Back spark plugs?

Tiny
WARNERSHAWNUTAH
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 BUICK RIVIERA
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,000 MILES
I have the car listed above supercharged. It sat in someone's yard for close to 10 years. It had a crank no start problem. The gas was turpentine. I hand wiped the gas tank. Replaced fuel sending unit and pump, fuel filter, oil filter, changed oil, new oil pressure switch, changed crankshaft seal and crankshaft position sensor and camshaft sensor. At that point it wasn't getting an ignition pulse. I replaced the PCM, and it started right up. I changed the thermostat and radiator fluid because it was overheating. I've barely driven the car. It runs really rough, has a misfire and still gets hot after a period of time. It almost seems like the cat might be clogged also. So, when I drive it it has no power, is sluggish, and runs rough. Can I get to the back spark plugs okay? And what is a good way to clear the cat? And would those issues cause it to get hot, misfire and possible cat clogged? I haven't pulled the water pump and it doesn't appear to leak but that may be a possibility for the heat as well. Any techniques to reach those back plugs and do you think I'm looking in the right place for the next steps. I don't mind buying coil packs plugs and wires as a set. I found all of them I can get for about 75 dollars on Amazon. So I was thinking about just updating all of that. And then for the cat? What do you suggest on that? Thank you
Friday, August 25th, 2023 AT 4:57 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

If you have a plugged catalytic converter, certainly you will experience power loss and poor running conditions. Take a look at this link and let me know if it seems to mirror what you are experiencing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

If you suspect the converter can be plugged, remove an upstream oxygen sensor to see if it improves power at all.

As far as the spark plugs at the rear, you can access them from up top of the engine. It is tight but can be done. You may have to remove the coil assembly for more room.

Also, let me know if you have scanned the computer to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes stored.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, August 25th, 2023 AT 9:29 PM
Tiny
WARNERSHAWNUTAH
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Okay. So, I've changed the water pump and updated coil packs, plugs, and wires. The engine runs better now, doesn't appear to miss and runs so rough. But when I drive it, it is sluggish especially from a stop. It feels shaky during acceleration. I unhooked the exhaust just to see if that helped and it is still sluggish from a stop. Plus, it is still overheating. It gets to temp and then holds which leads me to believe the cooling system is working, after it holds for a few minutes it slowly and gradually increases temperature. What should I be checking next? Could this be a stretched timing chain or something? Would that cause the shaking under a load and the gradual overheating? Just not sure what to look for. I'm not an experienced troubleshooter. I replaced the can shaft and crankshaft sensor recently as well. It also has a new PCM. Originally it had a crank, no start problem but once I did the PCM it fired right up but had a misfire, so I did all the other things I mentioned. The oil appears fine so I don't think it's a head gasket, but I haven't really been able to drive it much or troubleshoot it because of the overheating and problems it appears to have under a load.
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Thursday, August 31st, 2023 AT 5:48 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that it is still overheating and runs rough, I would check engine compression to see if it is related to a head gasket.

Here is a link that explains how to test compression You will need a compression gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Also, take a look through these links. They explain how to check for a head gasket issue and common symptoms.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/recognizing-the-symptoms-understanding-a-blown-head-gasket-in-your-vehicle

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, August 31st, 2023 AT 7:25 PM
Tiny
WARNERSHAWNUTAH
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Well, good news, I was vacuuming out the car today and I realized I had unplugged the cooling fan fuse, I plugged it back in. Then once I was done, I go to drive it for a minute and the sluggishness is gone and the car takes off like a bat out of hell. Maybe some fuel was gummed up in the injectors or something. But now it's running strong. Still hesitates just a little here and the but the car sat for like ten years before I got it so maybe it was just some junk that needed to be run through. All I know is it's running a lot better now and the power is restored. But I do have one more question. When I start the car, the ignition wants to turn off, it doesn't stay in place very well which makes me nervous that it might do that while driving and accidentally lock the wheel. Do these cars have an adjustment for the push rod or something? Do you think that's the problem with that? Thanks you for all your help in answering questions.
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Friday, September 1st, 2023 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

That's good news. The idea that the car sat for that long is a likely issue. The more you drive it, the better it will likely run.

As far as the key is concerned, there isn't a linkage rod. The switch connects with the lock cylinder. I attached a pic of the switch below.

Let me know.

Take care,

joe

See pic below.
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Friday, September 1st, 2023 AT 10:53 PM
Tiny
WARNERSHAWNUTAH
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
I replaced the ignition switch and now it functions correctly. Thank you for the diagram. 2CarPros has been a great help and resource.
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Thursday, September 21st, 2023 AT 9:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update and you are very welcome. I'm glad you got it going.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Friday, September 22nd, 2023 AT 12:52 PM

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