Re: Fouling plugs, 84 Spider

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@domain.elided>]

Hi Greg:

Why are you using those plugs, meaning specifically the "5ES"?  Those are 2 
full heat ranges hotter than recommended, but since you didn't give the 
full plug part #, there may be another problem.  The proper plug is a BP7ES 
(standard electrode) or BP7EVX (platinum), if NGK is your brand 
choice.  The 'P' in the part number indicates an extended tip on the plug, 
which you do need.  Without the 'P', i.e. B5ES or B7ES, the electrodes will 
not extend far enough into the combustion chamber, which could easily cause 
fouling.

As for the disconnected O2 sensor, I've only had Spica cars, and while the 
system on your Bosch Spider will default to a rich setting without the 
sensor, I don't know if that alone will cause your problem.

Regards,

Dean W. Cains
Lutz, FL
'74 Spider Veloce (running well with NGK BP7EVX plugs)

At 12:20 AM 6/4/2002, you wrote:

> Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2002 21:13:19 -0500
> From: "Greg McNair" <gmcnair@domain.elided>
> Subject: Fouling plugs, 84 Spider
>
> I have an 84 Spider Veloce w/ the Bosch fuel injection system.  It continues
> to foul the #2 and #3 plugs.  The mixture is very rich as evidenced by black
> smoke exiting the pipes.  I have done the following:
>
>
> Installed new NGK 5ES plugs gapped at .025 each
> Verified that each plug is getting good spark
> Cleaned all distributor contacts
> Changed the fuel filter and verified good fuel pressure
> Replaced each intake manifold sleeve w/ new
> Checked proper position of all vac and fuel evaporator lines by comparing mine
> to a friends 85 that runs like a champ, also
>     verifying that each line was good, i.e. no air leaks
> Verified that each cylinder has good compression
>
>
> This car sat for almost 3 years without a weekly regimen of driving at least a
> couple miles.  I drained the fuel from the tank, and what was there was not
> varnished, so someone had been keeping somewhat fresh gas in it long enough to
> wrench on it from time to time.  The car will start up right away and idle
> fine for about 3 minutes.  I can drive it a couple of miles, and during my
> return trip to my garage, it begins to run as if on 3 cylinders, and by the
> time it's in the driveway, the idle is very poor.  Any suggestions?  I do know
> the oxy sensor wire has been cut at the sensor, rendering it useless, so I
> have purchased a replacement.  I have yet to install it because the monkey
> ahead of me distorted the ever-living-pee out of the old one.  The new one has
> a 7/8" head, where the currently installed appears to have a metal sleeve over
> it.  Does that metal sleeve pop off exposing a 7/8" head?  If so, then I know
> why the previous person destroyed it.  I'd like to know only so I don't go
> prying off a metal cap that may require staying put.  Could my problems be
> traced to that oxy sensor being disconnected?  If not entirely a culprit, what
> is causing the rich mixture?  Or is it just a matter of running some B12
> Chemtool injector cleaner in it and driving it to burn the cobwebs out?  Any
> help is appreciated!
>
> Greg
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