car surging fixed.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 3
From: Middle of No where AK
car surging fixed.
Found the problem with the car. Sometimes the simple things will kick your butt.
Bad spark plugs.
I checked everything connections, wires, fuel, you name it. I even pulled some of the plugs a while ago and they seemed normal. They only been in there for about 5k maybe less. I guess the batmobile eats spark plugs. Ive been through two pairs in 10k miles. I would have never guessed that the problem would have been so simple especially since when we scanned it the car was pulling 5 plus degrees of timing in certain areas. Its possible one had a bad core or finely cracked case.
But long story short car is fixed. Took it for a little cruise this evening and some jacka$$ yelled at me to slow down. I just looked at him smiled and smashed the gas pedal.
Have fun in your mini van sucker.
Bad spark plugs.
I checked everything connections, wires, fuel, you name it. I even pulled some of the plugs a while ago and they seemed normal. They only been in there for about 5k maybe less. I guess the batmobile eats spark plugs. Ive been through two pairs in 10k miles. I would have never guessed that the problem would have been so simple especially since when we scanned it the car was pulling 5 plus degrees of timing in certain areas. Its possible one had a bad core or finely cracked case.
But long story short car is fixed. Took it for a little cruise this evening and some jacka$$ yelled at me to slow down. I just looked at him smiled and smashed the gas pedal.
Have fun in your mini van sucker.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,097
Likes: 5
From: Brentwood World's first A6 in the 9's (including N/A, blower, turbo and nitrous cars) 9.950@139.267 CA
Found the problem with the car. Sometimes the simple things will kick your butt.
Bad spark plugs.
I checked everything connections, wires, fuel, you name it. I even pulled some of the plugs a while ago and they seemed normal. They only been in there for about 5k maybe less. I guess the batmobile eats spark plugs. Ive been through two pairs in 10k miles. I would have never guessed that the problem would have been so simple especially since when we scanned it the car was pulling 5 plus degrees of timing in certain areas. Its possible one had a bad core or finely cracked case.
But long story short car is fixed. Took it for a little cruise this evening and some jacka$$ yelled at me to slow down. I just looked at him smiled and smashed the gas pedal. Have fun in your mini van sucker.
Bad spark plugs.
I checked everything connections, wires, fuel, you name it. I even pulled some of the plugs a while ago and they seemed normal. They only been in there for about 5k maybe less. I guess the batmobile eats spark plugs. Ive been through two pairs in 10k miles. I would have never guessed that the problem would have been so simple especially since when we scanned it the car was pulling 5 plus degrees of timing in certain areas. Its possible one had a bad core or finely cracked case.
But long story short car is fixed. Took it for a little cruise this evening and some jacka$$ yelled at me to slow down. I just looked at him smiled and smashed the gas pedal.
Have fun in your mini van sucker.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 3
From: Middle of No where AK
No joke. Im gonna have to drive out to cali again and buy you a drink.
Or 12. Youve been a great help on numerous occasions. So thank you again. And SpinMonster as well for giving me some stuff to look at as I was trouble shooting.
At least I know what a really bad plug can cause now. The amount of timing being pulled was amazing. You live and learn.
Or 12. Youve been a great help on numerous occasions. So thank you again. And SpinMonster as well for giving me some stuff to look at as I was trouble shooting.
At least I know what a really bad plug can cause now. The amount of timing being pulled was amazing. You live and learn.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 536
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles California
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 3
From: Middle of No where AK
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake Va
NGKs carry a good rep. I have used them in various applications over time and they have done very well, but in my bikes the el cheapo Autolites have shown themselves to be tried and true performers over the years. Not sure why they last so long and work so well, but they do.
In a Volvo sedan I had long ago, a mech told me to stick to Bosch, but not platinums. One year, Platinums were all I could get. I didn't notice changes right away but in short order the engine started showing sings of lost power, hesitation, and other behaviors that I could not point at any one thing. I took it to the mech who looked at it, drove it, then started checking things, finally seeing the plugs and said, there's your problem. Go change them and you'll be fine. As soon as I did, the car was back to it's normal humdrum self. Go figure.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 3
From: Middle of No where AK
I wasnt on his bumper. I wasnt even in the same lane. I was going maybe 5-7 over in a 40 zone in a rural part of town. I think he was pissed the exhuast is so loud. Either way I dont care theres no need to yell out your window. He doesnt know me from bob I could have had a piece and been more than obliged to wave it at him. You cant run around yelling at people just becuase your upset. Thats how you get your butt whipped and or worse. People cut me off left and right but I just keep my mouth shut and keep driving.
