Does this plug look fouled?

"JalopJeep" (JalopJeep)
09/30/2014 at 12:23 • Filed to: None

The Jeep is down, terribly rough idle, worse under acceleration. Began right after a heavy rain storm during which it sat for four days so I suspected possible water in the tank. Put some HEET in the tank, still an issue. Pulled a plug to check for any fouling. It looks fine to me, right?

DISCUSSION (28)

505Turbeaux > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 12:24

not to me, looks just fine unless there is some crap up in the cavity

wabbalosthiskey > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 12:24

It looks completely fine.

Mattbob > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 12:25

yeah, that looks fine for a jeep. it should run fine. One of my first posts was a picture of my plugs when I replaced them. They were waaaay worse and still ran fine. I'll find it. BRB here:

Kinja'd!!!

JalopJeep > 505Turbeaux
09/30/2014 at 12:25

That's what I was thinking also. Might just go grab a scanner to see if there's a particular cylinder misfire before I yank all the other plugs. Real pain in the ass with the coil on plug and these damn heater lines.

crowmolly > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 12:25

It is not fouled in my opinion.

I don't know what type of Jeep you've got. What year/model?

JalopJeep > crowmolly
09/30/2014 at 12:27

'00 XJ stock 4.0

EL_ULY > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 12:31

looks in good shape

Mattbob > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 12:37

That's exactly what I have. Have you taken all the plugs out to see if any particular one looks different? Maybe one cylinder or two aren't firing correctly? Any engine codes?

mcseanerson > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 12:40

Cats? My idle is pretty rough and pretty similar conditions. If I get over 2k it revs easier. I cut a hole in the exhaust right before the cat to give it a little more breathing room and it is a little less rough and revs a little easier now. Now I just need to buy a welder and some cats.

JalopJeep > Mattbob
09/30/2014 at 12:54

Going to get a scanner right now. CEL is always on so I can't tell if it's throwing a new code. rather use the scanner to see if a particular cylinder is having issues than yanking out the rest of the plugs. I want to rip these stupid heater hoses out.

yamahog > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 13:08

After a lot of rain this spring, I had a really nasty cyl. 5 misfire in my 97 XJ due to a fouled spark plug, but it looked a lot worse than that one. I ended up replacing all 6 plugs and wires for good measure. I second the suggestion to check the code reader and check the spark plug wires too.

Also, don't forget the mantra of the XJ owner, it's always a sensor. Check the throttle body sensor and might as well clean the throttle body too.

briannutter1 > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 13:15

My XJ had a fuel pump go out. The pump/sender design is a monumental piece of shit, so be careful re-installing it to avoid issues with the gas gauge.

JalopJeep > yamahog
09/30/2014 at 13:18

My AutoZone doesn't loan out scanners unless the vehicle is there. My old AZ used to do it. So now I'm stuck pulling all the plugs when chances are it could be a billion different other things. Also, no plug wires. I don't have a distributor.

Mattbob > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 13:20

just tie the heater hoses out of the way a bit with something. There should be enough flex there. Definitely find a scanner to use though. It could be an O2 sensor or something. If the CEL is on, then you have a clue.

yamahog > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 13:25

Where do you live? I have a scanner at home if you're in the SE Michigan area.

JalopJeep > Mattbob
09/30/2014 at 13:28

As a Jeep owner of almost 6 years I don't know how I don't own my own scanner at this point! lol. But yeah I'm kind of sitting on my hands until I can get ahold of one. Advance wouldn't loan one. AutoZone charges you the full price for the scanner then fully refunds you when you bring it back, but I don't happen to have 130$ to do that right now. Any good 20-50$ scanner suggestions?

Mattbob > yamahog
09/30/2014 at 13:29

wires? What are we animals? Who has wires anymore... JK, I think '00-'01 were the only ones without wires.

JalopJeep > yamahog
09/30/2014 at 13:29

Thanks a ton for the offer! But I happen to be as far from MI as possible... SE Georgia here.

yamahog > Mattbob
09/30/2014 at 13:30

Yea, me and my stone-age 1997-centric ways :P

Mattbob > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 13:30

Where are you at? there might be a jalop with a scanner around.

JalopJeep > Mattbob
09/30/2014 at 13:33

Yeah I'm askin' around maybe I'll get lucky!

Mattbob > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 13:33

if you have an android phone, you can buy this http://www.amazon.com/DBPOWER%C2%AE-…

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

and the torque pro app for like $5 more. That's what I use to check and clear codes. Works great.

Mattbob > yamahog
09/30/2014 at 13:41

1997 was a dark year, it's when the computers started winning:

May 11 – IBM 's Deep Blue defeats Garry Kasparov in the last game of the rematch, the first time a computer beats a chess World champion in a match.

I have way too little to do right now.

Trevor Slattery, ACTOR > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 14:04

Kinja'd!!!

Disconnect the battery. After about 1/2 hour or so when you reconnect it the OBDII system should reset. While the battery is disconnected, inspect the coil boots and spring/suppressor assembly, clean with CRC wire dryer and reinstall. That usually fixes the problem. Boots and spring assemblies are available to replace old ones, you do NOT have to get a whole new coil.

yamahog > Mattbob
09/30/2014 at 14:10

Hmmmm... my youngest sister was born in July 1997, are you saying she's a robot? IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW.

uofime > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 14:34

o'riley will scan if for you for free if you can get it there

JalopJeep > uofime
09/30/2014 at 14:51

unfortunately the only way that's happening is if I get it towed there lol

Philbert/Phartnagle > JalopJeep
09/30/2014 at 15:23

No it is not fouled. The center electrode is a bit rounded off on the edges, but otherwise it looks ok. Here is a chart for you to use when inspecting your plugs.

Kinja'd!!!