The Misfire Returns....

[tb3033]

Hello again,

My misfire has come back, though the recipe has changed.

Went out for a drive this lunch time, everything started off OK but 10 mins in and the misfire started. Limped back to work and decided to pull each spark plug lead in turn. Number 1 (closest to front) made the engine stumble more, Number 2 made no change at all and when I revved it slightly it sounded like it had been behaving on the limp home.

If I manage to get it home tonight what should I check in what order?

Thanks

Ambrose

P.S. The squelching was a red herring, I eventually found the noise to be coming from around the cam carrier near Number 4 in addition to a good splattering of oil in that area. I've read elsewhere on here that leaks down there are quite common...

[Tentenths]

I'd give Mr T a ring, Ambrose.

[sandwer]

Hello again,

My misfire has come back, though the recipe has changed.

Went out for a drive this lunch time, everything started off OK but 10 mins in and the misfire started. Limped back to work and decided to pull each spark plug lead in turn. Number 1 (closest to front) made the engine stumble more, Number 2 made no change at all and when I revved it slightly it sounded like it had been behaving on the limp home.

First of all, check that the lead is seated correctly on the plug, and on the distributor. Check to see if that has made a difference. If no, then pull number 2 spark plug, and check that it is sparking. If it isn't, take number 3 out, put it onto number 2's lead and see if you get a spark. If you do, then just have done and put a new set of plugs in. If not, then suspect the lead.

And if you are getting a spark on number 2, check the exhaust for unburnt fuel. Its likely to be a carburation thing at this point....

Good luck.

[tb3033]

Hi Richard,

Thanks for that. You don't happen to know what type of spark plug it takes (I'm at work and away from all my manuals etc), and I can limp by Halfords on the way back and get a set. I suppose its a long shot to expect they stock the leads as well... The distributor seems very hard to get at - any tips?

James, yes if I cant sort this out tonight - Ill be phoning Mr T...

Thanks

Ambrose

[dazmans3]

Appart from checking all your leads are firmly seated & there are no breaks in the Ign leads, dizzy cap is firmly seated, (worth checking both dizzy clips are in place),

have you done a compression check on your Cylinders. Just prior to to confirming that my Cyl head gasket had gone, I was getting a bad miss fire, esp once engine was warmed up. NO 4 & them No3 are the common cyl to go. I know its worst case, but worth rulling out. Compression check is easy to do & wont take too long.

The dizzy is difficult to get to, might be worth taking Plemum chamber cover off to get better access. But I'd get a new gasket in ready if you are going to this. Have you looked in the box that contains the coil & ingition enhancer(cant remember proper name for this). Check the earths & connectors here, + the leads to the Dizzy

Daz

[sandwer]

Hi Richard,

Thanks for that. You don't happen to know what type of spark plug it takes (I'm at work and away from all my manuals etc), and I can limp by Halfords on the way back and get a set. I suppose its a long shot to expect they stock the leads as well... The distributor seems very hard to get at - any tips?

According to the parts book (next to my desk, now that is sad...) they are NGK BPR6ES

[tb3033]

Richard,

Thanks for the part number, Ill buy some anyway - I'm sure they wont go to waste. I'm thinking the best place to keep the manuals is in the car...

Daz,

No compression test yet, Im going to try these 'simple' things and if I have no luck drag/tow it to Newmarket. Did have a poke about in the ignition box when I had the slightly different misfire and it looked OK as far as I could tell- no harm to look again. Really hoping its not the head gasket, would there be other signs of this, I seem to remember an old car of mine whose head gasket went was accompanied by tons of steam from the exhaust

Thanks

Ambrose

[dglotusltd]

Ambrose,

I am chasing down the same thing that seems to on No.1 plug on my S1. After inspecting the plugs (they looked ok) I changed them anyway and now get a equal response when I pull the wires from each cylinder. Unfortunatley it was the dead of night so I quit while I was ahead and will try a run tonight.

I'd try that first. The quick way to dtermine if its the cable is to the cylinder swap as Daz described. I had a spare wire so I used it to swap out for each to check mine. Of course my S1 has less stuff in the way of the Dizzy. However, I do have cut and burn marks on my arms from reaching under the hot intake manifold to move the wires.

Let us know what works.

DomG

[tb3033]

Hi,

Panic Over.... Phew!

Got to Halfords, picked up some plugs. Sure enough no spark from Number 2 spark plug but plenty from the lead to pretty much anything metal. Popped in the plugs checked the leads (can just get hand though the distributor man-trap) fired him up and now firing on all four.

How happy am I ?

Many Thanks

Ambrose

[Backmarker]

Ambrose,

Pleased to read that the problem was a minor one.

Still troubles me when I hear of things not working on my old S3 turbo.

Glad its sorted and look forward to seeing it again soon.

Cheers,

Graham.

[tb3033]

Graham,

Yes Im pleased it was so minor even I could remedy it...

I really don't think there is anything to worry about Graham, the car seems to just keep getting better the more I drive it. Though I have to admit I still feel Im being a bit clumsy... I never seem to be in the right gear on a bend.

I'll throw a bucket over it in your honour before the 22nd

Ambrose

[dazmans3]

Panic Over.... Phew!

Got to Halfords, picked up some plugs. Sure enough no spark from Number 2 spark plug but plenty from the lead to pretty much anything metal. Popped in the plugs checked the leads (can just get hand though the distributor man-trap) fired him up and now firing on all four.

How happy am I ?

Glad to hear all is Ok & it was a simple problem to solve, How are your hands & arms?

you can now get some serious driving done in her

Daz

[tb3033]

Daz,

Somehow I managed to force my wrist past all the obstacles, I realised if I had slipped I would have probably snapped my wrist off and yes I have the scars....

Considering a drive to Edinburgh this month

Ambrose

[Simon350S]

Good news man.....

Will try fitting new plugs to mine and see if it sorts out all my problems......

Simon