Hey guys,
As mentioned in the intro page, I recently picked up a 95 3.4 liter (manual), and have been going over some neglected items. The 1st on the list was a quick tune up, basic plugs and wires. The first 4 all came out pretty decent looking, but once I got to cylinder #3 I discovered that the plug wire itself was in 2 pieces. That was the sort of "A-ha" moment I was hoping for. Got it all together and running again, and it definitely runs better, but it still seems to have sort of a miss in it. Later that evening I pulled the #3 plug again, and it was definitely fouled looking. I cleaned it, and re-installed it and again it ran better but that bit of a miss it still present in sound and acceleration during low RPMS. Cruising at 30-40 MPH it seems to be running just fine. This being my 1st 3.4 liter I'm not real familiar with these engines, should they have a bit of a lumpy idle? I've since pulled it and checked it a couple more times and it looks cleaner and more normal each time. Is there anything else I can do or check on that cylinder to see if any permanent damage was done, or should I just drive it and see if it clears up? You can defintely catch a smell of gas every once in awhile too. I'm hoping it wasn't dumping raw fuel into the converter? Also, unrelated, I've come out to a no start situation (as in you turn the key, get lights and fuel pump, but no cranking) after shutting it off. After a couple minutes (it doesn't seem to be a consistent amount of time) it will turn over and fire up. I am hoping it is just the starter, and not the VATS. Other than those issues, she it doing pretty well. I filled it up today just to check MPG and it seems to be at 16. I've read 19 is claimed, but what is real world for these cars? Thanks folks!
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/38828420@N07/, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

if its been setting you probly should have the injectors cleaned and tested. have you changed fuel filter yet

 

Thanks, I will definitely check the fuel filter. Nope, it's been a daily for quite awhile now. After checking the plug in cylinder#3 multiple times, I think I may have damaged the plug wire. I put an old one on to get me by, but the replacement for my lifetime warranty set showed up today. I will hopefully get that put back on at lunch time and see how she is from there. Thanks!

 

Just curious, How do you check a fuel filter?

 

I'm going to say "check" really just means see how old and crusty looking it is, and replace it, haha. Not really any way to check them other than taking them off and trying to blow through it.

 

i dump contents into clear contaner to see what its caught and if water is in it. gotta dump from the tank side though. dont know if that qualifies as checking,,,, lol.

 

So my warrantied plug wire showed up yesterday, and I was able to get that swapped out quickly, but then the starting gremlin reared its head.
When swapping the wire, I took the opportunity to pull the plug again, and see how it looked... still dark and a little wet. Having changed all other ignition parts, do you guys think trying a new coil pack is in order?
That's where I'm at anyway.

 

Got my coil pack in, and put on this afternoon. It fired up almost instantly, and is running soooo much better!

Next thing I'll take a look at is a new thermostat. So far I'm into this car about $125 (new hatch supports, new starter, new coil pack, new bulbs, plugs and wires) and it is a 100% improvement over the day it showed up!