Continued Starting Running problem

[GenIIViperLife]

I recently changed out all of my O2 sensors with BOSCH, as well as new (Roe Racing recommended Bosch Spark Plugs). I am aware that champion are the OEM products as well as NTK for the sensors. However, my issue has worsened, the car starts, its spits out water and black smoke, its miss firing, and now on the right bank, there is a constant loud knocking sound. I am not sure what could have possibly happened. As I stated in my previous post, the car was attempted to start in theft mode, the engine got flooded. I let the car sit over night, changed out all the plugs, and disconnected the battery, and I am still having a major issue. I even took it out on a small drive to try and clear the carbon build up, considering the previous spark plugs were pretty black. I ended up getting stranded, mind you the car died twice, the first time is was still rolling and just popped the clutch and the car fired up again, (rolling start). Then the car died again and made a horrid rattling sound, all while still in motion, the oil light went on, and I coasted to a stop. Later that night I had to have the car towed back home, I tried starting it again this evening, it starts up, and like I mentioned it fires out black smoke with water, and the right bank sounds like its knocking. I am fearing the worst, the oil is dam near brand new, the car had ran great up until this point.

I am looking for help from anyone, please, and thank you as always, I am a very new owner of the Viper and very excited, all I ask is please be respectful. Thank you again for your time.

[mitchdob]

I recommend you contact Dan Cragin at SPT. There's no better Viper engineer on the planet, besides... he may be close to you (in SoCal).

http://www.specialtyperformanceteam....op/pc/home.asp

[Solid Red 98]

Without hearing and seeing what its doing, this is hard to diagnose. Here are a few stabs at it. If it is spitting out clear water after a short idle that may just be accumulated condensation. Coolant, is a different story=major issues, like a head gasket or worse. You mention black smoke=flooding=cause of misfiring. You also mention blackened plugs to begin with=excess fuel fouling. Side note: If the engine was running better with the old sensors, you might consider temporarily reinstalling the old ones as a test. The wrong sensors con make lots of trouble too. A constant, timed knocking sound does not sound good, that's for sure. It is possible that due to operation under over rich conditions for an extended period before you dug into it (sensors & plugs), the engine is suffering from gasoline wash down, into the crank case, causing damage to a rod bearing. Before you go any farther, be certain that you have the spark plug wires in the proper order, clear cylinders and clean plugs. Fire it up again. Still misfiring, cool down the motor, then remove some of the right bank plugs. Inspect for fuel fouling. Excess fuel problem? Hard to tell from here. The most troubling thing I see in your description is the loud rattling noise. If you have the wires crossed, the engine can work against itself, causing all sorts of running issues--even clattering noises. If its not something simple, like wires, you may need to get some on the spot help from someone with Viper experience. It must have been running sub par prompting you to start replacing parts. A video of your problem might would help. I hope some of this helps.

[RT SERPENT]

Given the black smoke and what sounds like a "very rich condition"... you'll likely be replacing the new BOSCH O2 sensors very soon.
They just can't handle any extra heat, gas, and tougher conditions. Stick with NTK sensors.

As Solid Red98 said, check the plug wires too. Easy to mix up (or possibly a few broken ones) when you swapped in new plugs.
Got cats? could have melted one as well which can put the car in "limp mode?"

[Martyb]

Stock or modified engine?