Mystery Engine/Exhaust Problem in '95 Montero LS (HELP!)

[scrubber3]

What kind of plugs and wires are you using? You wont see much of a spark if they aren't grounded in the block properly. Having them out of the block and running juice to them may damage the coils. I'd suggest using an ignition tester. As far as the protrusion specs go, I wouldn't be much help on it. I have never taken a chance on using an old tensioner.

Remember to check the fuel system!

Test the ignitor as well. The "gassy smell" you are experiencing is probably due to an ignition issue and not fuel. Again, what kind of plugs and wires are you using?

[Cat Fuzz]

Plugs are Autolite double platinums. The wires are Belden, I think. Could be Borg Warner. They weren't cheap. I'm not sure how the plugs couldn't be grounded.

[scrubber3]

NGK plugs and Denso wires are best for these as they are OEM. It shouldn't be the brand of plugs causing this issue though. I am sure you are doing everything you can think of... I will see what I can come up with since I have an identical truck... Let me know if you find the culprit?



Edit: sorry, I thought you were pulling the spark plugs out and running current through them. LOL

[Cat Fuzz]

Well, I've been using Autolites for 20+ years in everything and never had a problem. This is still baffling me but I haven't been able to do anything to it in a couple days. My other job is keeping me busy.

[off-roader]

Well, I've been using Autolites for 20+ years in everything and never had a problem. This is still baffling me but I haven't been able to do anything to it in a couple days. My other job is keeping me busy.

Have you checked with the folks on 4x4wire dot com's mitsu forum? That's what I'd try at this point.

[scrubber3]

I have never had a problem with them either. When I was a service manager at a local shop we used them exclusively. On occasion, I'd get my guys to use the NGK for certain applications though, but I'd never us bosch unless they were going in a little VW and the owner asked for them. Good luck, and I agree with off-roader in the advice he gave you.

[Cat Fuzz]

Ok, lets forget about the exhaust popping, timing belt, etc. The main concern here now is the weird ignition problem. I'm getting no spark to #1 and #3 unless I pull the wire away from either the coil or the spark plug. With the wires correctly attached, no spark, with them loose is the only time I get spark. I have a video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kU9c...&feature=feedu

It does the same thing if I lift the wire up away from the plug. Swapping coils changes nothing. Swapping wires also does nothing. I am utterly baffled here.

[scrubber3]

The only thing I can think of is that there is a grounding issue somewhere...

[Cat Fuzz]

Now I am leaning towards these new Autolites causing the problem. I swapped #1 (no spark) to #5 (had spark) and now 1,3 and 5 are having problems. No spark on 5 with intermittant spark on 1. I have Rick grabbing some new NGK Platinums. I hate having to pull the intake again to change out the plugs but oh well.

[Rick1013]

Holy cow. Mystery solved. In spite of accurately following an online spark plug wiring diagram for a '95 Montero, the wires were not installed in the right order. THAT'S what caused the misfires and rough running. Don't trust everything you find online, kids. Sheesh! But now that it's fixed, I'll be getting it licensed and be driving it soon! Thanks for the help, everyone.