i used to own a v8 lincoln which had a head gasket leak, which in turn caused a bad COP and spark plugs. the 3.8 i own right now seems to be having the same problems; rough idle, misfires, runs rich, and awful mileage.
the only issue is, from what im reading here on the forums, the stutter problems seem to be caused by fried spark wires, and my car runs better as time goes by driving around. what could be causing bad idle for about 10 min after the car starts up in the morning? could it be dead spark plugs?

 

It could be a lot of thing, Step one would to get all your maintenance up to date. If you have not done them in the last 5 years, new plugs and wires would be a good idea, also a new fuel filter and air cleaners.

 

yeah thats what i figured i should do.. im planning on changing out the coils, ignition, spark wire and all that. is there a pictured how-to swap spark plug somewhere cause the one i found on this forum was outdated with photos deleted

 

my advice, (and i know everyone here bashes autozone) is to setup an account with autozone's website, and you can find tons of helpful info with pictures from routine maintenance to removing your engine, torque specs, all kinds of fun stuff.

 

Kip good advice no matter who bashes the "zone"! At least you arent singing getting the "Napa Know-how".

Start with basic maintenance. Plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter and a favorite beverage with good music. Take your time and do things right. I will say the best way to get the plugs out (in my opinion) is to jack the car up being very safe using jack stands and chock blocks for the rear tires or just put the parking break on. Might even help to have the tires off the front so you can get some light in there.

Do the plugs one at a time and make sure the car is cool, your hands will be near the headers. As you get one plug out, put in the new one, go up top and take off the wire and find the new one and put that baby on, repeat 5 more times.

Then fuel filter is if I recall near the back of the drivers side, get your two wrenches out and go to town. Just make sure you have something to coolect the fuel that will come out. I use a needle nose pliers to get that quick release snap off, but it can be a pain in the neck! Once your new one is on, put the tires back on, lower her down and then change out your air filter.

YOu could change your oil at that time as well, not that it helps but its easy maintanence while you are there. check all you wires, make sure they are snapped on the posts and then turn the car to on and let the pump run a few times till the car starts.

Then at that time drive around a little and see how she works. I had MSD coils (spent more than needed too, they arent any better than anyone else). So if the issues still persist take the car to Orieilys and they will scan it and give you the trouble codes. Start small and work you way up. Unless you have the money to do all if this at once, then knock yourself outsilly!

 

yeah autozone is a nice place to go, its just the people that normally work there are terrible lol. but the napa here in my city have some older gentlemen and they are actually really smart. its just a shame they close so early lol.

and as for the fuel filter. dont forget to relieve the fuel pressure! i know alot of people just skip doing it, but id rather take the extra minute and relieve it just to be safe. i changed the fuel filter on my first car (ford probe! lol) and forgot to relieve fuel pressure and a small drop of fuel sprayed and got me in the eye! had to flush my eye out for awhile, and the burning sensation wouldnt go away lol. it wasnt fun.

just look for a plastic cap on your fuel rail or around it that resembles what you'd find on your tire to fill the air, it should unscrew off to reveal the actual valve. get you a rag and a screw driver, put the rag over the valve, and push down with the screw driver or w/e on the small metal rod in the middle of the valve (like your letting air out of your tire). and your rag will get wet with fuel. keep it held down for a good 5-10 seconds just to be sure its relieved. so when you go to pull that fuel filter off the pressure dont spray fuel everywhere like it did to me lol.

 

thanks for the reply guys,
i need to remind you that im in japan, so theres no autozone or oreilleys or napa haha. on top of that, most of the japanese autozone-ish stores refuse to touch 'import' cars because they have no knowledge on how to fix them.. im gonna look into buying parts from amazon or something. thanks!