Loose spark plugs!?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
Loose spark plugs!?
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.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
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.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
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.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 455
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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.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 911
Likes: 2
From: Northern Virginia, USA
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.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: ventura, CA
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.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 506
From: clinton,tn
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.