As far as the plugs go NGK's were recommended thats why I use em. Its just strange that I go through them so quick. Oh well at least I know I need to keep em up more frequently.
As far as the plugs go NGK's were recommended thats why I use em. Its just strange that I go through them so quick. Oh well at least I know I need to keep em up more frequently.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake Va
Have you tried a different heat range of NGK? I don't recall how their numbering system works, but someone on here should so you could try one step hotter or one step colder depending on what the actual plug problem is.
If you continue to eat plugs, you may be forced to try another brand of plug. Plugs can be quirky in motors, depending on what the motor's engineers had in mind for operating temps. I have seen Champions work outstanding in various applications but in a Dodge Dakota a gf had many years ago, they caused a problem. It was due to the heat range. Dodge had mandated a very narrow heat range and the plug Champion said was closest replacement was actually a different heat range. I had never heard of such a thing until the mech (a neighbor) brought it to our attnetion after he looked the truck over as to why it wasn't running as well as it should.
If you've ever handloaded for firearms or have a 22, you soon find out how finicky each gun is to its preferred load. 22s seem to be the worse. Two identical guns will favor two different bullets. Go figure. All the best with keeping that surge away.
If you continue to eat plugs, you may be forced to try another brand of plug. Plugs can be quirky in motors, depending on what the motor's engineers had in mind for operating temps. I have seen Champions work outstanding in various applications but in a Dodge Dakota a gf had many years ago, they caused a problem. It was due to the heat range. Dodge had mandated a very narrow heat range and the plug Champion said was closest replacement was actually a different heat range. I had never heard of such a thing until the mech (a neighbor) brought it to our attnetion after he looked the truck over as to why it wasn't running as well as it should.
If you've ever handloaded for firearms or have a 22, you soon find out how finicky each gun is to its preferred load. 22s seem to be the worse. Two identical guns will favor two different bullets. Go figure. All the best with keeping that surge away.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 3
From: Middle of No where AK
Have you tried a different heat range of NGK? I don't recall how their numbering system works, but someone on here should so you could try one step hotter or one step colder depending on what the actual plug problem is.
If you continue to eat plugs, you may be forced to try another brand of plug. Plugs can be quirky in motors, depending on what the motor's engineers had in mind for operating temps. I have seen Champions work outstanding in various applications but in a Dodge Dakota a gf had many years ago, they caused a problem. It was due to the heat range. Dodge had mandated a very narrow heat range and the plug Champion said was closest replacement was actually a different heat range. I had never heard of such a thing until the mech (a neighbor) brought it to our attnetion after he looked the truck over as to why it wasn't running as well as it should.
If you've ever handloaded for firearms or have a 22, you soon find out how finicky each gun is to its preferred load. 22s seem to be the worse. Two identical guns will favor two different bullets. Go figure. All the best with keeping that surge away.
If you continue to eat plugs, you may be forced to try another brand of plug. Plugs can be quirky in motors, depending on what the motor's engineers had in mind for operating temps. I have seen Champions work outstanding in various applications but in a Dodge Dakota a gf had many years ago, they caused a problem. It was due to the heat range. Dodge had mandated a very narrow heat range and the plug Champion said was closest replacement was actually a different heat range. I had never heard of such a thing until the mech (a neighbor) brought it to our attnetion after he looked the truck over as to why it wasn't running as well as it should.
If you've ever handloaded for firearms or have a 22, you soon find out how finicky each gun is to its preferred load. 22s seem to be the worse. Two identical guns will favor two different bullets. Go figure. All the best with keeping that surge away.
Well thats an interesting fact. I didnt know that. I may have to try something else. I dont really have a clue what Ill go to as Ive been running these for a while now. I guess its off the the research lab batman.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
No joke. Im gonna have to drive out to cali again and buy you a drink.
Or 12. Youve been a great help on numerous occasions. So thank you again. And SpinMonster as well for giving me some stuff to look at as I was trouble shooting.
At least I know what a really bad plug can cause now. The amount of timing being pulled was amazing. You live and learn.
Or 12. Youve been a great help on numerous occasions. So thank you again. And SpinMonster as well for giving me some stuff to look at as I was trouble shooting.
