Changed Wires now rough start

[LRPZ]

Have 78 280Z. Had bad coil wire and changed it and car started great. Changed plug wire #1, car started great. From #2 onwards could not get a start. Put back old plug wirs and will start, but rough idle and noticable exhaust. Checked seating of all wires and look good. Thoughts?

[Willoughby Z]

Stating the obvious here- verify cap/wire/plug firing order. Connection/seating won't help if the firing order is off.

[LRPZ]

Thanks for the reply....Yup, did them one at a time vs the old wires. Now starts with full new set, but still getting a rougher idle than usual and more visible exhaust out the pipe.

[Willoughby Z]

Maybe during the wire change, the cap/rotor became dislodged. It happens.

There are wires and connectors in the distributor area that can be disturbed, such as coolant sensor, thermo-time, etc.

The point is- if everything was fine, excepting the coil wire, and then you changed something (the wire set) and now there is a new problem, you have to troubleshoot the problem from scratch, as if you have a no-start engine. Fuel,fire,air. Clean connections. Good grounds. Properly installed and adjusted components. Can't get a wrinkle out carpet without pushing it to the edge 'til it's gone...

[FastWoman]

sweaty/salty hands? If you left enough salt and moisture behind, you might have a short to ground.

[240260280z]

I agree with loosened temp sensor connection : rich exhaust, rough running and in the area

[LRPZ]

Thanks everybody....once I had the full set on again I moved on to other items (air filter, interior stuff) and let the car sit for a bit. Started right up a bit later, took it out for a ride and seemed ok, parked and started again later.

Blue...thanks for the pics...will check these tomorrow; too hot in the garage right now (4pm facing west in Florida is brutal).

[240260280z]

If the temp sensor loosens then the car will run very rich. It may even carbon foul the plugs.

If you find it loose then attach and check your plugs.