2003 running bad-New cap rotor plugs wires...

[jfunkngroove]

I'm stumped. 2003 Safari. Just swapped out for new:
iridium plugs
cap
rotor
plug wires
ALL AC DELCO
Now running like crap.
Ironic thing is, it ran pretty smooth/normal before with old HELLA worn out plugs/cap/rotor.
What am I missing?
And no... I did not mix up plug wires. Did them one at a time as I was already paranoid about mixing....

[Mace2180]

I'm just thinking out loud. Is the cap down all the way? How about wires pushed and "clicked" on properly. Is the distributor tight? Meaning did it rotate out of timing. If all that's good drop back ten and punt!

[The Drummer]

Dont asume that the new parts are good , i have had bad new rotor ,spark plugs ,plug wires , i d start by putting back the old parts , easyest first one by one .

[jfunkngroove]

Trust me... I'm ready to put all the old stuff back! >:(

[jfunkngroove]

This is what the old parts looked like... And it ran smooth... I did the cap/rotor first because I knew the spark plugs would be a pain. Once I saw the old cap/rotor I headed straight back to the parts store for plugs..

[The Drummer]

i searched for weeks on my spare time because of bad new spark plug , and again because of a bad cap rotor ,also try dissconnecting the plugs one by one from the cap as it runs ,be carfull not to eletrocute your self , i for one would use those plugs any day of the week and twice on sunday , none of those parts looked used to the bone to me , but i may have diffrent standards then most lol.

[jfunkngroove]

yeah I pulled plug wires one at a time and it did what was expected so pretty sure they ok. I even put the old rotor in after with no change.

[jfunkngroove]

Here's a link to video: https://youtu.be/KVIJFPscig0

[jfunkngroove]

Dont asume that the new parts are good , i have had bad new rotor ,spark plugs ,plug wires , i d start by putting back the old parts , easyest first one by one .

Yeah I'm 50. been turning wrenches since I was 16. One of the first things I learned the hard way was to ALWAYS inspect parts before leaving the store. But I hear ya. Being 50 means I have 50 yr old eyes >:( So I very well could miss a hairline crack...

[jfunkngroove]

I'm just thinking out loud. Is the cap down all the way? How about wires pushed and "clicked" on properly. Is the distributor tight? Meaning did it rotate out of timing. If all that's good drop back ten and punt!

The distributor hasn't moved and yeah the cap/rotor are snugged down. The only place I'm having a hard time with is at the plugs. Getting in there is a major pain. I only remember feeling/hearing one plug click into place for absolute sure. the other two not 100% on. I wanna say yeah then on, but...... I'm gonna dig into it again tomarrow..

[AstroWill]

I only remember feeling/hearing one plug click into place for absolute sure. the other two not 100% on. I wanna say yeah then on, but...... I'm gonna dig into it again tomarrow..

Every single one of them should feel the same, they all 'clip' onto the plugs. That would definitely make it run like crap if the wires aren't on fully or the plugs aren't tight, etc.

[jfunkngroove]

I think I might have resolved the ticking/arching misfire issue... Turns out one or more of the spark plug wire boots might not have been fully seated (snapped on). Still had a hard time hearing/feeling as I could not get enough leverage with my thumb/fingers. Ended up using several 3/8 extentions with a 12mm socket to push them on.. Again, never heard/felt snap but I think I got it.. See video: https://youtu.be/51MkuNjv7_Q

[jfunkngroove]

just took it for a quick spin and it looks like I've got this resolved. What a relief. Now I can focus on the other 10,000 things this van needs

[sixsix]

I had not heard it mentioned during the "Chat Marathon" yesterday...
- but it is infinitely easier to get the Plugs though the Wheel Well and past the rubber fender blanket dohickees.
( that is the actual technical term )

And of course, CFM ( Copper ) says "Lift It" - LOL. ..."and never look back".

ps: I wonder if that was him in his "1996 Chevrolet Astro Van Perfect Idle" video.
Good Mech and even better Host & Beer Drinker.

[Mmusicman]

..And of course, CFM ( Copper ) says "Lift It" - LOL. ..."and never look back".

Here's how my plugs are accessible looking though my fenders (over my tire).
I can literally change all my plugs in about 5 minutes with one ratchet and extension..

[jfunkngroove]

Yeah this is how I accessed them through wheel well but mine is not lifted. I can barely get my hands in there to pull/push on wires. I got it done. Running good now.

[Leeann_93]

I've always had to use a socket on a long extension to make sure I got the plug wires on the driver's side snapped on securely.

I use a pair of these to pull the wires



https://www.amazon.com/QWOKR-Spark-Remo ... 362&sr=8-7

[jfunkngroove]

Yeah I ended up using a wire hanger to grab the boot from behind while pulling. did the trick.