Ahsai

Phil, I think I like the loose spark plugs theory too. Have you checked them yet?

philooo

I ordered a new set of plugs and I soon as I get them, I'll get to it.

Yesterday I checked them out but I did not have the proper tool to screw/unscrew them, so I'll go today to autozone to try buying a spark plug tool that fits. It is quite narrow in there.

By the way, I see the ignition plug have blue glue on them, is it important to add some ? what brand you guys recommend ? Because I see the screw are like 1/5 of a trun to lock.

RPMulli

All you need is a dab of anitseize for the threads and some dielectric grease for the contact on the top of the plug. It doesnt really matter what brand.

soverystout

Do not use antiseize on the spark plug threads. Some folks hav ethese plugs backing out on there own over time. Antiseize allows you to overtighten the plug (if you don't use a torque wrench, very hard to get one in there).

I repeat, do not use antiseize.

Jake Raby

Sounds like a lifter or possibly a wrist pin bushing to me.. Lifters have 4 distinct sounds when they go bad, one of them is similar to this.

Most of the time lifters are just dirty, due to their design they accumulate a lot of gunk

RPMulli

I don't agree. Go ahead and dont use it then, once you get a spark plug stuck in the head you will think twice next time. And yes you can use a torque wrench on the spark plugs, i did it a few weeks ago.

philooo

The durametric sent me a cat conv. efficiency error code this time around. I assume this is the message about cat conv dead ? which would match my bank2 clicking noise, right ?

Now I just need to figure how to trigger the CEL light so I can get this replaced under warranty I was thinking of pulling the MAF, or is there another way ?

redridge

check your cel light bulb.... that should be a triggered cel.

RPMulli

Mine was out...

philooo

yes bang this morning as I was heading to an autocross, the CEL light came out. that is sorted our for the cats then

Pac996

How many miles on the car and how often was the car left to rott. I figure way low miles it might be varnish causing sticking. Exhaust leaks will sound like lifters and such and I don't think the long range life of spark plugs is geared to guys that want top power and performance. Even flattened lobes might be your problem or sticky lifters. Even combinations are possible. Best bet is change the oil and if it were me coming back to the car after a long sit I'd change the oil again after a week or two of spirited drivings. The plugs well be sure to keep tack of which plug comes from each cylinder and diagnose further for where bad performance from valves might be happening. The nasty thing to listen to is me wondering if valves got fried and or warped. Heat will also take the rebound out of springs leading to floating valves and the train clanking like that untill higher revs where things just float away. Anything is possible.

For sure change the oil and check what the plugs will tell you.

RPMulli

so its the catalytic converters?

philooo

I will be bringing the car to the dealer soon for a replacement, I'll be sure then

But so far, I have a CEL light on and a cat conv error on my durametric.

RPMulli

are you sure its not the oxygen sensors?

philooo

I am not sure of anything just yet... but considering it is noisy as hell, I assume catalytic converter, we'll see.