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[mr_gr1mm]

I recently replaced both spark plugs and wires and noticed that my base capri will always stall out on the first start (engine turns over but quickly stalls out - each subsequent start always works). The engine runs really smooth otherwise, it just seems like the first attempt doesn't have the right fuel/air ratio causing it to die. Could it be due to the type of spark plugs that I put in there? Not a huge deal since the car always starts up on the second turnover. I have no idea what I'm doing so I just tried to get nicer spark plugs than what I previously had..

Perhaps the ECU is in need of adjusting?

Here are the parts I used:
spark plugs
spark plug wires

[greywolf27030]

V-powers usually do a good for at a good price point. Theoretically, the Iridium should be better. I wonder if they require higher spark for the tapered electrode?

[mr_gr1mm]

Do you have any recommendations? I'll be doing some checks this weekend to see if there is a vacuum leak or possibly an issue with the fuel pressure... not sure what can be done if there is an issue with the ECU since it is MECS :/

[greywolf27030]

I've never heard of anyone having that problem, so don't have any experience with it. You can't "adjust" the ECU, you've got what you've got. A set of V-Power are cheap, you might swap them out to see what happens.

[mr_gr1mm]

yeah.. I guess one of the spark plugs are bad maybe? it runs great though.. just stalls on the first start like clockwork. I couldn't find any vacuum leaks, so idk what to make of it. Does temperature affect spark plugs at all? It is rather cold outside and once the car is warmed up it will always start up fine.

[greywolf27030]

Cold would affect starting, if it's a little lean, it would be hard to start. Does the IAC work like it should?

[mr_gr1mm]

as far as I know the iac works just fine. never had this problem with the old spark plugs, is there anything I should look for to make sure it's still working?

[Rocketman]

Do you still have the old spark plugs? Toss them back in and see if the issue persists.
It's a weird issue, doesn't make sense, spark plugs / wires should not cause that.
Check to make sure all the plug wires are seated properly. I have a had a loose ignition wire on the coil cause power loss on turns before, otherwise ran fine. Stuff would move in the engine bay and increase the gap inside the loose plug boot, reducing spark power to the plugs. Took a while to hunt down