the MINIDivision crawler bot strikes again
[dramatic Star Wars music plays in background]

Thankfully, the reference numbers aren't getting any longer; seems 12 digits is the limit for now I'll be sure to call on this one as usual on Monday, hee hee

 

440ex- Not a problem......It has been my experience since 1976 that it is tricky to overtighten, specially if you need to whip one off while the head is hot. My experience with aluminum heads is lengthy, but in a different application and brand (VW). so I will stand by my suggestion and can certainly live with yours. I am a firm believer in torquing everything properly.
A word to the wise.....torque wrenches are HIGHLY delicate tools. ALWAYS set the spring at zero after you are done using one and once in a blue moon try to intercept the Mac Tool or Snap On or any other tool truck and have that baby checked for accuracy. I am lucky in that I can get it done at work at any time.....and never do, obviously....

 

What I am about to post probably does not directly reflect on your problem. However, I wanted to get the info out to the members. In doing a search on "coil pack", I came up with this thread. Here goes:

I've been having some unusual problems relating to "missing" at lower revs. Fine at WOT. Won't get into my specifics at this time. We'll work it out. Have been going through various parts at various dealers doing that wonderful "process of elimination" diagnose/repair.

Have now worked my way to the ignition system. Checked in with a dealer this morning to get some stock plug wires and was talking to the parts man. He said that he didn't have a complete set. Surprised me.

We got to chatting and it appears they have been going through a ton of number 3 wires due to some corroding on the #3 connection on the coil pack. In fact, they have been replacing a lot of coil packs.

Again, this might not relate to your blown plug, however everyone else out there might want to check the connector for rust. The parts guy and the service manager suggested I do the same.

Just thought everyone should know.

NNN

 

Sounds like it's time to get out the DeoxIT D5 from Caig labs. Excellent stuff!

 

Popular with electric guitar players everywhere

 

So how did this story end? Or is it still in progress...

 

I just use dilectric grease in both boots on the plug wires. Haven't ever had any problems with corrosion. In fact, I put that in pretty much every connector I unplug...

 

A little of both.

First, an interesting part about how I found this out has to do to my trial-and-error attempt to isolate my "missing" problem. Have done a bunch of stuff already, much at dealers' suggestions, to no avail. Figured I would change out my plugs (old looked good) and my Nology wires (have been on for about 42K miles and a bunch of track time.

Decided to go with Magnecor, due to many guys testifying to their quality. Put them on yesterday and went out for a drive. Thought I was riding a bareback bull.

Came back and read most everything on Magnecor's web site. One thing they warn about: Car may run much worse if you have any problems in your ignition sytem.

That's why I was at the parts department at the local Mini dealer. To buy a set of stock wires, just in case. When he told me he has no "complete" sets, I got very curious. Seems that they have been replacing a lot of coilpacks and #3 wires.

After they replaced my coilpack, my car went from almost undriveable back to the previous unsolved "missing" problem, which I now believe is either a vacuum leak and/or bad MAP sensirs.

The beat goes on. Working on both over the next 3-4 days.

 

There's a thread on Webbmotorsports about ensuring you have torqued your plugs correctly (and to re-check them regularly). Not sure if this relates but it seems possible. It was a sticky last time I read it but I haven't been on the website for a long time.

 

Thanks NearlyNN,
Pulled the #3 wire off the coil pack and the terminal was rusted badly (46,000 miles). There was rust on the #2, but it brushed off. Wonder what is the problem with the #3 location?