At least I know what a really bad plug can cause now. The amount of timing being pulled was amazing. You live and learn.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 3
From: Middle of No where AK
Now I just need to get my new cam installed and a really good tune.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 1
From: BROOKLYN NY TO SOCAL CA
I'm going to have to check my plugs as I have the same issue right now. If I drive normal no issues but say I wanted to mash the gas to pass a vehicle it feels like it loses power and then takes off fine.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 3
From: Middle of No where AK
C6 blackhawk just reported the same problem. Im sure you would benefit from some new plugs too. I new keeping on top of them was important but Ive never experienced a power loss so dramatic from them being bad. It was a true suprise.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 281
Likes: 4
From: Houston TX
The TR6 is a copper plug and is the plug we use in FI Fords here at the shop. We have used them up to 700whp with no issues. They also do not last but 8k miles or so if you're lucky. At $1.75/plug that you can get at your local autozone/oreilly's, you can't complain.
We normally change plugs every oil change or after every track outing. If you are NA then most likely your car is having trouble burning that cold of a plug, especially if you do alot of cruising. Next time it happens go beat on it a few times and it should clean it up. Personally I run a TR55. It's 1 step hotter and will not foul as easy. I will switch to a TR6 when I put the nitrous on the car or go FI. I also make it a habit to check my plugs after every time I beat on the car hard. Just to make sure everything is in line. Reading plugs is a good skill to make habit of, as the plug will tell you everything that the engine wants. Back in the day before dynoing and logging and EFI, people used plugs as a tuning tool so you can't go wrong there!
NGK's read backwards... the lower the number, the hotter the plug.
We normally change plugs every oil change or after every track outing. If you are NA then most likely your car is having trouble burning that cold of a plug, especially if you do alot of cruising. Next time it happens go beat on it a few times and it should clean it up. Personally I run a TR55. It's 1 step hotter and will not foul as easy. I will switch to a TR6 when I put the nitrous on the car or go FI. I also make it a habit to check my plugs after every time I beat on the car hard. Just to make sure everything is in line. Reading plugs is a good skill to make habit of, as the plug will tell you everything that the engine wants. Back in the day before dynoing and logging and EFI, people used plugs as a tuning tool so you can't go wrong there!
NGK's read backwards... the lower the number, the hotter the plug.
Last edited by Big Turkey; Sep 28, 2009 at 01:32 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 1
From: BROOKLYN NY TO SOCAL CA
Guys can anyone help. This weekend I will maybe swap my plugs after reading so many thread and postings I'm still confused. What plugs are recommended for a stock ls2 other than intake and exhaust? I keep reading threads that claim NO anti seeze and other to use the anti seeze. I have read to use the NGK TR5 with a 040 gap but other threads claim to use the TR55 plugs. I def don't want any error or warning indications on the DIC as a result of improper plugs.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 3
From: Austin, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Houston, Dallas, Hong Kong, Elgin, etc.. Texas
The TR5 plug is designed for a .040" gap while the TR55 is designed for .055" gap. The ground electrode is suppose to be at 90 degrees to the center electrode to achieve maximum service life. It should look like an "L"
If you bend the TR55 ground to yield a .040" gap, it looks more like a "J" and the gap will quickly change.
I noticed at the time, the NGK website incorrectly listed the TR55 for the 2005 Corvette with the wrong .040" gap listed. Not sure if this was corrected.
The gap may need to be reduced if it has forced induction or other power adders in order to maintain consistent spark control. If you want a direct replacement for the AC/Delco with the .040" gap, get the TR5.
I got this information directly from NGK.
My tuner installed the TR55 but bent the electrodes down to .035". I changed them to .055" and did not notice any different in a year of driving. A few weeks ago, I replaced them with a set of new AC/Delco gapped at .040" trying to solve a knock retard issue. They made little or no difference.
Although most plugs come with an thread coating to prevent siezing, I put just a small amount to the threads anyway.
Just adding my first hand experience.
If you bend the TR55 ground to yield a .040" gap, it looks more like a "J" and the gap will quickly change.
I noticed at the time, the NGK website incorrectly listed the TR55 for the 2005 Corvette with the wrong .040" gap listed. Not sure if this was corrected.
The gap may need to be reduced if it has forced induction or other power adders in order to maintain consistent spark control. If you want a direct replacement for the AC/Delco with the .040" gap, get the TR5.
I got this information directly from NGK.
My tuner installed the TR55 but bent the electrodes down to .035". I changed them to .055" and did not notice any different in a year of driving. A few weeks ago, I replaced them with a set of new AC/Delco gapped at .040" trying to solve a knock retard issue. They made little or no difference.
Although most plugs come with an thread coating to prevent siezing, I put just a small amount to the threads anyway.
Just adding my first hand experience.
Last edited by Mez; Oct 14, 2009 at 09:45 PM.