Misfire and no power....

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

OP
OP
sgosa

sgosa

TYF Newbie
Joined
May 12, 2017
Posts
28
Reaction score
12
I checked the exhaust temps at the entrance and exit of the Cats. They were within 15-20 degrees or so. Is that a reliable way to check them?
I checked that the coils are firing.
I checked the injector harnesses with a noid light. All were good.
Last night unplugging some of the injectors seemed to effect the idling. Today none of them being unplugged affected it at all. It idles very rough. Just barely staying running. I felt sure last night that I was going to find a bad injector today. And I guess that’s still a possibility. But at this point I’m not sure.
 
OP
OP
sgosa

sgosa

TYF Newbie
Joined
May 12, 2017
Posts
28
Reaction score
12
If the cats were clogged to the point of causing this much of an issue, would it sound like it has an exhaust leak under the hood? It’s got that steady poofing sound when idling. That’s a silly way of describing it but I’m sure y’all know what I’m referring to.
 

Scottydoggs

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2017
Posts
2,523
Reaction score
3,675
Location
NJ
manifold to cats would be much hotter then the post cats pipes. if you drive it at night, when its good and dark, you can drive it somewhat hard, then pull over to see if they are glowing red.

best way i can describe a clogged cats sound is a vacuum with a full bag, it wants to suck in, but it cant any more.

you can also remove both front o2 sensors and run it. yes your making exhaust leaks, but that lets the back pressure off if the cats are clogged, and it should run better, sound like crap, but run better.

when was your last tune up? if recent what plugs you use?
 
OP
OP
sgosa

sgosa

TYF Newbie
Joined
May 12, 2017
Posts
28
Reaction score
12
manifold to cats would be much hotter then the post cats pipes. if you drive it at night, when its good and dark, you can drive it somewhat hard, then pull over to see if they are glowing red.

best way i can describe a clogged cats sound is a vacuum with a full bag, it wants to suck in, but it cant any more.

you can also remove both front o2 sensors and run it. yes your making exhaust leaks, but that lets the back pressure off if the cats are clogged, and it should run better, sound like crap, but run better.

when was your last tune up? if recent what plugs you use?
I replaced the plugs and wires this weekend. I used Taylor wires and AC Delco plugs.
 

89Suburban

Bull in the china shop
Supporting Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2013
Posts
13,347
Reaction score
36,719
Location
SE PA
I checked the exhaust temps at the entrance and exit of the Cats. .

No check the exhaust manifold exits at each cylinder head. If there is a dead cylinder it should be cooler than the others.
 
OP
OP
sgosa

sgosa

TYF Newbie
Joined
May 12, 2017
Posts
28
Reaction score
12
Probably a dumb question. But does it need to be at full operating temp to check them all? I would think so but I’d rather ask and know.
 
OP
OP
sgosa

sgosa

TYF Newbie
Joined
May 12, 2017
Posts
28
Reaction score
12
I checked the exhaust temps at the point of exit at the head. Seems like a wide range to be honest. Almost makes me doubt my thermometer is working properly.

Driver side
front cylinder 287
second cylinder 347
third cylinder 333
rear cylinder 311

Passenger side
front cyl. 288
second cyl. 214
third cyl. 210
rear cyl. 186.
 

Kraig

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2015
Posts
202
Reaction score
98
If you had a dead cylinder on a cold (not warmed up) engine, you’d have an exhaust passage just above room temperature.
 

Kraig

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2015
Posts
202
Reaction score
98
When you say the cat con temps are within 15-20 degrees—they’re hotter at the aft end than the front, right? That would indicate they’re working.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
129,464
Posts
1,816,300
Members
92,674
Latest member
dapperdadman
Top