changed my plugs getting engine sputter under load

**DenholmSlade** · 06-02-2013

Not sure if any one has had this issue but I replaced the 3 front plugs (ran out of time to do the back) on my 99 gtp. Everything seemed fine.. I didnt have any time to tackle the plugs at the rear of the engine. So a week or so has gone by and now im getting sputtering but its not constant. It idles rough on start up but I give it a couple revs and she levels off. If Im easy on the throttle (keeping the tac at around 3500) I can get a decent amount of power out but If I mat the throttle, at speed in any gear or from a dead stop , it sputters and has next to no power. any one know anything? I replaced the wires on the plugs I changed and it made no difference. I didnt have any of these problems before I pulled the old plugs. Im waiting for my engine to cool down right now so I can get in there to see if they have maybe came loose. thats the only thing i can think of. If any one has had this problem or has any advice to give, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 06-02-2013

What brand were the 3 new plugs?

Maybe one of the new plugs is gapped wrong or is cracked/damaged.

Did the check engine light come on?

**Scottydoggs** · 06-02-2013

you got the wires on right?

and what brand type are the new plugs you install on the front side?

**Madness** · 06-02-2013

^^ Scottydoggs is this your engine? I see it does not have the recalled wire clips keeping them out from under the valve covers.

**DenholmSlade** · 06-02-2013

The plugs are NGK platinum. And I replaced the wires with the same NGK's that I took off. And the routing is good to the diagram. The lordco guy said that the gap was already set. and no, the check engine light has not come on. However, the low oil pressure light flickered on for a moment yesterday. But that is likely a completely different issue. I still have the other three plugs for the back, So I suppose Ill swap the 3 fronts out again?

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 06-02-2013

You can't use platinum plugs in these motor.

Get some Iridiums.

**Scottydoggs** · 06-02-2013

internet pic i found and stole for plugs and wires.

but i do have the wire clip under my vc just like the pic, but i dont use it, i got mine clipped in a way so they are free of anything.

you can see one plug wire there, they run in front of the manifold, right next to the fans.

funny you say recall, i just got another notice about the engine fire recall. yeah keep sending that....

**Scottydoggs** · 06-02-2013

Originally Posted by DenholmSlade

The plugs are NGK platinum. And I replaced the wires with the same NGK's that I took off. And the routing is good to the diagram. The lordco guy said that the gap was already set. and no, the check engine light has not come on. However, the low oil pressure light flickered on for a moment yesterday. But that is likely a completely different issue. I still have the other three plugs for the back, So I suppose Ill swap the 3 fronts out again?

yup, return the 3 unused plugs, and pick up a set of iridium plugs, thats your problem right there.

**Madness** · 06-02-2013

Speaking of plugs, what is the longest anyone has went on factory plugs? My brother went 179,000 on factory plugs on a 97 Chevy K-1500. Co-worker has 217,000 on a 03 Grand Am GT. Both vehicles run great with no codes.

**Scottydoggs** · 06-02-2013

i bet if they changed them they would both run better, and get better mpg. factory plugs are only good for 100,000 miles, and i dont let them go that long. at 70,00 on both my trucks new plugs and wires made a difference.

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 06-02-2013

I'm sure the gap on those plugs are way out of spec, but somehow not enough to cause an issue.

**DenholmSlade** · 06-02-2013

K well I just pulled the three across the front. (Ill be purchasing the iridium plugs very soon) And Im back to full power! sweet! I noticed that the white coating around the electrode on all three was worn/Burned off. I suppose the plug was arcing out against the block? Any way, would that be due to them being platinum and not iridium? just wondering how to avoid this in the future. and thanks for the replies guys.

**Scottydoggs** · 06-02-2013

how to avoid this is easy, dont buy platinum plugs any more.

**Slick2500** · 06-02-2013

Ac Delco Iridiums ftw. I think the pn is 41-101 iirc for the Delcos.

**DenholmSlade** · 06-03-2013

Ill make sure to stick with iridium. Do you really think a Delco plug is that much better than a NGK?

**Scottydoggs** · 06-03-2013

acdelco is a Gm spark plug, its what it came with from the factory, the 3800 engine loves them.

**Timing** · 06-03-2013

Originally Posted by Madness

Speaking of plugs, what is the longest anyone has went on factory plugs? My brother went 179,000 on factory plugs on a 97 Chevy K-1500. Co-worker has 217,000 on a 03 Grand Am GT. Both vehicles run great with no codes.

Changed mine on my old 2000 at 195k and the tips were completely gone on every plug and it still ran like a champ

**Timing** · 06-03-2013

Originally Posted by DenholmSlade

Ill make sure to stick with iridium. Do you really think a Delco plug is that much better than a NGK?

Most vehicles run best with what came from the factory and the parts guy should know that. Everytime i sell a plug i give them the oem plugs unless asked otherwise.

**ericspecullaas** · 06-03-2013

Originally Posted by Ginseng

Most vehicles run best with what came from the factory and the parts guy should know that. Everytime i sell a plug i give them the oem plugs unless asked otherwise.

ok i need 100 plugs for a 1931 alburn boat tail