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Spark plug extender frat-house initiation

Discussion in '308/328' started by TacElf, Feb 2, 2012.

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  1. TacElf

    TacElf Formula 3
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    #1 TacElf, Feb 2, 2012
    This morning my 328 developed a rather pronounced miss at idle as I was waiting at a stop light. Rather chilly this morning (34F) and I'd only gone a few miles so I didn't think too much about it until I got on the highway. Clearly a loss of power until around 4000rpm. After speaking with David (FastRadio) over email prognosis was likely an extender had done the 'ol burn-through. He had already replaced the extender on #1 just before I took ownership.

    Before leaving the Microsoft garage for home this evening, I pulled #2 and behold a nice burn mark and hole clear through the insulation. Took the piece upstairs to the on-campus bicycle shop hoping they had some electrical tape (which they did) and gave it a good wrapping. Plugged everything in: MAGIC, idle is back to where it should be and smooth. The big grin on my face became more thoughtful when under load (like some of the hills around here) I could still hear and feel more missing.

    So, upon arrival home, I went over every extender one at a time. #7 was pretty chewed up on the outside, but no holes just some gouges. #6, however had an even bigger burn through. Neatly wrapped all extenders with tape until I can get replacements. I have some planned shop time coming up on Monday, so I'll see if I can just get them replaced while they are in there.

    Everything runs fine again and it was an interesting exercise. 40 minutes and I was done.

    Guess everyone has to go through this. :)
     
  2. Jdubbya

    Jdubbya The $10 Trillion Man
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    #2 Jdubbya, Feb 2, 2012
    They are pretty reasonable to buy though so shouldn't be too big a deal. I didn't realize wrapping them with tape would do the trick. Good idea!!
     
  3. PV Dirk

    PV Dirk F1 Veteran

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    #3 PV Dirk, Feb 2, 2012
    I had some with splits. I wrapped them until my new ones arrived. 15K miles with new ones with no issues. I think many of them are probably 20 to 30 years old. I don't know any answers on these but there are many items on our old cars that age has taken it's toll on.
     
  4. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

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    #4 Sledge4.2, Feb 2, 2012
    Wow microsoft!
     
  5. TacElf

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    #5 TacElf, Feb 2, 2012
    That's why it felt like an initiation: Everyone's gotta do it. Felt pretty good getting my hands dirty, but wow is that front bank close to the firewall. Glad I have small hands.
     
  6. TacElf

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    #6 TacElf, Feb 2, 2012
    That's with a capital "M" if you please :p
     
  7. TacElf

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    #7 TacElf, Feb 2, 2012
    Yeah, at least a few of them looked very old -- Even the connector inside was subtly different than the new one FarstRadio put on #1.
     
  8. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

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    #8 Sledge4.2, Feb 2, 2012
    Good job! I was stuck in bldg 11 for a few years :)

    Replace all those extenders, it's only a matter of time...
     
  9. DWPC

    DWPC Formula Junior

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    #9 DWPC, Feb 2, 2012
    Replacements from Kingsborne are much less $$ than the usual sources and have a smaller plug clip than the originals that should reduce arcing potential. They're made in Italy too.
     
  10. TacElf

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    #10 TacElf, Feb 2, 2012
    Planning on it on Monday.
     
  11. Fave

    Fave F1 Rookie

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    #11 Fave, Feb 3, 2012
    Completely off topic but,
    Now that we know a big wig at Microsoft, could you set a meeting with Bill and ask him to get windows mobile right and bring back WHS. Thanks I'd appreciate it. :D
     
  12. fastradio

    fastradio F1 Rookie
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    #12 fastradio, Feb 3, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    This is great advice...Below is a photo of the "old style" versus the "new style:. The new style has the smaller clip, hence less likelihood of an arc through. Although there is a price difference between some vendors, their not all selling the same product. The better ones have a textured outer surface.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  13. TacElf

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    #13 TacElf, Feb 3, 2012
    :rolleyes: I'll set that up right away for ya. :rolleyes:
     
  14. PV Dirk

    PV Dirk F1 Veteran

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    #14 PV Dirk, Feb 3, 2012
    I don't know if it adds any advantage or causes any harm but I put some di-electric grease between the extender and the plug.

    Probably unnecessary overkill but I've become addicted to the stuff when it comes to my Ferrari. With all the reports of electrical issues I add it to virtually every electrical connection point I cross paths with.
     
  15. TacElf

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    #15 TacElf, Feb 3, 2012
    Ugh, most of my extenders look exactly like the one on the right (except #1). You can bet they will be replaced - today if my local independent has the parts on hand.
     
  16. flyngti

    flyngti Formula 3

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    #16 flyngti, Feb 3, 2012
    Ha! Welcome to the Brotherhood. Let the hazing begin!
     
  17. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

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    #17 Sledge4.2, Feb 3, 2012
    the other observations i had on extenders, was when testing them for resistance with an ohmeter, i had all of mine test out perfect, but when i slightly flexed the extenders, some of them shorted out on the ohmeter. that is how i found out one of my extenders was shot.
     
  18. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    #18 miketuason, Feb 3, 2012
    Geno, what is the resistance suppose to be, and was your the red or the black extenders?
     
  19. Sledge4.2

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    #19 Sledge4.2, Feb 3, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Black.

    Zero, or damn near zero IIR.

    on the failed extender, when I flexed it it would go from zero to infinity (1) on the ohmeter.

    The following tables were the final values I recorded for the new extenders, with new taylor spiral core wires, measured from cap terminal to extender end, wiggling all pieces to make sure the cap terminal connection was good, and the extenders werent shot. For what its worth:
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