Strange loss of power while drivine....

[My84terc]

Okay, so last night I'm driving home up the Grapevine (A 7% or so grade for about 8 miles). Towards the top, I usually have to go into 3rd in hopes of not getting run over by the big rigs. Last night, in 3rd, at about 3800 rpm's there was suddenly no power and it was running real rough, like a cylinder wasn't firing or there was a miss or something. and the temp gauge shot all the way up. I got off the freeway, let it cool down, needed about a quart of water, and it drove fine (well.. at least normal for it) ever since.

Any ideas what happened?

Thanks

[Neu]

On the distributor make sure all your plug wires are still plugged in. I dont have a cap for one of them, so electrical tape works in the meantime. Sometimes #3 will pop off at about 5k. I know to just pull over and plug it back in.

The temp gauge makes me think headgasket issues though...Start it up and look at the exhaust. If it's even the least bit sweet smelling and/or white colored...you blew a headgasket.

[My84terc]

I took out the spark plugs this morning, and the #3 plug, the electrode part is MISSING. Gone. Is this bad, do they burn up or is this in the cylinder causing problems?

[Neu]

YOu may have damaged your piston head, but I doubt it. Try getting a vaccuum attatchment small enough to fit in there, and try getting it out that way...if you can't get it out without getting the head off..well damn.

YOu want it out though, or else it'll just knock aroundi n there, you may have gotten lucky and it came out of the exhaust..but safe than sorry.

[takza]

I'd say you were getting some detonation...maybe...or just some heat...and the plug crapped out. If it went past the valve OK..it's OK?

New set of V-powers and your ready to go? You might want to back it off some and settle on a lower gear and maybe 3K tops...that's a long grade.

I remember a similar grade in Wyoming and I think I had it in 3rd and kept it at 35 mph most of the way.

[Typrus]

Lol... A well running 3AC with proper gear won't mind 5k for 8 miles.... Mine never did... lol

Those electrodes can wreak havoc on your cylinder walls, piston crown, valve seats... Make ABSOLUTELY sure it isn't embedded in your piston crown... HAve any friends with boroscopes?

[tercelboy]

check youre charcoal canister