Running Vert Rough

[Zudnick]

Hello,

I recently gave my '96 Blazer 4x4 a bit of a tune-up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, etc). Everything went well except for that stupid #3 plug. I finished most of it a few days ago except for the #3 plug -- I just couldn't get it out -- I tried various sockets, extensitions and angles. So I left the old 3# plug in there and I figured I'd try again to get it out on a different day... For the moment everthing was running very smoothly with the new parts (and one old spark plug).

Last night I tried unsuccesfully again to get out the #3 plug. This morning the Blazer is running very rough and I can't figure out why... I didn't change anything, because I still couldn't get the plug out. I was trying to think of what it could be and I can't come up with much...

I was kind of dumb last night and started the engine while I had the plug wire off the #3 plug -- it was just for a few seconds, while I turned the wheels to get a better angle through the inner fender. Could i have done some damage by doing that? At the time I didn't even think about the fact that I had the plug wire off...

I'm hoping that maybe I just got some dirt or grease/oil on the end of the spark plug or something and it's not making contact properly in the plug...

What are your suggestions? It's running really rough -- seems to be missing. It also seems to smell kind of funny too -- almost a buning or hot smell.

Thanks for your help,


Z

[Zudnick]

Hello,

I have continued to check things over and can't find anything wrong.

Could this be just a really bad coincidence and mabye I have a bad fuel filter? The Blazer seems to idle okay, and is not too rough when just cruising, but it really stumbles when you give it more gas -- like going up a hill or pulling away from a light?

I'm kind of lost here, so I really hope you can help.

Thanks again,


Z

[AJT1961]

Sounds like you either cracked the ceramic insulator on the plug or damaged the ignition wire by pulling it off and on. Funny, everyone says that plug is a PIA and I was prepared for the worst when I did my tune up, but I didn't have any problem replacing it. I used a standard deep plug socket, a universal joint and a couple of extensions and accessed it via the front left wheel well. Maybe I was just lucky.

[Zudnick]

Hey,

Thanks for the idea about the cracked spark plug -- you could be right as I did fight with it quite a bit before I gave up...

I just can't get anything onto the socket (extension, ratchet, universal) once the socket is on the plug. I've just got the standard Craftsman socket set, but I think my spark plug socket is just a little too long.

I really didn't want to, but I think I'll have to disconnect the steering shaft tonight so I can get that thing out...

Thanks again.


Z

[1996LTOwner]

Try removing the front left wheel for better access and view. Also, a "warble" extension works great. It looks exactly like a regular extension but the end that goes into the socket is rounded. It allows you to approach it at an angle without added length. Put the socket on the spark plug first, then insert the "warble" extension into the socket. You will get it off. A universal wouldn't work on mine, but the extension did.

[berniescout]

i found the easiest way for # 3 is to loosen and then lift steering column. link on this site for directions. it is so easy. far easier than removing tire. but then i have a bad back. and yes a cracked plug or damaged wire will cause your problems.

[Zudnick]

Hello,

Thanks for the help guys...

It was a damaged plug! I guess I wrestled with the stupid thing so much the other day that I must have cracked the insulator.

Tonight I took apart the steering as outlined on another post on this site and changed out that #3 plug. When I finally got the plug out, it it fell apart in pieces right in my hand. The insulator basically just broke off where it joined the metal part of the plug body.

Thanks again.


Z