Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

possible misfire/no spark

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
    #1

    possible misfire/no spark

    The m42 in my 318is suddenly started sounded cammed/like a harley yesterday when I turned it on after work. Idle is stable, but sounds bad and is lacking power. Checked on plugs 2 and 1, and there was some oil from my valve cover leaking onto the plugs (replaced plugs few months ago), but it's been like that for over a year (I know). Tested for spark by setting the wire+plug on the intake and cranking, and didn't see any spark on plugs 2 or 1.

    The car still starts up and drives okay, but I wanted to know if there was anything I could do try and fix it today, besides trying new spark plugs. I am going to buy a spark plug tester from HF or autozone just to make sure it's the spark plug wires and not some other problem.

    What could cause this to happen suddenly without warning? And also, is it okay to drive the car in this condition?

    I already ordered the COP kit along with new plugs, valve cover gasket, but won't arrive for another week.
    Tags: None
    #2
    The ignition coil driver chips in the ECU sometime die, so that is one possibility. MAYBE it could be ignition coils, but it is a little unlikely that two died at the same time.

    Transaction Feedback: LINK

    Comment

      #3
      I tested for spark again with a inline spark tester, found that only cylinder 1 had a very weak spark/no spark compared to the other 3. I tried swapping the wires to see if the wire was the problem, but it still had the same problem. I also replaced the spark plugs in the first two cylinders today as well.

      I may try and pop out the ECU and check on the chip today. It still starts up and drives fine, just feels like there's only 75% of the power, and sounds off (but kinda cool).

      Comment

        #4
        Next try swapping the coils around. You can either swap a pair of coil units, or leave them in place and swap the plugs from the harness and the ignition wires between two. If the weak spark follows the coil, then it is not the ECU.

        Transaction Feedback: LINK

        Comment

          #5
          Yeah, it's definitely the coil. Doesn't look like any autoparts store sell them so I guess I'll have to wait until my COP kit arrives from HQ Autosports.

          Thanks

          Comment

          Previous template Next
          Working...
          X