Van broken, lost 2nd cylinder . help!

Post by **pouch** » 09 Feb 2008, 22:12

Had a problem with the van today when it was hot it has started running on 3 cylinders. I bought a new Dizzy and rotor arm as they both looked a bit tired.
The 2nd cylinder (back right when looking in the engine bay) is not firing, worked this out by removing the HT leads one at a time.
After changing the dizzy and rotor arm its just the same? I have checked the spark on cylinder 2 and its good and strong.

I am guessing that it means I have a valve issue? The engine runs OK on 3, with no nasty metallic noises...

Any ideas? I need to get back home tomorrow.

Was going to remove rocker and see if valves are moving..

Any help would be great

Post by **Fritz** » 09 Feb 2008, 22:22

Easiest thing to check is the spark plugs and their condition and then the compressions on both cylinders on that side (provided you can get hold of a compression tester and a plug spanner)

If there is a vast difference in compression values between the cylinders will confirm further investigation will be needed.

Regards

Fritz,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Post by **toomanytoys** » 09 Feb 2008, 22:25

compression test...

pop the rocker and see if the rocker is moving attached.. looks in a "normal" position....

if the valve looks like its sitting down from the others.. its prob a dropped seat... head off job..

has it been under a lot of load recently? got really hot?

Post by **pouch** » 09 Feb 2008, 22:38

I checked the plugs and cleaned them, the 2nd cyclinder thats not firing is damp so there is petrol & a spark. Don't have a compression tester, will have to try and buy one in the morning, I presume I will need to remove the tinware to access for a test?

The engine has covered around 130k from new.

Will I need to drop the engine out to do a head, any chance that I can repair in situ.. would like to get home tomorrow, I can always use the train I guess..

Post by **toomanytoys** » 09 Feb 2008, 23:58

should be able to do a comp test with tinware in place..

But you might find it a lot easier to drop engine to do the head (might want to consider the other head while its out..)

check in the rocker cover first...

Post by **pouch** » 10 Feb 2008, 00:13

Thanks guys, will check in the morning, news to follow...

Post by **pouch** » 11 Feb 2008, 00:16

I managed to get the rocker cover off (difficult as it had been put on with silicone)

Nothing obviously wrong, not bits out of place and seems to move OK, I guess the next check is with a compression tester, but I need to buy one first.

Had to abandon van and come back on the train, so will hopefully look later in the week.

I think though it is going to mean doing the head, any suggestions on doing this myself?

How long to drop the engine and refurb both heads? The push rod tubes have been leaking and there are a few jobs I can do whilst the engine is out I guess.

Never removed the engine before and a bit nervous...

Post by **pouch** » 11 Feb 2008, 00:16

I managed to get the rocker cover off (difficult as it had been put on with silicone)

Nothing obviously wrong, not bits out of place and seems to move OK, I guess the next check is with a compression tester, but I need to buy one first.

Had to abandon van and come back on the train, so will hopefully look later in the week.

I think though it is going to mean doing the head, any suggestions on doing this myself?

How long to drop the engine and refurb both heads? The push rod tubes have been leaking and there are a few jobs I can do whilst the engine is out I guess.

Never removed the engine before and a bit nervous...