 7.9v, which is way down from the usual 13-14v with the engine running. Felt like it was on life support with just enough juice.
After about 10 minutes, everything came back on and the engine ran smooth again, voltmeter giving a 13.5v reading.
Has anybody experienced this problem before? How could new spark plugs cause this? Could the different heat range throw off the tune? I'm thinking perhaps I accidentally loosened a connector during installation of the spark plugs (due to the very tight space to work with).
Appreciate any feedback!
The car started up with no issues, but after a short drive, the headlights turned off (not fully off, but it's running on the daytime lights only), stereo shut off, cluster became dim, and the engine ran like crap. The volt meter was giving me a reading of 7.9v, which is way down from the usual 13-14v with the engine running. Felt like it was on life support with just enough juice.
After about 10 minutes, everything came back on and the engine ran smooth again, voltmeter giving a 13.5v reading.
Has anybody experienced this problem before? How could new spark plugs cause this? Could the different heat range throw off the tune? I'm thinking perhaps I accidentally loosened a connector during installation of the spark plugs (due to the very tight space to work with).
Appreciate any feedback!
Last edited by jcyken; 05-28-17 at 10:35 PM.
05-29-17, 07:11 AM
#5
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
05-29-17, 09:13 AM
#7
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
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05-30-17, 03:42 PM
#9
Another thought that came to mind - if I accidentally switched the front and rear wires for the leading plugs, could that cause any issues? I read that for FC's it wouldn't matter because they fire at the same time. I assume the same could be said for the FD?
06-03-17, 11:56 PM
#11
Well I finally had a look at it today and everything seemed in order. Only thing that was loose was a connection to the positive terminal (not the main cable). I checked the grounding point on the engine block between the spark plugs and it turned out there was nothing bolted on. Thankfully I bought a grounding kit, and added a connection to that location.
Still running the new spark plugs, and everything seems to be running smooth! Hopefully that resolved the issue and I appreciate the help.
Still running the new spark plugs, and everything seems to be running smooth! Hopefully that resolved the issue and I appreciate the help.
06-20-17, 10:18 PM
#15
Did a voltage test with the multimeter and everything checked out fine. 14.2ish volts with all accessories on.. I ended up removing the alternator anyway to have to checked at a shop.
In the process, this vacuum line came off. Any idea where it goes?
In the process, this vacuum line came off. Any idea where it goes?
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jcyken (06-21-17)
06-21-17, 08:21 PM
#18
Sorry, I was wrong. Able to post the diagram for you now, but it is for full sequential. Really not sure why you have the pressure chamber if you are single turbo.
http://www.turborx7.com/images/Techn...e_diagram2.jpg
http://www.turborx7.com/images/Techn...e_diagram2.jpg
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jcyken (06-23-17)
06-23-17, 06:38 AM
#21
Exact same thing as last time - a sudden voltage drop while driving that caused the headlights, stereo, ac, etc.. to shut off. This time, the voltage didn't return to normal (although I wasn't going to wait for the car to potentially die on me).
I pulled my alternator out and had it tested - apparently it failed. In a way, that's a relief because at least I know what the cause is. I'll either have it rebuilt, or replaced and hopefully I don't experience this issue anymore.
I pulled my alternator out and had it tested - apparently it failed. In a way, that's a relief because at least I know what the cause is. I'll either have it rebuilt, or replaced and hopefully I don't experience this issue anymore.
06-26-17, 05:27 PM
#22
Had my alternator and battery tested at 3 different places - they all passed now.. Leads me to believe the connection isn't good. I'm going to do the big 3 upgrade (mainly to supplement the charging cable), and hopefully that does the trick.