Running on 3 cylinders

**worm** · 22-05-2006, 03:21 PM

Basically this is my last chance before it goes to the mechanics.... which isnt a problem, I just like tinkering and getting stuff workin myself.

Took the spark plugs out and one is fouled. Covered in black soot.

I wire brushed it all off, put it back in and the car runs fine. But after a min it fouls again and misses. The plugs themselves are on good condition. I swaped them about and it only happens in the one cylinder (its the second from the right). There is def spark as it runs fine after cleaning it. Im lost

If its not tuned wouldnt all plugs foul? Could it have something to do with a blown headgasket as im still not convinced that its ok.
Pings a little.. timeing problem?

Anyhelp appreciated

**Golf Loon** · 22-05-2006, 03:23 PM

Valve stem seals?
Do you have a compression tester?
Does it start with a cloud of smoke when it has been sitting for a while?

**worm** · 22-05-2006, 03:26 PM

I do have a compression tester..... do you HAVE to remove all spark plugs to test the compression or just the one that u want to test?

It starts fine, no smoke... well not enough that I have noticed anyways

quick reply!

syncro · 22-05-2006, 05:49 PM

That looks more like black soot in the photo?
More like fuel than oil.

What sort of engine (carbs/efi etc.)

imported_brackie · 22-05-2006, 05:53 PM

* All plugs out
* Throttle wide open
* Good battery to give fast cranking speed.
Then:
Put oil (about 50mL) into the cylinder and do the test again. If the compessions come up markedly it's rings. If not, it's a burned valve, valve not closing off (shims) or valve stems/guides.

**82cab** · 23-05-2006, 10:17 AM

did you try to swap two of the high tension leads over and see if it starts hapening to another plug? It might be something as simple as a dodgey high tension lead.

**worm** · 23-05-2006, 03:04 PM

All great responses, thanks a bunch.
After reading the responses that it could be valves I decided to take the cover off and have a look... dad helped me check the valve clearances...... im not sure on the correct terminolgy BUT.... there are NO clearances.. the feeler guage doesnt slip in under the cam on ANY valve

and wtf is with the pic below.... is my cam missing a cam shaft bearing?
Looks like the head has been machine where the cam bearing is meant to be!

So my valves are stuffed

I have NFI what to do.... does this like mean a new engine

Golfwise · 23-05-2006, 03:50 PM

Its most likely running a little rich on that cylinder.Don't over panick and pull too much off.
Its not missing anything as thats the oil squirter for the hydraulic lifters and no you don't need to adjust them.No gap
A new set of plugs doesn't hurt nor a new set of leads and it may be fouling up on idle .take it for a run and blow the gunk out of it.
most of all don't panic and think its seriuos.

**82cab** · 23-05-2006, 04:05 PM

i'm with golfwise. I think its either a fuel or spark problem or both. The colour of the plug doesn't really show like oil is blocking it up. I'd be seriously tring a new set of plugs and lean the idle down to see if that helps before you do anything drastic.

**worm** · 23-05-2006, 04:37 PM

In... out.... in... out.......

ok, im calm......

So no gap is correct? In the service manual (which is for the 1.6 litre engine mind you) it says there should be a gap.... is the later mdl 1.8 motor different?

Its getting a bit dark and wet outside now, but tomoz ill swap a lead with another and see what happens. Ill get some new plugs as well....
man, i was freaking when i noticed there was no gap.. and that cam shaft soo looked like it was missing a bearing

Cheers guys.... I think you just saved me from having a heart attack