Just got done changing the spark plugs and now the engine is shaking and is sputtering at 3000 rpms what did I do wrong
Thursday, August 20th, 2015 AT 2:11 PM
11 Replies
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS
Are you certain all plug wires on where they belong? Did you properly gap the new plugs?
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Thursday, August 20th, 2015 AT 7:42 PM
ZACTHORNEY88
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I only did on spark plug at time and I don't know what you mean gaping the plugs
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Thursday, August 20th, 2015 AT 7:52 PM
OHYEA
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It's a cheap tool you can get at like autozone for like 1-2$, it lets you gap the spark plug, otherwise widen the gap between the electrodes. It has to be within you vehicles specification or your car will run poor. Specification should be labeled in engine bay or can ask the counter guy what is the vehicles gap spec. http://m.wikihow.com/Gap-a-Spark-Plug
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Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 AT 12:08 PM
ZACTHORNEY88
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The spec gap is 0.040 in. Does the plug not come gap out of the package
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Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 AT 12:44 PM
OHYEA
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Not sure it depends on company that sells them, for my Nissan I had to gap them NGK, while my Ford Expedition they were gapped MOTORCRAFT. Take the easiest one out and see if it's in the correct gap, if yes then all your spark gaps are good.
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Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 AT 2:18 PM
ZACTHORNEY88
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I used a set of champion double platinum power plugs
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Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 AT 2:24 PM
OHYEA
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Even though they are Factory, might not mean they are have been gapped, I would just take out the easiest one check gap if it's in range then all other spark plugs are good. Next thing would to see if you connected everything back correctly.
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Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 AT 2:33 PM
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If the engine is running rough, it should have set the check engine light. From that, you can determine which cylinder is causing the problem by scanning it for trouble codes. That is the plug / cylinder I would focus on.
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Monday, August 24th, 2015 AT 7:06 PM
ZACTHORNEY88
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I currently don't have a code reader
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Monday, August 24th, 2015 AT 7:16 PM
OHYEA
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Can call auto part stores near you to see if they can Scan CEL, or shops that do it for free. Another thing you can do is buy a scanner from Amazon. There is a cheap one that cost like 20-25$ (Autel) I believe that scan CEL, Clear codes, Freeze frame, Live Data, and I/m readiness, friend has it I thought it was good thing, saves you money I would. Say for future stuff.
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Monday, August 24th, 2015 AT 7:26 PM
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Most nationally recognized parts stores will scan it for free. I don't know where you are located, but if there is an Auto Zone, Advance Auto. They will do it for you. However, if you are in California, I don't think these stores do it any more.