Mechanics only, can I 'pick your brains?

Question

I recently changed the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor in a 2000 Dodge Ram Van w/ 5.2ltr (fancied up 318) it has rear A/C and heat, was 'missing'. The new plugs are AC Delco gapped @ .040 (specs say .035 - .042). A few miles later the check engine light came on, the ECM is seeing a high reading from the left bank o2 sensor. Could I still have a bad spark plug causing this problem? If you've had the pleasure of working on one of these, you'll know why I really don't want to play 'Hit-n-Miss'. Checked each gap, and double checked the wires! I've been working on cars for over 30years, I've seen new spark plugs that were bad so it wouldn't surprise me. Or could it be just a bad o2 sensor? They are original.

Update:

John, I did replace the wires as well, always do. Yea I still get buffaloed at times also. Just gotta step back and take another look! And, yes, a new wire could be bad. Or the o2 sensor just died

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

i would do the 02 senser first - then go from there

John · Answer

check the o2 sensor-for darn sure check the plug wires cause they could certainly be breaking down if they are original(you didnt say)easiest way for me is dark night no light crank vehicle raise hood look for sparks-ive found them myself when i thought were good but werent-been working on cars for 52 years still get buffaloed at times

tom56071 · Answer

replace the oxygen sensor and do a leak down compression test on that cylinder to see if valves are leaking before you buy a sensor try swiching plugs in that hole to see if it quits missing this would eliminate a foul plug could be a bad wire also

? · Answer

Ohm out the O2 sensor that is suspect, make sure it's within specifications. If it's not, then just replace it.

? · Answer

check your o2 sensors if they fall within range via multimeter

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Mechanics only, can I 'pick your brains?

5 Answers