Semi Broken Down in Needles, California

[s14pwd]

So I have another issue now, the car feels like its on 3 of 4 cylinders. Was on the highway and it started to vibrate all of a sudden, think it was the road I continued, but a few miles later it didn't stop and I pulled over. Checked the air filter for clogs, there was a tissue, removed no difference. Checked plugs, they don't look good, number 2 specifically (brownish/blackish crust), I brought spares so I changed them all, no difference. I pulled each plug wire one by one, and unplugging 2 makes no difference. This morning I checked the injectors. Screwdriver test and all are clicking, switched 1 and 2, but the problem remains on 2. I check distributor cap and rotary, looks good, no carbon and nothing broken. I am fairly certain there is spark as I got shocked from each wire when I touched the car(this was not my intentional test, I was tired and touched the body of the car). I'm out of simple things to check. Everything's closed and its Sunday.

I am fearing a headgasket, but will find out tomorrow when I see a mechanic with a compression gauge. Ant assistance or help is really appreciated. I think I may have to send the m3 home on a truck...

Is anyone in the area or can help in some way? Obviously I would compensate with monies.

Shaun

[archie]

Can we get some help for the member? Anyone close enough with a trailer?
He is from Canada and FAR from home.
Pm me please.

Thank you

A

[reelizmpro]

Check the press fitted elbow on the front of the plenum. Then check the brake booster elbow on the throttle body near the firewall as well as the intake boot. Check the exhaust manifold studs/nuts too. If number #2 seems weak, then a compression/leak down test is in order.

[Farbin Kaiber]

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/OEM-Block-Tester/_/N-25dh?itemIdentifier=391378_0_0_

This is an easy test that could help you diag.

AutoZone, 4762 Arizona 95, Fort Mohave, AZ 86426

Looks to be 16 miles out from Needles.

( 928 ) 763-5220

Rental of the tool is usually $25, then $8-10 for the fluid, but it's an easy way to check headgasket without compression tester.

[s14pwd]

Thanks for the suggestions, gonna go check right now.

Do you think it would be safe to drive the car 16 miles there and back to get the tool on 3 cylinders?

[Farbin Kaiber]

No, I wouldn't chance it if it were me. I'd try to grab a compression tester at the same time then. Maybe a nice person seeing you walking will give you a ride?

[89AlpineM3]

Wish I could help, hope it's not terminal

[AndrewBird]

Might check and see if the injector is firing. Plug may have come loose or something?

[s14pwd]

Check the press fitted elbow on the front of the plenum. Then check the brake booster elbow on the throttle body near the firewall as well as the intake boot. Check the exhaust manifold studs/nuts too. If number #2 seems weak, then a compression/leak down test is in order.

Elbow on the front of the plenum is attached at both ends and the 3rd end near the valve cover, is soft and no tears. Brake booster elbow, same looks good. Intake boot was just replaced and is still attached and looks good. Manifold is on tight with all bolts in place. Compression test tomorrow.

[s14pwd]

Might check and see if the injector is firing. Plug may have come loose or something?

Did the screwdriver method and heard them all clicking, also swapped 1 and 2 and the problem remains on 2, so I can rule out injectors.

[e30rapidic]

sucked up a tissue? have you recently had work done on it as a tissue can't get past an air filter. Hopefully there wasn't something else in there that may have bent the intake valves. Hopefully the compression test will read ok.

[s14pwd]

sucked up a tissue? have you recently had work done on it as a tissue can't get past an air filter. Hopefully there wasn't something else in there that may have bent the intake valves. Hopefully the compression test will read ok.

Should of clarified, the tissue was on the intake side of the filter. Didn't go past it.

[E30_Pare]

if your thinking head gasket have you checked the obvious? Coolant in oil, oil in coolant, cold heater, white smoke from exhaust etc? Does the motor turn over easily? Your on a road trip? When was the last time the fuel filter was replaced

[E30_Pare]

Now that i think more about it. You should have some basic tools. I'd pull the valve cover and check for a broken rocker


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[s14pwd]

if your thinking head gasket have you checked the obvious? Coolant in oil, oil in coolant, cold heater, white smoke from exhaust etc? Does the motor turn over easily? Your on a road trip? When was the last time the fuel filter was replaced

I checked oil in coolant, looked clean, and I checked coolant in oil via the dipstick and nothing to indicate mixing. I remember reading that sometimes head gaskets can go at small amounts, resulting in no compression and no mixing, hence my guess. Motor turns over fine and no white smoke.

Yes I am on a road trip, the filter was just changed 8 months ago <1000 miles.