At a loss...

calla1231 · 10-24-2011, 09:32 AM

Well I had a P0304 code, misfire in #4. It has new plugs, wires, coil pack, new camshaft position sensor, new canister purge valve solenoid. Took manifold apart and cleaned it. There was a spot coming from the EGR that was almost completely closed with buildup so I cleaned it out. Thought maybe that was causing the misfire since it's right next to the #4. Even switched #3 and #4 injector to see if it was those, if it would give the same code again. Code came back up, P0304. It stumbles and acts like it is going to die on random startups, then clears up and gives the code. It can be on the first start of the day or after an hour of driving. It has no set pattern.

GTP Dad · 10-24-2011, 01:31 PM

Did you do a compression test on the #4 Cylinder. This sounds like it could be caused by a sticking or bad valve. You have basically ruled out everything else. One other thing check the connector to the injector. If there is a wiring issue it could be showing a misfire even with the changed injector.

zzyzzx2 · 10-24-2011, 01:47 PM

What year Escort? What engine?

calla1231 · 10-24-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzyzzx2

What year Escort? What engine?

it is a 97, 2.0. forgot to mention that over the past week I had everything apart (valve cover, intake manifold, head) since I figured it could use a good cleaning, and all the valves and everything with them looked good. some of the injectors had o rings that weren't looking good so I replaced some of those. maybe a crankshaft position sensor, or camshaft(it was replaced back in sept), or bad EGR?(I can't remember if it's ever been replaced, it's not in my maintenance log.

calla1231 · 10-24-2011, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

Did you do a compression test on the #4 Cylinder. This sounds like it could be caused by a sticking or bad valve. You have basically ruled out everything else. One other thing check the connector to the injector. If there is a wiring issue it could be showing a misfire even with the changed injector.

Wouldn't I need to do a compression test when it's acting up? I never know when it's going to do it and it only does it for less than a minute and then clears up.

zzyzzx2 · 10-25-2011, 08:09 AM

How many miles are on this engine? I have a suspicion that you may be at the beginning of having a dropped valve seat or maybe you just need to try seafoam.

calla1231 · 10-26-2011, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzyzzx2

How many miles are on this engine? I have a suspicion that you may be at the beginning of having a dropped valve seat or maybe you just need to try seafoam.

it has 170,500 on it. where can I get seafoam?

zzyzzx2 · 10-26-2011, 08:00 AM

You can get Seafoam at most auto parts stores and I think I've even seen it at WalMart.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sea-Foam-M...16-oz/16664932

calla1231 · 10-26-2011, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzyzzx2

You can get Seafoam at most auto parts stores and I think I've even seen it at WalMart.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sea-Foam-M...16-oz/16664932

I just put a a fuel system cleaner in about 2 weeks ago and still have 1/2 a tank of gas. Do I need to wait til that runs out or does it matter?

zzyzzx2 · 10-26-2011, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calla1231

I just put a a fuel system cleaner in about 2 weeks ago and still have 1/2 a tank of gas. Do I need to wait til that runs out or does it matter?

Check Seaform's website.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/motor-treatment.html

calla1231 · 10-26-2011, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzyzzx2

Check Seaform's website.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/motor-treatment.html

I had an earlier post about a rattle in my 97 that I was having. After taking out all the valves and related parts and cleaning everything (intake manifold as well) is there a need for the seafoam? Everything was pretty clean when I put it all back together.

GTP Dad · 10-26-2011, 06:13 PM

In my humble opinion I don't think you need the seafoam in your car given the fact that you already disassembled the engine and you were running a good fuel system cleaner. Did you remove the head from the vehicle or just clean the upper part of the head? If you removed the head did you use a new gasket and new head bolts?

calla1231 · 10-26-2011, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

In my humble opinion I don't think you need the seafoam in your car given the fact that you already disassembled the engine and you were running a good fuel system cleaner. Did you remove the head from the vehicle or just clean the upper part of the head? If you removed the head did you use a new gasket and new head bolts?

Yes I took the head off and used a new gasket and new bolts. I cranked it today and it made a weird nose, like metal hitting metal. It wouldn't crank, took things off, I have the #4 piston in about a million chunks. The connecting rod looks good and so does the cylinder. Ordering new piston tomorrow. Don't know what caused it. Don't know if that had anything to do with the P0304.

Intuit · 10-27-2011, 09:00 AM

Need to remove the head again and inspect those valve seats very very closely. When they drop, they can chew-up a piston. Bits may have migrated to the intake manifold and other cylinders as well. Make double sure that the piston walls aren't damaged. Valve(s) could also be bent.

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