Bad/fouled plug??

IwantMKIII

WVU MAEngineering
Jun 12, 2007
2,477
0
0
Perkasie, PA
I've recently come across some low Hz knock sensor readings...anywhere from 0-25Hz. It's highest at idle (which it idles 1K) and once you press the pedal it drastically drops to anywhere from 0-10Hz. Cruising on the highway around 5Hz. Some people have mentioned spark knock (i've never heard of this). I've more recently noticed while on the highway, when i go under boost the car tends to bog especially in 5th and as the boost builds, its not smooth acceleration at all mostly noticeable in the upper gears. I have NGK-R plugs (the step below iridium) and they have just about 3K on them now. The first 1500 miles though the car ran extremely rich and other times extremely lean b/c it was so untuned.

Also i occasionally notice a strange vibration/grinding noise similar to that of a clutch as if you would just barely be getting into gear while driving. It mostly happens on start up and as it just warms up but still occurs less often when hot
 

sneakypete

Regular Member
Jul 18, 2007
1,129
0
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Central NJ
not too sure about the spark knock, but from what i gathered it could be that you clutch is starting to go. when mine did, it happened all of a sudden with very similar symptoms that you have
 

SevenMKIII

No more Supra no more fun
Jan 13, 2007
474
0
0
Central IL
When a clutch starts slipping revs go up (in gear) but the car doesn't accelerate with them. It's not his clutch.

Have you pulled the plugs and checked to see if they are fouled? It's an easy 15 minute job, or you could get some new good spark plugs for $20 and put them in.

edit: ::w00t:: 500 posts
 

IwantMKIII

WVU MAEngineering
Jun 12, 2007
2,477
0
0
Perkasie, PA
^well i pulled 3, the other three i couldnt get to w/o taking off the IC pipe and coils. The three i pulled seemed to be in great condition, but who knows, they may have lost their spark somewhat. I'm always weary about putting in cheap plugs but, right now can't afford the Iridiums or the step below...i still have books to buy and as an MAE major, they are all science and thick which means big bucks.

Would cheapy plugs really be an ok solution or just not worth it in the long run? Also, when i had my camry i know bosch plugs weren't the way to go from what i understand because of their resistance, that true for our cars too?


Edit: iknow this could be an easy fix, the only reason i posted this was to try to save some $$ if the sparks wern't really the problem.