Spark Plug Problem?

[jax archillies]

ok for all your gear heads...


...my number three plug makes a wierd clicking type noise.  when i push on the boot, it goes away.  i turned the car off, and checked the boot.  all seems well, no charring, etc.  i replace the boot, and think i hear it click onto the plug.

again the popping returns upon engine restart.

is this a plug, boot, or wire issue?

[LaserRacer]

Is the clicking coming through the radio, or is the spark plug itself clicking? If its the radio, then it's a shielding issue (check for a damaged insulator, or possibly an abraded lead).

I am assuming however, seeing as you have it narrowed down to a specific plug, that it is audible when you are out infront of the car. In that case I would say it is probably a short. (check for exposed wire etc. starting at the distributor going all the way to the plug)

Is the car running differently, or is it just the noise?

[searscr]

I am no master mechanic, but it sounds like you have a problem with the cable.   The clicking you are hearing is probably caused by arching outside the combustion chamber every time that cylinder fires.  Here is a suggestion:  Take the plug wire off of the problem cylinder, and switch it one that is not making the noise.  If the sound moves to the other cylinder, the plug wire is the problem.  If the sound is still at that cylinder, it is something else.  By-the-way, remember to not get your plug wires out of firing order.  this could cause big problems.

[LaserRacer]

The above idea is a great one, but before I went even that far, If you have a spare plug, change it out...IMO it is easier to change the plug than the lead. (and in SOME cars, the plugs are cheaper than the leads)

[mini-support]

Here is what I have come across in my years as a mechanic:
1) The actual ring that clips over the spark plug has expanded, not so much that it fall off but enough to cause an arc inside the boot.
2) The core of the wire has broken away from the same clip and is arcing directly to the top of the plug
3)Some spark plugs have a removeable top that comes loose
4)The plug itself has backed out of the head allowing compression/combustion gasses past.

[noVtecHERE]

basically u need another wire, happens to our hondas all the time... im a certified honda mechanic and now work for a performance shop for the past 2 years... when this happens it is the whole wire/cable...