Problems with the Q. NEED HELP.

[QFourFive]

First off while I reassembling the air intake system after changing my spark plugs I found a little wire with a "brush" in the middle (Pic 1) in one of the hoses that connect to the engine (Pic 2). To me it looked like somebody was cleaning the hose and left it in the, but it may be a filter. I was hoping that somebody could shed some light????

Pic 1Pic 2

Second, I think I messed something up when I changed my spark plugs because at idle my RPM's drop like the car wants to cut off, and when accelrating the engine studders like it does not want to accelerate and when it does it does it in "lurches".

Also I took my car to the shop to see about a problem I was having with my front axle. When I turn (both ways) there is a clicking noise that comes from the front suspension/axle. The dealer told me it was probably the universal axle joint, but the guy at the shop said it was my sway bar links. He replaced those but the clicking is still there.

Somebody please help, I'm tired of these issues. I need to get this stuff squared away because I'm ready to do my exhaust setup!!
Modified by QFourFive at 11:37 AM 10/1/2009

[Q45tech]

This is an oil vapor [condensation] trap to stop too much oil liquidISH from being sucked into plenum [too help keep [lenum clean]. A mini catch can inside a hose.

Remember PCV works at steady rpm/speed cruise when vacuum [plenum pressure is lowest].

Importand to clean INSIDE hose/brush periodically or PCV flow may change.

[QFourFive]

Ok, now my check engine light came on. Here's some info on when I changed my spark plugs.

Removed the old ones after disassembling everything and the two plugs furthest back broke in half when I was taking them out. They broke in the middle, the cramic part. I got both ends out but I was thinking that maybe a chip of the ceramic might have been left behind?? I replaced the old ones with NGK Iridium IX plugs. I don't know how important tightening everything back to the proper torque is, but I tightened everything back to what it seemed like it should be. I don't have a torque wrench nor do I know what torque they are supposed to be tightened to.

After I changed them the car seemed to have more power and better gas pedal response. Now the car is idling low and stuttering while I try to accelerate at speed, and when I accelerate from a standstill the car accelerates in spurts. It'll feel like the acceleration is restricted and then it'll pick up.

I hope all of this can be resolved by checking the plugs.I tried being as descriptive as I can so please let me know what you think.

[QFourFive]

I just finished checking all the spark plugs and everything looks ok, unless there is something down in the hole that the spark plug came out of and I can't see it. Are the ignition coils supposed to be in any particular order? I noticed they had numbers on them (T3,T3,T4,T4,T5,T5,T5,T6). I'm not sure if they mean anything.

My conclusion is that the engine does not like the NGK Iridium plugs. I will order some platinums and see what happens once I install them.