Thread: 2004 GT - Hesitation , Missfire?

Originally Posted by Fivefingerdeathpunch

Which brand of plugs are you using?


And if you are getting coolant in your UIM, you should replace the lower intake gaskets aswell, because if you dont and they fail, the motor will likely go with it.

I replaced the old Bosch platinums that were in the car with NGK E3's about 2000 kms ago recommended by a local parts store. At the time I didn't really look into what was best for the car , which I should have. I'm pretty confident about replacing the UIM gasket but not so much the LIM gasket. I do all my work myself and have the tools just kinda scared to get lost on re-assembley lol I'm at work right now , will be replacing the coils in about 2 hours will update with the results.

Originally Posted by 04PrixxGT

I replaced the old Bosch platinums that were in the car with NGK E3's about 2000 kms ago recommended by a local parts store. At the time I didn't really look into what was best for the car , which I should have. I'm pretty confident about replacing the UIM gasket but not so much the LIM gasket. I do all my work myself and have the tools just kinda scared to get lost on re-assembley lol I'm at work right now , will be replacing the coils in about 2 hours will update with the results.

NGK E3?

Either they're NGK or E3.

If they're E3, I'd try and warranty them for NGKs or AC Delco. If its crappy, they should have no issue with that. Granted you have a receipt.

Coils are pricey.

Originally Posted by Rico

What unit is the compression expressed in?...PSI?

Yeah sorry about that , its in PSI.

Originally Posted by Rico

Did you check compression with all spark plugs removed 'cause those numbers seem high?
I would expect 150 or 160 psi.

Using the numbers as a mere reference would suggest that compression isn't the problem.

Hey , I did check the compression by removing one plug at a time. I didn't realize this was incorrect. My method was to disable both the fuel pump , injectors and pull the plug on the coils. Then I removed 1 plug at a time and ran the test holding WOT. I'm no mechanic just trying to learn.

Originally Posted by 04PrixxGT

Hey , I did check the compression by removing one plug at a time. I didn't realize this was incorrect. My method was to disable both the fuel pump , injectors and pull the plug on the coils. Then I removed 1 plug at a time and ran the test holding WOT. I'm no mechanic just trying to learn.

I am also under the impression removing one spark plug is the correct method.

What do you mean by holding wot?

NVM: I see some recommend that. I never did that.

---

Originally Posted by matt5112

NGK E3?

Either they're NGK or E3.

If they're E3, I'd try and warranty them for NGKs or AC Delco. If its crappy, they should have no issue with that. Granted you have a receipt.

Coils are pricey.

Yeah sorry about that they're E3's lol had a little fail there.

-----

Originally Posted by Rico

The traditional method is to remove one plug at a time, install compression tester and crank the engine for 5 seconds.
The reason I asked about removing all the plugs seems that the engine was spinning really fast to produce that much pressure.

With WOT the engine would be at it's max efficiency i.e. no vacuum. This would maximize the amount of air that would end up in the cylinders. So, yea, you did a good job.

Thanks for confirming that i was not 100% sure.
---

Originally Posted by SlowNA06

For those bad at math, you're looking at 184,547 miles. Catalytic converters last about 150,000 miles. It's likely time for a new one.
Bosch, Champion, and E3 plugs tent to fail, cause misfires, stuttering, etc.
Factory coils almost never fail.
Could also have a vacuum leak.
Lower intake manifold (LIM) gasket seldom last 185,000mi. So, it's worthwhile checking your coolant for lowness and Old Bay Seasoning, oil for milk, etc.

I did notice the coolant was down slightly about 3 - 4 months ago , i did compensate and add more.. I do however have a question. Where in the h%$^ is the drain plug on the rad? I wanted to flush out the orange looking junk that's in there but for the life of me i can't find a drain plug. On my girlfriends 99" Sunfire it was easy to locate on the lower corner of the rad. Is it in a similar location on our cars? I noticed the coolant tank does have some sticky looking sludge on the sides of the tank if thats what you mean by " Old Bay Seasoning " lol

I bought coils from ZZP costing approximately 70$ for 3 which is why i'm gonna try replacing them to see if it helps at all , although it's not the first time i hear that the factory coils last forever , but i suppose its worth a shot since i already have them. But you guys are right i may aswell replace both LIM and UIM gaskets. I will order what i need next weekend to do that job. Meanwhile i'm about to go try the new coils , and replace the drivers side axle i will update you guys if the coils make any kind of difference for me.

--

Thanks for the replies!

Guess i didn't look that hard then lol

hey guys , typing this with greasy hands i just put in the new coils , and swapped out the AC Delco wires for NGK's while i was there even though i replaced them 4 - 5 months back.. The hesitation is now completely gone , launching the car is breaking free both front wheels has not ran this good in a long time... Very happy right now.


-----------
I'm moving onto the Axle now.. Front end has a bad shake " only on acceleration " after replacing multiple front end parts and moving around the rims i noticed the drivers side axle has a wobble when i had the car on jack stands with no tires on it and leaving the car in gear. I assume somehow the axle got bent .. My woman drives my Prix mostly while i drive a cheap 5 speed corolla to get back and forth to work to save on fuel costs. She would never beat on my car or ever attempt a burnout lol , i find it odd this would happen as i don't usually beat the Prix either.. I do have some fun on occasion though hehe.

Thanks for all the input , greatly appreciated!

So I just finished replacing the drivers side axle , I had a hunch that it may have been bad because I noticed it shake with tires off the car on jack stands while the car was in drive. The new axle however didn't do a thing... The car still has a pretty bad shake during acceleration. For example merging onto the.highway the car will shake badly until I reach cruising speed. If I release the throttle completely their is 0 shakes or vibrations. As soon as I begin to accelerate the whole car will shake again until I release.. this is driving me crazy.. I have already tried rotating the tires to rule out a bent rim .. but if the.rim was bent it would be a constant thing .. where as this is only during acceleration.

The only other thing I know the car needs in the front end is sway bar bushings , there's no way it would cause erratic behavior like this?

Any auggestions?

Originally Posted by Fivefingerdeathpunch

maybe i didnt see it, but did you replace the pass side axle yet?

Nope I didn't , I guess that's what I'm doing next lol ... How healthy does this look to you guys? This is the passengers side axle , the drivers side is now brand new. I also replaced my sway bar bushings yesterday .



http://static.photobucket.com/player...ixxGT/Axle.mp4