Thread: Need help big time...please

Did you put iridiums back in it when you changed plugs?

These motors are known to have a slight lifter tick sound after a while.

I would check for a cracked header. Have you done any intake work?

Pro Tip: Don't use the Delco filter. Poor quality when something nicer can be had for the same price.

Now that that's out of the way... Um. Miss at idle... check the injector? Check fuel pressure? Clean mass airflow sensor, clean throttlebody (will be rather dirty after 60k). Um, air filter. Look for vacuum leak. Check EGR% at idle with scanner (should be 0%).

I don't suspect an issue with the plugs, regardless of metal, as long as they're autolite, ngk, or delcos.

An '04 will eventually need a new lower intake manifold gasket... soon (yummy coolant in oil).

Um. Healthy alternator?
Okay, I'm empty.

I would check the fuel pressure too. Also move the number 3 injector and see if the misfire follows

Well, it could also be wiring. When I wired in a junkyard injector plug after a squirrel chewed through it, I got an intermittent misfire after the wires tried to separate (3 years later).

FWIW, I’m right there with Nighthawk and Slow. And I would like to add to FFDP’s comment.

I can’t even come up with a good guess as to how many people come on this site with self generated ignition issues. I’d start by re-checking your spark plug work. Are the spark plugs the proper heat range and gap? You were a tech so this is all 101 stuff. Anyway, one more area you should consider is if you are leaning out too much from an air leak or EGR failure. Did you install something cocked or forget to connect a tube?

Keep us posted plz.

On a side note, not that anything you have done is 100% a bad idea. IMHO adding anything to your motor oil is neither a good idea nor necessary, especially considering your oil change intervals. And ya, AC Delco filters are NOT what they used to be

Originally Posted by 04gt2inny

As far as spark plugs I installed Bosch + 4's..What should I use? I know my Hemi only runs good on plain ole Champions..is there a specific plug that these cars like?

Both of those are trainwrecks of spark plugs. Misfire city. No likey. Only ever, ever, ever ngk, autolite, or delco in a 3800. Use the iridiums. Never ever ever platinum. We have exhaust-spark ignition, which just chews through spark plugs.

Originally Posted by 04gt2inny

3. What oil filter do you guys use if not Delco?

I use Fram XG. Gold can. Best value filter to me. Other folks dig WIX, Mobil-1, K&N... but there's cheaper. Even the Fram orange cans are better than Delcos. Check this study: GM Truck Central Oil Filter Comparison Study

Originally Posted by 04gt2inny

Im thinking I should just change the EGR anyway

I think you're safe there.

Put either copper al606 plugs in gapped at .060 or iridium 606 gapped at .060.

These engines love copper plugs, you might change them every 10-15k but they work great.

Originally Posted by 99pgpgt

These engines love copper plugs

Once again I’m right there with Slow. We could have saved you some coin on the plugs, o well. IMHO and for future reference these cars Bosch parts = the devil, and I’m not just talking plugs.

1) Either Autolite 606 or NGK TR55 copper or iridium versions.

3) Pure One

7) For the noise concerns, first of all be aware that valve train noise rarely correlates to abnormal wear. But ya, it is annoying. These 3800 engines run any oil you put in, but you might want to change up the brands until you find one that addresses the issue. I have been changing oils constantly after my tried and true brand decided to poison the gulf. Anyway I recommend you try Valvoline Max Life High Mileage.