Backfiring, poor running

[autobahnsho]

AAAARRRGGHH!

So around a month or so ago, I got the seals to keep my spark plugs from deep-sea swimming in oil. (The oil was to the top of the wells.) Do the job, and the car started running poorly.

5 plug wires were cracked- 2 so bad you could see large amounts of metal. I was guessing that the oil was insulating them so they weren't arcing, and when I pulled the oil they started to arc.

Tonight I spent the precious 2 hours I had pulling the intake off, putting new wires on, and re-assembling. It starts up great, except it was backfiring big time.

I double-checked HERE to make sure I got the wire order right, (and you'd have to wonder why #5 wire is so short, anyways.)

Someone suggested a vacuum leak, so I unbolted and re-tightened the manifold bolts. Still backfires, and feels like it's running on part power.

Obviously when I get more time I'll spray around to see where/if it's leaking, and pull the codes tomorrow. Any other ideas?

Thanks,

 

[AutoSHO]

You're positive you got everything reconnected? PCV lines, Vac line at the rear of the manifold, ground wire, crossover tube bolts, and finally, plug wire order? I find it very very strange indeed.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Backfiring is either caused by misrouted plug wires, or by a timing problem.

Do your wires match this photo?

 

[projectSHO89]

I can GUARANTEE a miswire.

Been there, Done That!

Steve

 

[DHMag]

attach the ground strap back onto the rear tank ? what about tightening the 2 bolts on the crossover tube ?

 

[autobahnsho]

Thanks for the responses-

I double-checked all my connections, the groundstrap, and all my bolts.

Yes, when I got home I found the wiring picture above in another post and double-checked outside. I might have 4&6 switched, but I will check after work. (Ruck-marching and Gas mask training outside in the snow all day today- Yay. )

I guess I'll just have to print the picture so I don't brain-fart and forget the right order when I get outside.... headbang

-------------------------------------------------
ps- Does the rear (acc. to picture above) passenger side stud that the groundstrap goes on strip out easy?

When I was putting it back together last night I tightened it into the intake, then put the strap and nut on. I tightened that and it spun the stud in place. I hope I didn't strip it (or the intake!)

 

[autobahnsho]

Well, congratulations!! Problems fixed.

I knew that wire #5 was funky, but I had mixed up 4 and 6. madflame

Right after work I looked at the drawing again and fixed it.

Sure glad I didn't have any OTHER major problems.

Now time to save up some freetime and a few $$ to tackle rod bearings...

And thanks for your replies. I would have been scratching my head till there was nothing left, figuring I had major issues. To my fellow SHO-ers:
hail

thumb

 

[AutoSHO]

Great news! Moving to Maintenance and troubleshooting for future reference.