2000 escort zx2 sr misfiring

[rbarber64]

computer giving me "misfire cylinder 3" message. I have replaced spark plugs, wires, fuel injector, and camshaft position sensor. I still have a misfire in cylinder 3. any advice greatly appreciated. thanks

[AzTumbleweed]

Have you checked compression? All I can think of is worn rings or a bad valve.

[rbarber64]

have not run compression check yet, will do that this afternoon. I am getting code P0303 now. thanks for responding, will keep you posted.

[rbarber64]

ran compression check and all cylinders are fine, still misfiring after replacing plugs, wires, camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensor, and the computer any input greatly appreciated

[zzyzzx2]

It might be helpful if we knew how many miles are on the engine and if you posted actual compression numbers.

Obligatory:
http://www.obd-codes.com/p0303

[rbarber64]

180,000 miles, cylinders 1 & 2 checked at 120 pounds, cylinders 3 & 4 checked at just under 90, removing the head to have a look at gasket. Was told that I may have gasket leak between the lower pressure cylinders. Does any one else agree with that? Thanks

[zzyzzx2]

Originally Posted by rbarber64

180,000 miles, cylinders 1 & 2 checked at 120 pounds, cylinders 3 & 4 checked at just under 90, removing the head to have a look at gasket. Was told that I may have gasket leak between the lower pressure cylinders. Does any one else agree with that? Thanks

http://www.feoa.net/modules.php?name...wtopic&t=67498


To quote myself (although you should read the whole thread:

According to the 1995 Factory Service manual, page 03-00-7:

"For the 1.9L engine, compression should be 170-207 psi"

Then on page 03-00-8 it further specifies that it's the variation between the cylinders that matters more then the actual value, and provides a chart which indicates the lower values, as low as 101 are acceptable under certain circumstances.

In so far as I understand, in real life low compression could run fine, but with sub per performance and gas mileage.


So, assuming that you are doing your compression test right, then your compression is really low. How many times did you try it and exactly how. It's easy enough to do it wrong and get low numbers. At 180K miles I wouldn't expect it to be anywhere near the 170-207PSI, but I have no idea what's normal compression for a 180K mile engine (maybe Google will help you out there).

How hard is it to start the car and does it ever stall out?