Recently I changed the plugs and wires. Under heavy load I get a popping noise under the car, think its the exhaust. Seems like its a misfire. How can I tell which cylinder it is?

 

does it buck under acceleration? do u get an SES light? if it was a misfire, you would probably be getting one of those. maybe a manifold/header gasket leak.

 

yes it bucks. no i dont get an ses light.

 

the SES light flashes when the engine is misfireing and throws code P0300.

 

so what do you think it could be

 

ttt

 

Maybe you cracked a spark plug putting them in. I did that on my old 96 RS 3.8l and it didnt throw a code. I went crazy for months thinking it was my trans slipping and then i finally checked the plugs. Its worth a shot to check.

 

When you changed the plugs did you move the AIR tubes for better access? If so, did you use new gaskets? Cause if you don't you can get a sound from a leak there.

 

Make sure u didnt cut a wire or made a little slice one of them because they can be arcking to another wire at heavy load.

 

I did take the AIR tube off, but if it was that wouldnt it be making it constant?

I dont know if i cracked one or not but how can i pinpoint it?

 

You are right. If it was the AIR gasket you can hear it at idle. I missed what you said about under a load.

 

Im going to take each sparkplug out and see whats going on

BTW would an o2 sensor do this?

 

I dont think so. A bad o2 sensor will just give you crappy gas mileage and an SES light.

 

pull out 1 plug at a time. during this, your fingers will become dirty and greasy. Rub your fingers on the ceramic part of the plug and look for black lines on the white ceramic part. If theres a small crack it will show black because of the grease.

 

The popping sound could be one of the spark plugs that has backed out and letting compression get by. Make sure all the plugs are snugged, wires are pushed in fully and AIR connections are tight. Sometimes when nuts n bolts get hot then cold and hot a few times, they loosen up.

 

I bought 4 NGK tr55's and gapped them to .55 I replaced the drivers side and it still pops. I also saw some of the plugs i pulled had oil on the threads. I'll continue to replace the other 3 on passengers.( I replaced #8 when the popping noise was going on, so its not 8)

 

Just changed the plugs. Its fine now but I think one of the coil plugs was loose, I jiggled it and now it works great. For anyone having the same problem as I, Make sure all plug connections and coil connections are secure!