I need help. 86 Camaro, V6 automatic. After driving the car for 5-10 minutes, it begins to sputter or jerk a bit when I accelerate. I don't think it's the tranny because it isn't happening when shifting. Fluids are fine. It feels like one (or maybe two) of the spark plugs aren't firing, and in my mind that would make sense...slowly flooding as time passes. The only sound difference is a lack of normal rev. I am looking for ideas as to what the problem could be, and I need to know a way to check if my plugs are sparking with only a toolbox at my grasp.

Please help me

 

Remove one plug at a time and hold the tip against the engine block. You should get a nice white spark if the plug, wire, cap, and coil are all good. Also, check your plugs to see if they are NOT white or tan in color. If they are gas-soaked, they either are not firing or the cylinder is definitely flooded due to a leaking injector (if you have an MFI engine). If the plug is a wet black color, the piston rings are most likely leaking oil past them and into the chamber. If the plug is a dry black color, then you are running with too much air in the chamber, I believe. Also, compare the plugs to a new plug. If the terminals are fused together with deposits or are badly melted, eroded, or otherwise worn, you need to replace the plug. Also, changing out the coil for a new one would help too.

You will need a 5/8" spark plug socket, and a universal joint for you ratchet would help too. If you don't have a u-joint, it is possible to remove the plugs with a 6" extension alone, I think that's what I used anyways.