I replaced the plugs in the 2000 V70XC with the standard Bosch copper ones from IPD.

When I first got the cover off, I noticed there was a little oil in the head area so I cleaned up with a little degreaser and water. Other than that, everything went smoothly.

I started up fine but after about a minute I noticed that the engine started to miss and run rough. It's continued to do so and the Check Engine light came on as well. I suspect the missing plug is causing too much gas to enter the catalytic converter so I shut off the engine.

I checked my work and everything seems fine. I don't know how to tell which cylinder is not firing? I have a volt meter and a timing light but I'm not sure where to hook it up.

Any suggestions on how to test the ignition system?

Thanks,

RGW

I suspect that when you cleaned the top of your plugs area you got some water in the plug wells...I've read the same symptoms from others who have cleaned that area. Give it a few hours (or use a shop vac and try to suck out anything in the plug wells) and try to crank the car again. Another thought is that you either pulled wires and broke them or the connections, or the plugs aren't gapped correctly. They should be at .028inches...tighten to 22lbs ft. Good luck

Btw, oil in that area is usually an indication that the PCV system is not functioning correctly and you are getting pressure blowing oil past the small hose that runs up to the top of the engine (from the oil separator under the intake manifold) and/or a bad gasket on your oil fill cap. Check it first and replace it...they tend to harden up, get brittle (from the heat) and not hold a seal after awhile.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic (125K), 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red (45K), Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon (Sold at 140K and miss her). My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

Thanks for the tips. I re did everything checking as I went. Gaps at .028 and torque at 22lbs ft. I cleaned the surfaces on the coils and the head to make sure I got a good ground and I also tested the wires and saw 12v on all the red wires with the ignition on.

After all that I ran the car and I still got a slightly rough idle however it is very smooth once it gets going. It's also rough when I try hard acceleration. It still seems there is a problem.

Could it be the PCV which may need replacement and may be causing a vacuum leak? Also I had been told the O2 sensor might need replacing. Would that cause a rough idle?

ps. Maybe it's time for me to break down and get one of those OBD2 readers!

Thanks,

RGW

I should also add that I am using the Bosch FR7DC plugs on my turbo engine. I read the owners manual and it listed these plugs for the non-turbo engine.

For the turbo, the manual calls for Champion RC9YC instead. Would this cause a problem at idle and when accelerting? I noticed the plugs I pulled out were Bosch FR7DC Super Plus plugs -- different than what the owners manual calls for but they worked fine.

RGW