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fat-katie
User
Jul 21, 2021, 4:10 PM
Post #1 of 7
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I have a 1999 GMC Savana 5.7. Every few months I have to change the plug in cylinder #3. It fouls and when it does the van jumps and stalls. It just has fits.
I've read where you can install a hotter plug to help with a situation like this.
Is there a down side to trying this?
Thank you.
Later ... Hum, maybe this belongs somewhere else. I saw engine and jumped. Sorry
(This post was edited by fat-katie on Jul 21, 2021, 4:15 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 21, 2021, 4:44 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: hotter plugs?
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It's a little bit risky and you have to know what you are doing. Spark plugs are not as simple and basic as they used to be. Many are specialty plugs with high tech designs.
Too hot of a plug can both melt the plug and damage the piston.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 21, 2021, 5:05 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: hotter plugs?
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That WAS (past tense) a trick to buy some time no longer useful. If you know it's picking on cyl. #3 find out why. Get codes, this will say a lot for you.
* Look at the plug. I'll find it if needed it's at this site already on what looking at them means.
Oil fouled, too hot (asst. reasons,) too rich on fuel, too clean vs others and more.
This should be a Vortec, high pressure fuel required or it will start missing on the weakest link. On to compression if need be.
It still uses wire to carry high voltage to plug check that too. New isn't always the answer for high voltage stuff and other things, find out what the reason really is first,
T
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fat-katie
User
Jul 22, 2021, 2:13 PM
Post #4 of 7
(1178 views)
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Re: hotter plugs?
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Thanks. I stick with the std plug.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 23, 2021, 8:28 AM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: hotter plugs?
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Pretty much yes.
> There were IDK where now sold for worn engines a SBC (small block Chevy) dates back to the 1950s! So do I, off topic - scary!
It held the plug out of the head as an insert I think called an "anti-fouler" bought time vs likely a failing engine!
It has to fire and burn up the fuel or the Domino of damage down the line, sensors and can wreck a converter, OE grade can cost a freaking fortune on these! Worse, it will bust bolts/studs off manifold if not already brass or replaced!
Tom
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 23, 2021, 8:41 AM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: hotter plugs?
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You probably first should find out why it is fouling. Take a compression test first. If that checks out good, then use a fuel pressure gauge to see if the pressure holds when shut off or if it leaks down quickly when shut off indicating a fuel leak.
Those spider injectors are pretty notorious for leaking fuel which is pretty easily repairable.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 23, 2021, 9:55 AM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: hotter plugs?
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Spot on Hammer:
OP, it can foul one plug would show at dark/blackish ash if excessive.
Another will be fine if that dang spider goes and was a flaw, costly but done it was fixed for life of the engine somehow?
What stinks is the OE plugs that came with this thing NEW you/we can't buy anymore of SS could outlast the engines if not taper seated stuck beyond human to get the dang things out!
Tom
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