Emissions dilemma and coil packs

whats77inaname · 09-04-08, 10:43 PM

Let me preface this by saying I have a 3.5 sitting in the garage that I finally plan on putting in next month. That being said: so my car failed emissions b/c of high hydrocarbons. I know the car is running rich b/c some of the plugs are jacked. Problem is, they're fused to the head, so they won't come out w/out taking the threads, which will then necessitate a helicoil. Trust me when I say I've tried EVERYTHING to get them out, they aren't budging w/out stripping the heads. This is where it gets interesting, and where I'm looking for some feedback. We all know that if you strip the threads and stick a plug back in there, if you're using plug *wires* the spark plug will shoot back up due to the compression. The coil packs, however, bolt down to the valve covers, which means the plugs shouldn't shoot back up, right? I just need to pass, so I'm contemplating :

a)
1) pulling the plugs and stripping the heads b/c I'm discarding the engine after next month (yeah, it's still yours, but remember you have to come get it *lol*)
2) cleaning the combustion chamber w/compressed air followed by an oil laced rag to remove any aluminum that may have fallen in there
3) sticking the new plugs in there and bolting the coil pack back down.

or

b) buying an old school adjustable FMU for $50 and using it to lean the car out.

Discuss.

Blackend · 09-04-08, 10:59 PM

I'll take it any way I can get it though I would prefer it didn't have stripped heads!! I'd go for the FMU and see if you can lean it enough to pass. Besides, you may need that unit later on anyway unless you plan on going standalone...

whats77inaname · 09-04-08, 11:02 PM

Plans call for an EMS down the line.

Don't worry, I have some type II heads sitting in the garage (minus the cams) that aren't doing much but taking up space *lol*

Blackend · 09-04-08, 11:03 PM

Then strip away!

ari_one · 09-04-08, 11:07 PM

How old are your O2 sensors?

whats77inaname · 09-04-08, 11:10 PM

The 02 sensors are new.

DandDEE · 09-04-08, 11:35 PM

or let me have the heads

whats77inaname · 09-05-08, 12:07 AM

I only bought the heads for the cams. Tell you what, Brian only wants heads, so if you scrounge up some Type I heads for the motor, I'll give you the Type II heads. You pay shipping.

DandDEE · 09-05-08, 12:12 AM

i feel that i need to do so much with so little...
yo M id say strip the heads too is it hard at this point cause normally u tackle things much more difficult?

Kenso · 09-05-08, 12:28 AM

If you helicoil the threads, it will hold reasonably well from what I've seen. The coil pack won't do much to hold the plug in by itself, it'll just get smashed. I had an RL come in once like that. Owner changed his own plugs, didn't tighten them down nearly enough. One was left REALLY loose apparently, threads got all beat to shit by the plug getting forced upwards on each compression stroke. Coil was ruined. New plug wouldn't hold at all without a helicoil. Helicoiled the plug hole, put in a new plug and coil, worked fine.

The one thing you have to worry about in your case is if the plug snaps off down in there instead of just stripping the threads on the way out. Of course, your hydrocarbon problem could be a bad catalyst too on the other hand.

whats77inaname · 09-05-08, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DandDEE

i feel that i need to do so much with so little...
yo M id say strip the heads too is it hard at this point cause normally u tackle things much more difficult?

Just don't want to spend the time screwing w/it since it is going to be replaced.

Thanks for the info, Kenso. *That* is what I was wanting to know.

DandDEE · 09-05-08, 12:48 AM

is it possible to wait?? and not drive the car for a month?

whats77inaname · 09-05-08, 12:52 AM

negative, it's my dd.

DandDEE · 09-05-08, 12:54 AM

damn i feel u problem for me too maybe borrow someone (friends) car? it is the situation which calls for reliable friends.

sr5guy · 09-05-08, 01:15 AM

Did you try filling the plug hole with PB blaster and taking the plugs out with the engine hot?

