Spark plug question

[RolltideSS]

Hey everyone,

I just had headers and a tune done a couple weeks ago and after starting my car yesterday I had a service stabilitrack warning come up and not go away. After reading a few threads it seems like spark plugs are the most likely culprit. I am having a heck of a time figuring out how to check them though. On the v6 they sit on top but it looks like I would need to jack up the car to check them on an l99? Is this correct? If not, how can I get to them to see if they are good? Sorry for the apparently dumb questions but your assistance would be appreciated.

[LSX Camaro]

Most likely a loose wire on the V8.

[RolltideSS]

Thank you! I went ahead and checked all the wires and one of them slid on quite a bit more. Took it for a short gentle drive and no error. I am assuming if it were a spark plug it would still show the error.

On a side note if anyone could tell me how to get to the spark plugs I would appreciate it just for my own personal knowledge.

[LSX Camaro]

What do you mean getting to the spark plugs? The wires pull off and the plugs are there. Simple socket, ratchet and extension will get the job done.

[Bo White]

Roll tide

[RJT-SS]

Originally Posted by RolltideSS

Thank you! I went ahead and checked all the wires and one of them slid on quite a bit more. Took it for a short gentle drive and no error. I am assuming if it were a spark plug it would still show the error.

On a side note if anyone could tell me how to get to the spark plugs I would appreciate it just for my own personal knowledge.

You can get to the plugs from the engine compartment. The passenger side takes a little effort because of the A/C lines but it isn't too bad. The driver's side is VERY easy.

[RolltideSS]

Originally Posted by RJT-SS

You can get to the plugs from the engine compartment. The passenger side takes a little effort because of the A/C lines but it isn't too bad. The driver's side is VERY easy.

Hey - so just to check my understanding if I pull off the end of the wire that runs down between the headers the spark plugs are right there? Sorry this has to be broken down to the most basic level but I didn't grow up in a family that ever even lifted the hood so I'm still learning even some of the most basic parts of auto maintenance.

[Pro Stock John]

Right you the plug wires go from your coils up top to the spark plugs. When the wires are fully seated you should be able to feel that. Did you have any other work done?

[RolltideSS]

Originally Posted by Pro Stock John

Right you the plug wires go from your coils up top to the spark plugs. When the wires are fully seated you should be able to feel that. Did you have any other work done?

Nope, right now it's just headers, exhaust, and tune. That'll be as far as it goes until next year.

[RJT-SS]

It sounds like your wires may have been the problem as you said you are now ok. Another common problem with spark plugs and header installs is that some people do not remove the plugs to do the install. It is not necessary to remove them but, since they are made of ceramic, they can crack if hit by the stock manifold during removal or the header during installation. The symptom of a cracked plug is similar to what you originally described. The only way to check for a cracked plug is to remove each plug and visually inspect the white ceramic part. If it is cracked, the crack usually appears as a dark line.

To remove the plugs, use a 5/8" spark plug socket. It is a deep socket that has a rubber insert in it to grab and hold the tip of the plug. This helps to keep the plug from falling out of the socket (and cracking) after it is fully un-threaded.

When installing plugs, some folks like to put some anti-seize compound on the threads to make future plug removal easier. However, it is not necessary. The torque spec for the plugs is 11 ft lbs but most people do not use a torque wrench. When you tighten a spark plug, you can feel a definite "stop" as you make the final tightening turns. There is no need to over tighten.

Hope this info helps your understanding a little better.

[Bell040]

Roll Tide +2

[rberns]

I just started having this same issue. I had the headers installed about 200 miles ago and now I am noticing that at a stop my car feels like it is chugging, at about 4k RPM the exhaust crackles, doesn't feel like the performance is all there, and then I just got a Service Stability Track. I believe the guy who installed the headers pulled out every plug to insure he didn't crack them. Im just wondering why 200 miles later am I having these issues? I think the first thing I will do is check to make sure all the wires are snapped into place. If they are all seated correctly then I guess I will be pulling out all the plugs. :(

[MARINE1991]

Originally Posted by rberns

I just started having this same issue. I had the headers installed about 200 miles ago and now I am noticing that at a stop my car feels like it is chugging, at about 4k RPM the exhaust crackles, doesn't feel like the performance is all there, and then I just got a Service Stability Track. I believe the guy who installed the headers pulled out every plug to insure he didn't crack them. Im just wondering why 200 miles later am I having these issues? I think the first thing I will do is check to make sure all the wires are snapped into place. If they are all seated correctly then I guess I will be pulling out all the plugs. :(

You may have the same issue I had the extension o2 wires got burnt

[rberns]

Originally Posted by MARINE1991

You may have the same issue I had the extension o2 wires got burnt

Are you talking from the cats? How much did that run for replacements. I know the installer used zip ties to keep the O2 extenders pulled back and away from the headers.