After driving my '86 beater 2.3 for 2-1/2 years, I decided to do a little maintenance. While it was idling, I noticed 2 of the spark plug boots were jiggling. I stopped it, and discovered that both spark plugs were loose! I've noticed that it has gotten noisier over time, almost sounding like a diesel at idle. I tightened the plugs up a good 2 turns, and it purrs like a kitten! It felt like the metal gasket had never been compressed, so I'm guessing whoever changed plugs last somehow missed those two. It idles much better now; I'll be curious to see how fuel mileage is affected.

 

Let us know what happens with the mileage.

 

Wow, that's a pretty crazy story! Do tell us how the mileage is affected, should be interesting.
I wonder if it would still fire aight, if you'd be running on all cylinders.

 

So far, it's quieter, smoother, and more powerful. It was definitely losing something, because the 2 loose plug boots were covered w/ oily sludge. It'll be a while for the fuel economy. I only buy gas about once a month. If I remember, I'll post my findings.

 

once a month? dangit, i'm stopping every other night!

 

Heck, with 100% more power, he might get 100% better fuel mileage.

 

Well, I've filled it twice. First time mileage was slightly worse (I may have been enjoying the new-found horsepower!) Second time was slightly better than before. We're only talking maybe a 5% difference here. I usually get right around 22 mpg, 100% city driving. At least it doesn't sound like I'm popping corn anymore.

 

Glad to hear it's still running good!!

 

i had a 302 that the plugs would loosen on i finally just junked the heads off it

 

Believe it or not, this problem happens more often than people realize. Honestly, how many people use a torque wrench when installing spark plugs? Knowing what I know now about the Triton heads, I'll be VERY sure to torque the ones on my van when it comes due.

 

What brand of plugs were you using? I had three sets of Autolites get loose on my old F150 (popping corn, could barely go up a hill). Then I sprung for a set of Champions, and they stayed tight.

 

The problem with running plugs that are loose and wobbling is the threads in the heads wear. Not such a problem with cast iron heads, but you can bet on an aluminum head you might be looking at stripped plug threads in the near future.

 

when i lost #2 cylinder on my 86 2.3. the plug was loose. after putting in new plug's and restarting it the miss was still there. then i did a compression check and had none in that cylinder. i pulled the head and the electrode that was missing on the plug got stuck between the ex valve and seat. it broke the valve and cracked the seat and head also were seat sit's in the head.now i am waiting on a reman head for it.so make sure they stay tight.

 

instead of just tightening them why not just replace them????? at .99 a plug i owuld have.

 

If I had a torque wrench I would use one.

Come to think of it, I've never even seen one.