-Matt

09-04-08, 10:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
whats77inaname Renaissance. Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tx Posts: 3,588 Car 1: 91 5MT LS, 300k Car 2: 91 5MT LS, 183k Car 3: 03 G35 sdn (wife's) iTrader: (22)	Emissions dilemma and coil packs Let me preface this by saying I have a 3.5 sitting in the garage that I finally plan on putting in next month. That being said: so my car failed emissions b/c of high hydrocarbons. I know the car is running rich b/c some of the plugs are jacked. Problem is, they're fused to the head, so they won't come out w/out taking the threads, which will then necessitate a helicoil. Trust me when I say I've tried EVERYTHING to get them out, they aren't budging w/out stripping the heads. This is where it gets interesting, and where I'm looking for some feedback. We all know that if you strip the threads and stick a plug back in there, if you're using plug wires the spark plug will shoot back up due to the compression. The coil packs, however, bolt down to the valve covers, which means the plugs shouldn't shoot back up, right? I just need to pass, so I'm contemplating : a) 1) pulling the plugs and stripping the heads b/c I'm discarding the engine after next month (yeah, it's still yours, but remember you have to come get it lol) 2) cleaning the combustion chamber w/compressed air followed by an oil laced rag to remove any aluminum that may have fallen in there 3) sticking the new plugs in there and bolting the coil pack back down. or b) buying an old school adjustable FMU for $50 and using it to lean the car out. Discuss.

09-04-08, 11:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
ari_one Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,970 Car 1: 1991 Legend Car 2: 1991 Legend Car 3: 95 ZX-7 iTrader: (37)	How old are your O2 sensors? __________________ Parting out my Red and White 91 L Sedans (mostly type 'F', some type 'E'): http://www.acura-legend.com/vbulleti...nix-az-122896/ or http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/pts/912725558.html Parts for sale: http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/i...albumview=grid Controls for sale: http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/i...%20For%20Sale/

09-05-08, 12:28 AM	#10 (permalink)
Kenso Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NC Posts: 2,912 Car 1: 91 L Coupe 6 spd Car 2: 95 FZJ 80 Car 3: ITR 00-106 iTrader: (19)	If you helicoil the threads, it will hold reasonably well from what I've seen. The coil pack won't do much to hold the plug in by itself, it'll just get smashed. I had an RL come in once like that. Owner changed his own plugs, didn't tighten them down nearly enough. One was left REALLY loose apparently, threads got all beat to shit by the plug getting forced upwards on each compression stroke. Coil was ruined. New plug wouldn't hold at all without a helicoil. Helicoiled the plug hole, put in a new plug and coil, worked fine. The one thing you have to worry about in your case is if the plug snaps off down in there instead of just stripping the threads on the way out. Of course, your hydrocarbon problem could be a bad catalyst too on the other hand. __________________ ITR 00-106 91 6spd coupe 95 FZJ-80 George Carlin on the American Dream (NWS)

09-05-08, 12:52 AM	#13 (permalink)
whats77inaname Renaissance. Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tx Posts: 3,588 Car 1: 91 5MT LS, 300k Car 2: 91 5MT LS, 183k Car 3: 03 G35 sdn (wife's) iTrader: (22)	negative, it's my dd. __________________ "Game recognize game and you looking kinda unfamiliar right now"....

09-05-08, 01:15 AM	#15 (permalink)
sr5guy Legend Agent Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,625 Car 1: 95 BMW 740I Car 2: 91 L Sedan Rosewood Car 3: 91 LS Cpe 3.5 sold iTrader: (32)	Did you try filling the plug hole with PB blaster and taking the plugs out with the engine hot? -Matt __________________ The dude with a chip on his shoulder. Stop asking me to compare my chip with Telion's damnit. Mines better. No, really, stop asking The Legend Garage

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
The Acura Legend & Acura RL Forum Advertisement

09-04-08, 11:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
whats77inaname Renaissance. Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tx Posts: 3,588 Car 1: 91 5MT LS, 300k Car 2: 91 5MT LS, 183k Car 3: 03 G35 sdn (wife's) iTrader: (22)	Plans call for an EMS down the line. Don't worry, I have some type II heads sitting in the garage (minus the cams) that aren't doing much but taking up space lol

09-04-08, 11:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
whats77inaname Renaissance. Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tx Posts: 3,588 Car 1: 91 5MT LS, 300k Car 2: 91 5MT LS, 183k Car 3: 03 G35 sdn (wife's) iTrader: (22)	The 02 sensors are new.

09-05-08, 12:07 AM	#8 (permalink)
whats77inaname Renaissance. Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tx Posts: 3,588 Car 1: 91 5MT LS, 300k Car 2: 91 5MT LS, 183k Car 3: 03 G35 sdn (wife's) iTrader: (22)	I only bought the heads for the cams. Tell you what, Brian only wants heads, so if you scrounge up some Type I heads for the motor, I'll give you the Type II heads. You pay shipping.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: