5 instead of 6 cylinders

[Eddyvdw]

I'm getting desperate here. Cylinder #1 of my 2.4T still not working. Tried everything, new spark plug, new cable, cleaned distributor, etc etc. All other cylinders just fine but #1 doesn't want to play along. Any tips?
THANKS!
Ed

[Rot 911]

You need three things for ignition: air, fuel and spark. Which one are you missing? Are you saying you are not getting spark? How about fuel? Did you adjust your valves and perhaps adjusted an intake valve too tight losing compression? Or perhaps too loose so it doesn't even open.

[golfbuddah]

cARBS?

[Grady Clay]

Ed,

I agree with Kurt V. Esq., do a cranking compression test and check the valve clearance. Something like a broken intake rocker arm can act like this.

I hope it is that simple.

EDIT: try swapping the injection nozzles between #1 and #2 cylinders.
You can loosen the injection pipe and have the #1 nozzle spray in the air but only do this cranking and with the ignition disconnected. FIRE hazard.

Best,
Grady

[jcunning]

Does it have compression?

[Eddyvdw]

Compression checked, okay on all cylinders

Still number 1 and 4 are not joing the party. Checked spark, distributor, new fuel filter etc etc. Also while driving hardly any power and lots of smoke. Starting the engine is no problem at all.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Ed

[Grady Clay]

Ed,

Please post the cranking compression test measured numbers.

OK, lets remove the intake rocker covers and check that nothing is broken. Go through the routine of a valve adjustment, just checking clearance. The intakes can be with the normal tool and exhaust with a feeler gauge. You are looking for no clearance or way-too-much. A broken rocker will be ‘finger-loose’.

A cylinder with a broken rocker can still have ‘compression’. It just takes in air from the functioning valve.

We need to be very sure there isn’t a mechanical problem before we go after anything with the MFI.

Best,
Grady

[Eddyvdw]

Thanks,
Actually waht we did is a leakage test. Remove spark plug, pressure on cylinder and measure air leakage. All cylinder were below 20% tolerance.
Checked the rockers, looking good as well and none is broken.
Ed

[steve911T]

I know, just from the people (knowledge base) who post on the website here, I have no reason to ask this question. But, is the distributor in right, ie, when dropped back in the hole on TDC, was it off by a tooth either way? Sometimes that will do really funky things. When running, check the timing by the light and that will give you a good idea if it is right and also tell you if you have a spark on #1. Just like you, I am sure, I really hate the weird problems. Steve

[Eagledriver]

A leak down check will not tell you if you have a broken rocker arm.

-Andy

[dad911]

Ed, Andy & Grady have some good advice. You could get a good leakdown with the valves stuck closed. (broken rocker, worn lobe on cam)

Also, IMHO 20% leakdown is rather high. Pull the valve covers, rotate the engine and make sure the valves work.

[M491Cabriolet]

I had a similar problem with my 2.4T engine that had been sitting for a long time. It drove me absolutely nuts and made me feel desperate. I changed the entire fuel system, from the tank, to the fuel filter console, to the electrical and engine MFI pumps to the lines, to the injectors, and no joy. I changed the entire ignition system except for the ignition box, including distributor, wires, points, plugs, etc., and nothing. I thought I would have to do a rebuild, which I started on a second engine. As it turns out, one of my valves just had a piece of grit or something stuck under it, causing really poor compression on that cylinder. The same engine now scores a 2% leakdown on all cylinders and runs really well. Bottom line: Please do yourself and your wallet a favor and at least check your valves first.

[steve911T]

Did you find out what was causing the problem? Just curious. Steve

[T77911S]

Originally Posted by Eddyvdw

Compression checked, okay on all cylinders

Still number 1 and 4 are not joing the party. Checked spark, distributor, new fuel filter etc etc. Also while driving hardly any power and lots of smoke. Starting the engine is no problem at all.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Ed

now you added 4 is not working? plug wires crossed between 1 and 4?

compression check.

i assume you have carbs. bad adjustment on that cylinder/s or dirty carbs.

[Eddyvdw]

Back again, still some issues.

Compression good, valve timing right, checked rockers, spark + timing check, replaced solenoid, timing MFI ok, replaced fuel filter. Still engine runs weak, in idle and not enough power driving. Feels like not all cylinders are "strong" (meanwhile also replaced clutch, seals, refurbished alternator and engine wiring).

So what's next, MFI? Maybe the injection needles are cluttered?

Any tips?

Ed

[Eddyvdw]

For info, turned out to be the injectores.
Ultra sound cleaning by Bosch and all good now.
Ed