Ok, so the box has been suffering from rough idle and I decided it was time to change the plugs (93k mi).
The old plugs WERE SHOT and I decided to go with the ngk bkr5eya(copper core v-power). The idle didn't get much better or worse but now I'm getting a misfire code on #1 cyl.

Upon looking at the new plugs I noticed that the arm doesn't fully go over the electrode. Is this normal for this plug?

Yes, I left the battery unplugged after changing the plugs and it drove fine for 1-1.5 days.

bad coil pack?????

really wondering about that arm/electrode thing...........

 

Those are the same plugs I use (replace 'em yearly) and I happen to be looking at the ones I removed and the new ones I plan to install soon...

The electrode arm should reach over the electrode and the end of the arm should line up with the end of the electrode itself.

Cant help with the coil pack.

 

hmmm... interesting I went to our other autozone and bought another plug its arm is slightly shorter too. I thought that maybe it was some sort of slight cut back design,but I guess not?
Changed the plug again this morning. Hoping it was a bad one (have never had a bad ngk). Hopefully this will take care of it,although I'm a little sceptical!

 

With the plug that the ground electrode doesn't cover the center electrode try gapping it at .01 ( approx .031) you might find it will cure the miss.

It improves the flame kernal for a more complete burn.

And using this type of plug is an old racers trick known as side gapping. You can do it on purpose by cutting the center electrode back and gapping.

You might find on the pro side a little more power, cleaner burn, and better gas mileage. On the con side , you will need to re-gap them more often because they will wear a bit faster.

here is a link....http://performanceunlimited.com/docu...degapping.html

 

thanks for the reply, I emailed ngk and they said that it was indeed a cut back design spark plug(just like you say)..however I did change the plug in #1 cyl and the misfire code hasn't come back...guess it was a bad plug.
Still having a little bit of rough idle at low idle, though.
haven't filled up to check mileage,yet.

 

That wasn't your first spark plug change was it? The stock type plugs are supposed to be changed every 30,000 miles.

 

Yes it was, guess I have been spoiled by the last few domestic cars I purchased having platinum plugs in them and didn't realize that this thing had regular copper core....thats what you get when you don't read your maintenance schedule!!

 

Nope, not the plug or coil pack...still getting misfires on #1 cyl. after replacing plug again and swapping the coil pack with #2 cyl.

Number one is the plug on the left side of the engine facing the car/passenger side,right?????

Problem occurs when car is warm from driving around town, or when the car sat somewhere after a long drive at the first stoplight. It is intermittent.....

The car shutters on take off and sounds like it is pinging/detonating..usually happens once or twice and then is fine. Always rough idle at low idle approx 500rpm....
mileage is still good geting approx 32 mixed driving.

Any thoughts?????

 

When re installing your coil pack did you clean the mounting ? ground could be bad, they ground thru the mounting bolt.

Did you use boot grease? too much can cause problems.

Clean the contacts on the coil pack electrical connections , could cause intermittent problem as well.

 

I didn't use boot grease and the mounting/ground bolt conn looks clean as do the contacts to the coil. didnt clean them though. I does seem like a bad/loose conn that is worsened by heat.

It still runs good on the highway though.... any other thoughts?????

I think Im going to have to break down and take it in to the dealer..someday. I'd prefer not to.