Replaced spider, nut kit, air filter, changed the oil and still...

[BruisedOrange]

1995 Jimmy 4.3l V6 'W' VIN (of course)

159,000+ miles

So far, I've replaced:

Spider assembly
Nut kit
air filter
Post-spider replacement oil and filter change

Per suggestions on this forum, I've also used the Marvel additive in a tank of gas and hoped for the best.

Unfortunately, what I have isn't 'the best'...it's still missing out like crazy. For a while, I was a wee bit paranoid that I was smelling fuel when I got out of it after driving (as I did pre-spider replacement) but now I think it was my irrational paranoia that made me think it was smelling like fuel again.

Still, it misses out and it takes me JUST long enough to get up to speed when I'm getting on the interstate that someone almost always feels compelled to flip me off or blow my doors off passing me. I'm fine with that, really - both my middle fingers are fully functional - but I want some freaking power and reliable acceleration!

No trouble starting / no hard or slow start, and once I hit 65-70 mph the truck seems smooth and doesn't seem to be missing out. At 25-55 mph, though...geez.

So? What next? I like this truck! I want it to be perfect!

[ZL1power69]

when was the last time ur o2 sensors were changed? tune up(cap, rotor, plugs,wires, etc..)?

[BruisedOrange]

Mmm....good question, since I just bought this truck the end of August. I really don't know / can't trust that it has been done in the last 'insert-number-of-years-here'.

Can anyone give me an idea of which order of priority I should give these things:

new spark plugs and wires

new O2 sensors

new cap/rotor

...and any other fine suggestions, as all your suggestions have been right on target so far?

I'm not opposed to doing ALL of these things, I just don't have a good feel for which to hit first, or for what other things to polish off "while I'm in there" (such as after the spider and nut kit replacement, changing the oil, etc).

[rlith]

sparkplugs/cap/rotor/wires then 02 sensor...

[BruisedOrange]

That's exactly what I needed to know. Preesh. I'll start this weekend...until then, my schedule is pretty packed with napping and watching COPS marathons. I'll let you know what happens!

[rlith]

Originally Posted by BruisedOrange

That's exactly what I needed to know. Preesh. I'll start this weekend...until then, my schedule is pretty packed with napping and watching COPS marathons. I'll let you know what happens!

I'll tell you now so you're not fight with it this weekend..

#5 plug...

Turn key to just before ON position to release the steering wheel.

Remove 11mm bolt at base of intermediate shaft (you may have to turn the steering wheel left or right to bring the head of the bolt up for you to access)

Now using a screwdriver or a prybar, telescope the shaft into itself and move it out of the way while you access the 5 and 6 plugs (do this through the fender well)

Do not worry about putting the intermediate shaft back on wrong. It's keyed so unless you try to force it, it can't go on wrong... Total time is about 5 minutes.

Don't forget to gap your plugs properly to .045 (before anybody yells, only 96 and up require .060 gap)

[ChrisGood]

Good ol #5 yeah that one took me probably 20 minutes of cursing like a sailor and throwing shop towels (yes i throw my shop towels, I dont want to scratch my Jimmy) I didnt disconnect the steering shaft I just turned the front wheel to provide access and removed the shroud from inside the wheel well and went to work with a ratchet, couple extensions and a swivel adapter. once it was loose enough I used my fingers and to replace same thing in reverse. Now the really funny part was the #5 was a different brand, me thinks someone changed them and said "F" it on that one. Ahh one day I will finish that tune up, maybe next month, I like the cold better.

Also try to keep you upper plenum on....

[BruisedOrange]

THANK YOU!

The #5 tutorial is MUCH appreciated. These are the kinds of things that I'd never know otherwise and you're exactly right - - - I'd have half the day invested in this very simple task if you hadn't told me about it.

I don't throw shop towels, though. I like to throw stuff that breaks / shatters / makes lots of noise. Feels more productive, you know.

As for keeping my upper plenum on...well...I can't make you any promises, but I'll do my level best. It's really cold this week! Oh, wait a minute. Never mind.

[rlith]

Bruised , you need to watch your plenum...Your poppets are showing....

[taylorman]

It's easier if you take a normal double box end wrench with the bends in it for the the number five plug. Then you don't have to move or remove anything. just a few short turns and then you can screw it out with your fingers. Doesn't take any longer than any other plug if you do it that way. Also try cleaning the throttle valve and the Egr valve with parts cleaner. It can only help your problem. I would also check your fuel pressure. My jimmy did the same thing. Ended up being my fuel pump after I tested the pressure. It had enough pressure to start fine, but run like sXXX until I got up to speed. Good luck

[BruisedOrange]

Printed and stashed into my Jimmy folder for the weekend....thanks. I need all the guidance I can get!

[ChrisGood]

you need guidance then follow the blind man this way... all I can say is it would be easier to have someone else do it honestly, not that i would im a glutten for punishment, and im not offering i have my own and the spark plugs were changed 10,000 miles ago. I like my only work to be washing and waxing my Jimmy, oh my shiny black jimmy, have some meguiars.

[blazee]

Am I missing something here? On mine number 5 is easy..... number 3 is the problem.

[ChrisGood]

ahh 3, 5 it all depends on which direction you start from, needless to say one of them is a major pain in the azzz

[ZL1power69]

that would be good old #3. that one is a major pain in the ass. i have scars from changing that one.