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Wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it!


DM_Rok
04-05-2005, 04:47 PM
Alright this is more of a funny Saturn story than a problem...

I ask a question first: Can an engine run without sparkplug wires installed?

I actually saw an SL1 running (not well, but held a loping idle with no throttle applied) with the plug wires sitting on the tech's tool box. He had forgotten that he had pulled them to check for corrosion and went to start the car. The coil towers were arcing to the transmission case and from the engine block to the spark plugs. Even more remarkable is that the car would restart like this!

Anyone else go any crazy stories to share?

gbic1
04-05-2005, 06:30 PM
I drove a 71 Maverick home once on one cylinder. Spun #2 rod bearing and piston pushed the cam through the side of the block. Heard the noise, opened the hood to see what happened and couldnt see any thing, It was dark and no flash light. Would not start the next day. When I came home from work it was in the front yard all apart. My father was holding a 4 inch long piece of cam. Some how it had enough power to make it 2 miles.

sierrap615
04-06-2005, 12:13 AM
I ask a question first: Can an engine run without sparkplug wires installed?


sure with a IDI or coil-over-plug system

oh wait....nevermind.

no way it was sparking inside the cylinder, it must have been desieling i guess (still VERY impressive)

mysatilac
04-06-2005, 01:18 PM
I guess that it "could" have been running if the arcing spark was actually making it to the spark plugs,
but its not likely that it would jump farther than to the first case, or if it did, to more than one (the closest) plug
It is looking for the easiest path to ground, not trying to start the car.
"True Story" ;)

:lol:

emkay4597
04-13-2005, 01:17 AM
maybe the engine ground is faulty thus allowing the arch to enter the engine and flow backwards? i dunno.

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