So I did it. Christmas eve while waiting for the significant to get off work. Well, I kinda expected it because of all Ive read, I had oil in two of the spark plugs. Looks like I need a new valve cover. On my last plug, the coil pack came apart. I had to use pliers to get the rest out before I could get to the plug. I think the pack was weakened by being soaked in oil for who knows how long. I put it back together thinking the connections would come together... thinking I'm wrong. I have a couple questions that you all may be able to help with. Note that I also cleaned my throttle body. Unplugged the battery while cleaning. *edit, oh yes, and its running bad, feels like its running five cylinders...or its in a safe mode.

Is the coil pack that came apart dead? Is that the reason I'm throwing a CEL? (actually the CEL, SLIP, and VDC lights are on)

If so can I just replace the one?

Any idea how much it would cost to have a new valve cover put on? I could probably do it myself. Its not much harder than the MD spacer install is it?

What am I in for?

Merry Christmas to me

 

I did my sparks and was getting a random popping noise, rough idle, and a lot of shaking after the install. Turns out, when plugging in the coils, I plugged them in in the wrong order on the driver side. The coils should be plugged in:

1,3,5 - passenger side
front of car
2,4,6 - driver side

I fixed it and it fixed all my problems. Also, I too had a lot of oil in cylinder 6. I also need to replace my valve covers and valve cover gaskets. I don't believe it is much more difficult than a plenum spacer, maybe another hour or two of removing things...

 

Thanks for the response.

I changed one plug at a time, so I know they are plugged in correctly. My idle isnt rough, I really think the coil pack died and that cylinder isn't firing, or not firing consistantly. I just have the CEL, and additional lights, and a lack of power. If I'm not easy on the throttle it starts bucking like I'm hitting a rev limiter.

Seriously, aren't spark plug changes supposed to be easy lol.

 

You don't need new valve covers, just new valve cover gaskets. Also, get a code reader to see what code you have, it's probably a cylinder misfiring. If it's the one with the coil that came apart you may need a new coil; although I know on some cars the coils can come apart and it is normal. Did you plug your throttle body connectors back in also?

 

#1 you do need valve covers because anyone who know's a 350z knows that the gaskets for the spark plug holes on the valve cover are made into the valve cover. #2 you most likely put a hole in the rubber boot that slides over the spark pulg and it is most likely sparking inside the tube for the spark plug causing the missfire. I do believe you can buy the rubber boot without buying a new coilpack. Good luck.

P.S. I'm pretty sure he meant the coil and rubber boot came apart not the actual coilpack itself.

 

Yea the boot/tube pulled out of the pack, the coil actually came out of the tube along with a screw looking deal.

Plus one on replacing the whole cover, I've read about the oily plug issue a lot ... hoped I wouldn't have to deal with it. I found coil packs on a website for 31 dollars.

 

http://www.racepages.com/parts/ignit...ssan/350z.html

Anyone have any experience with this place. Coil packs for the 350 are 31 dollars? I may order a couple tonight.

 

Finally done with the biggest pain in the *** spark plug change ever. Good thing I ordered two coil packs. They seem to work fine. Have a year warranty vs. 3 months for the OEM ones. Hopefully they last. I will probably put OEM back in once I replace the valve cover. Didnt feel like dropping 200 on coil packs and jamming them back into an some oil. I did the full relearn process for the throttle as well. The Z is back now, and perkier like it should be after the fresh sparks.

Time to take her for a spin!