have been chasing an occasional difficult to start probl in my vx v6. It has only been happening since new plugs and leads were installed at a service. Neither the plugs or leads were replaced with the same type. Decided to do an all dark under hood inspection and could see a tiny spark going from the boot of the lead to the hex head on all of the six plugs. The car is dual fuel and could see it both on petrol and gas too. It seemed to be travelling via the heat shield, so removed one heat shield but could still see a fainter glow of spark going from the end of the plug. Ive already checked the gap on one plug, its about 1.3mm What I am describing isnt very bright at all and wasnt causing any hiccups while I was looking at it. Ive used this technique on other cars(check em out in the dark) and have believed that it should always be possible not to see any signs of a spark. Before I go back to the mechanic( and he tells me that what I see is normal) has anyone else had a good look at the plug ends in the dark to see that this isnt a normal occurence on the v6. Have to use a torch to actually shine at where I saw the spark to see where it was coming from(if you know what I mean!) any feedback would be great, thanks.
There definately should not be any sparking that you can see. I would say that there is either something isulating the tips of the spark plugs from the leads or the spark plugs are faulty. I would take it back to the mechanic and get him to check a few things, then fix it. The plug gap should be 1.5mm according to my gregorys manual, so if your gap is 1.3mm it shouldn't be causing a problem
Bump! If you can spare a few moments to see what happens on your v6 in the dark, would greatly appreciate your feedback. Thanks.
For what it is worth as I have a VN V6. I have used the watch in the dark test for a few cars. Generally I will see; 1. A slight glow along some leads. I normally think this is okay but may be a sign of a problem. 2. A definite spark tracking from one point to another such as from a lead to earth or from lead to lead. This is a definite problem and I always change the leads or move them. This always stops the spark and in most cases makes the car run smoother.
Slight glow on the plug lead is normal i am lead to believe. The boots that fit over the spark plug, are they supposed to touch the block ? With my new leads they dont go all the way down and touch the block, are they only supposed to stop just above the hex (end of heat shield and spring) ?? I cant get them on any further.....
