New Install - Having Issues

[MikedUp15]

Hi all - first post here, I have been following the forums for quite a while and finally decided to put some money into my car. I just had everything listed below in my signature installed and am now having some issues.

Background: A "tech" friend of mine installed everything and did not confirm the plug gap of 0.022". He told me everything he saw said to gap between 0.030" and 0.035" so I am assume the plugs are gapped somewhere in that range. I am bringing it back to him on Monday to have that corrected to 0.022", which I HOPE is the root cause of all my issues.

I attached two separate logs, both using Map 2 with 93 octane fuel. The first one is short which was while the car was idling in park. The idle was choppy and felt as if it was going to stall at times. This doesn't seem to be an issue with the car in D and foot on the brake. Not sure if that matters... The second log was my morning commute to work. I guess I don't know what I am looking for in these logs and would appreciate some feedback as to what I should focus on and how I should be logging.

From what is shown in the logs, is the spark plug gap the main issue? Please let me know if I failed to include any details. I appreciate the help!

 

[monusa]

From what is shown in the logs, is the spark plug gap the main issue? Please let me know if I failed to include any details. I appreciate the help!

FYI........those logs won't tell you anything. You will need a pretty good run preferably starting at 3rd gear and WOT. Try to go through as many gears as possible at WOT for a good solid log. If it helps, go into the jb4 log settings and set the "auto" log feature at around 70%. Once you mash the pedal to at least that percentage, the logs will start automatically. Dont' mean to sound like a "nanny" but most important, do it SAFELY......

i have a really good 4 lane that crosses a bridge and is straight as far as you can see. Certain times of the day, main concern is State Trooper.....only other option is dyno....


Without looking at the logs, yep, gap is not going to work. Remember, that is a "step colder" plug which will have a slight "putt" when starting and the engine is cold. After reaching running temp, "putt" quiets out. If you are running map 1 or map 2, that gap is not recommended even for the "stock" plugs which in my case (before replacing with HKS), were at .034.

Some run .024 - .026 gap on the HKS which will work but if running that gap, might want to have an extra set on hand with .022 gap just in case........

 

[ChaneRZ]

That gap is big.

 

[MikedUp15]

Thanks

 

[MikedUp15]

I took it back to him to adjust the gap to 0.022". He said it did not run right at all. He tried 0.025" and it was still a bit off. So I am at 0.028" on the gap now. It seems to be running perfectly for now. I have another log from today for 3 separate pulls. Is this better data for analysis? I pushed it as much as I could, but traffic was pretty heavy. Even if I knew the columns/numbers I should be looking for that would be helpful in the future. Thanks guy!

 

[monusa]

Better but take whatever steps necessary to get the best gas possible when running map 1 and 2. For the columns, ign_1 gives you "timing at work..." ( my way of explaining it). Columns ign_2 - 4, give you "timing variance....big variance that stays consistent could mean grade of fuel is not so good. Check out the link and read through the info that explains the logs. Better you know this info, the more you will be able to take away from your logs.


JB4 Logging Parameters - N54Tech.com - International Turbo Racing Discussion

 

[MikedUp15]

The car started running rough again and actually threw an engine code (misfire in cylinder 3). I pulled the plug out of cylinder 3 and was shocked at what I saw...

I put a whole new set of the HKS plugs in, drove it around for a bit and yet another misfire. This time in cylinder 1. Needless to say these plugs went right in the trash.

Installed Denso plugs and the car is completely different and back to normal. Use caution when opting for the HKS plugs....Overpriced crap.

 

[monusa]

Installed Denso plugs and the car is completely different and back to normal. Use caution when opting for the HKS plugs....Overpriced crap.

You are entitled to your opinion but I have run HKS, multiple sets and although pricey, have not had one issue.....looking at this picture, it appears that plug actual hit the top of the cylinder which suggests over-torque". I could be wrong but if it did not look that way when you put it in, then very well could be over-torque......good thing is that it didn't break off in the cylinder which would have been bye-bye engine......

I always use a torque wrench....

 

[ChaneRZ]

I have no problems with my HKS.

 

[nhcowboy28]

That gap is big.

It’s not the size of the gap, but how you use it…

 

[MikedUp15]

I have changed 10+ sets of plugs without a torque wrench with no problems. Wrist tight will get you right where you need to be. I can see if I used an air ratchet lol, but I installed all 3 sets using the same method.

 

[monusa]

Not questioning your "plug tightening ac cumin"....I just prefer to use one mainly from my "working at Toyota building engines" days.....Once an hour, quality checks had to be performed and torque values of the plugs were recorded....if torque values were not within range, engine had to be pulled from assy. line.....

Just my preference.

 

[MikedUp15]

I did some pulls beginning in 3rd gear as suggested. Would you mind taking a look and giving me some feedback? I am going to try getting some 93 octane from Mobil my next tank and see if I notice any differences. Currently I am getting my fuel from Delta Sonic and I am not sure of its quality. Also, would ethanol free gas provide any benefit, or is the octane level the only thing to be concerned with?

On a side note, I feel as if the car idles differently than it did at stock. It's relatively smooth stopped with foot on the brake, but when idling in park, I am noticing a slight "putt" even when fully warmed up after a 30+ minute drive. Is this normal with the colder plugs and smaller gap, or something I should look into? Thanks

 

[Swetrid]

Odd but the picture of your HKS plug looks like electrode is not centered?

 

[Terry@BMS]

Log seems generally OK. A little timing pull, so perhaps try a different station or brand of fuel next tank to see if it makes any difference.

 

[monusa]

My first thought would be get better gas......

Just saw "Terry's" post. yep gas.....

 

[MikedUp15]

Another new development this morning...the car just stalled out 2 minutes into my morning commute at a stop sign...The RPM dropped to about 450 and it just quit when I tried to give it throttle...let it sit for a minute or so, restarted and it seems “OK” right now. I checked for codes but nothing at the moment...

 

[DoctorStiches]

The car started running rough again and actually threw an engine code (misfire in cylinder 3). I pulled the plug out of cylinder 3 and was shocked at what I saw...

I put a whole new set of the HKS plugs in, drove it around for a bit and yet another misfire. This time in cylinder 1. Needless to say these plugs went right in the trash.

Installed Denso plugs and the car is completely different and back to normal. Use caution when opting for the HKS plugs....Overpriced crap.

Hahahahaha

 

[MikedUp15]

Yup

 

[Terry@BMS]

I see you emailed asking for assistance but there isn't really enough here to know what's wrong or how to fix it.