History:
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/059461.html

So, I did not have a bad timing chain, nor did I have any broken/chipped teeth. I did find a few other things that I will fix tonight, only now I need to find the cause.

The plugs were fouled out big time. Could be because they are old I'm not sure. Replacing today.
Dist cap is corroded and needs a new rotor. Also replacing today.
Very slight leak from valve cover gasket. Also replacing today.

So, any idea what could have caused the car to not start so suddenly?

Also, is there a trick to changing the rear spark plugs and valve cover?

+'s for any help.

Thanks in advance.

------------------
____________________Marty
The Pearl White GT Build Up

You can gain a little more clearance to reach the rear plugs by removing the decklid, just make sure you don't touch the torx safety screws in the middle of the decklid mounting brackets, they will release the bracket with enough force to break the rear window. I also usually stand in the trunk and place a towel over the engine, so I can rest on it, while I remove the sparkplugs. I also use an extension on my swivel head ratchet to remove them. To remove the rear valve cover is a bit of a pain because there is a bracket in the way. If you remove the bolt that holds the oil dipstick you should have enough clearance to wiggle it off. make sure you use a torque wrench to tighten the valve cover down. If you overtighten it, it will leak again.

[This message has been edited by avengador1 (edited 02-03-2005).]

What color were the plugs you took out? If they're whitish then you're running lean (needs more fuel or cooler plugs) If they're black then you're to rich (running to much fuel or to cool of a plug). If they're a slight green color then the plugs are to hot and you need to go with a cooler range plug. If they're just old and have been in there a long time then they're just normally worn. Normal plugs should have a slight brown look to them. If you see any very slight red color on plugs, that's residue from octane boost or injector cleaner.

As for removing front plug tricks; Sit on the car by the strut towers with your feet in the trunk. That will make it easier to get your arm in there without stretching your back and knees. You just have to get the right combo of socket and extensions to make it work. Taking the decklid off is just adding more work to it. Once you get used to it and sit in there it becomes like second nature.
I change my plugs twice a year. That's pretty excessive to most people but I like the car to run as good as possible and I never have to worry about the front plugs (the ones closest to the pass compartment) rusting from water falling on them through the decklid. I do have the rubber flapper but water still hits them slightly. Besides, i'm always adding something to the car so I like to keep an eye on what's going on inside the engine by looking over the old plugs carefully.

------------------
Activities Director N.I.F.E.

www.fierofocus.com