That just means you computer cannot tell anything is wrong...it's bad in the sense that it didn't help you find the issue, it *might* be good in that you could have some small issue instead of something serious.

This is probably a stupid question, but have you replaced you plugs recently? Have messed w/ the timing?

 

No, I haven't replaced the plugs. When I bought the car I replaced the ignition wires and the distributor cap. When the coil died I (a couple of weeks ago) I replaced the coil and the rotor. I haven't looked at the plugs and I haven't done anything with the timing.

Do you think plugs could cause the symptoms I was experiencing? The hesitation from a stop and, now, not starting at all? I figured, if it were plugs, that only one would go bad at a time and then it would most likely chug away on three cylinders. Unless it's been chugging away on three cylinders since I bought it and I didn't even know, then a second plug went bad. Maybe.

 

Well, the plugs probably not the culprit but it only takes a few minutes to check them (same way you checked for a spark but this time you have to set the thread of the plug on gnd). Another *doubtful* but still a possibility is the fuel filter being clogged.

One thing that was neglected...was the car smoking when it was running???(burnt valve)

 

Actually, the first thing I did was replace the fuel filter.

The car would smoke when it first started. Like I said, I just got the car recently and I didn't really know if it was smoking excessively or not. The smoke seemed to lessen as the car warmed up.

 

Ok, I pulled the plug wires to take a look at the plugs and found oil. I then checked the oil and it smelled like gas. So, it looks like I've got bad piston rings or bad valve seals. I was hoping this was something relatively minor but I guess not.

So, now for a stupid question... How do I get the plugs out? They're very far down and a socket with an extension didn't seem to do the trick. Do I have to take the valve cover off in order to get to the plugs or is there some sort of special tool? If I do just need a socket and an extension, what size socket is it as mine doesn't seem to work.

Thanks

 

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/F...877/spark.html

 

The D-series plugs are in their deep......get a longer extension. I have specialized socket for the removal of plugs, it's a 5/8. Make sure you are using a deep socket.