Real mechanics needed

[88k5blazin]

To tell the truth, that looks more like a misfire than coolant. Does this thing have individual coils?
It could still be a coolant leak causing the misfire, but if possible, I would try swapping the coil packs to see if the gunk moves to the other plug.

The coolant is going somewhere though.

Nope just one maon coil with regular plugs. Before they found the cracked plug two weeks ago i replaced the coil and the same problem persisted. Id imagine though the the cracked plig would have been the main culprit at that time though

 

[Jessie James]

We have a top of the line aftermarket warranty

So take it back to the dealer and let them diagnose it. If they want to throw in a whole new engine, will the warranty cover it? What's your out of pocket? Mine is $100. If it's like that, why not get a new engine and call it a day?

 

[4xcrazy]

Ya know, plugs CAN be cracked during removal..

 

[88k5blazin]

So take it back to the dealer and let them diagnose it. If they want to throw in a whole new engine, will the warranty cover it? What's your out of pocket? Mine is $100. If it's like that, why not get a new engine and call it a day?

Similar to yours but when they wont even do basic testing like what im getting from you guys its hard to get them to do anything. from the beginning they havent done much of anything close to actual diagnosing.

 

[rampage]

Similar to yours but when they wont even do basic testing like what im getting from you guys its hard to get them to do anything. from the beginning they havent done much of anything close to actual diagnosing.

Maybe they did diagnose the problem and know exactly what's wrong but they don't want to fix it because it's a costly and time consuming fix so they're giving you the runaround hoping you'll go away.

 

[88k5blazin]

Maybe they did diagnose the problem and know exactly what's wrong but they don't want to fix it because it's a costly and time consuming fix so they're giving you the runaround hoping you'll go away.

Thats a strong possibility. Exactly why dealerships and certain mechanics get a bad wrap

 

[Mr. Sharky]

Based on what I now see, it does not appear to be an obvious head gasket problem. It almost looks like you have a coolant leak on a hose or fitting just above the coil pack. And the leak is dripping coolant down to the coil pack causing the misfire. Ford Expeditions were prone to this. And there were some other reports of other models having this problem also.

I would first do a coolant system pressure test to see if you can find any external coolant leaks first. If you pressurize the system then take a clean paper towel and rub it around the lines, you might find the culprit. Or you could use the UV light method and see what you find.

Hopefully, it is something simple. I suspect that is the problem and the coil packs, the boots, and the top of the plugs are getting soaked with coolant.

 

[Mr. Sharky]

Nope just one maon coil with regular plugs. Before they found the cracked plug two weeks ago i replaced the coil and the same problem persisted. Id imagine though the the cracked plig would have been the main culprit at that time though

Just out of curiosity, is there any oily residue on the plug boots or the connection of the wires at the top of the plugs?

 

[88k5blazin]

Based on what I now see, it does not appear to be an obvious head gasket problem. It almost looks like you have a coolant leak on a hose or fitting just above the coil pack. And the leak is dripping coolant down to the coil pack causing the misfire. Ford Expeditions were prone to this. And there were some other reports of other models having this problem also.

I would first do a coolant system pressure test to see if you can find any external coolant leaks first. If you pressurize the system then take a clean paper towel and rub it around the lines, you might find the culprit. Or you could use the UV light method and see what you find.

Hopefully, it is something simple. I suspect that is the problem and the coil packs, the boots, and the top of the plugs are getting soaked with coolant.

It doesnt have individual coils for each cylinder. It has a coil just to the right of the number 4. Cylinder and the plugs go to individual plugs. Would that still be a possibility

 

[Mr. Sharky]

It doesnt have individual coils for each cylinder. It has a coil just to the right of the number 4. Cylinder and the plugs go to individual plugs. Would that still be a possibility

I must have missed that earlier post....sorry!

But it still could be a misfire if in fact the coolant is dripping on the plug wire or plug itself. That could also be the cause for an insulator crack.

 

[63chevyll]

Have you even tried plug wires?

It's a waste spark system and one wire effects 2 cyl.

Anyhow, good luck

 

[4xcrazy]

This single coil pack you speak of, it wouldn't happen to have what looks to be maybe 3 seperate dual wire packs on it? all built into one platform of sorts?

Reason I ask, as I searched for a misfire on my dads Aveo a few years back, found it to be one of the coils that feeds one of the cylinders, but the whole pack needed replaced to cure that.

I bought the new pack for like $125 and he's been driving it ever since.

 

[4xcrazy]

I just looked up the coil pack for that car, it's almost identicle to the one I replaced on my dads Aveo. You should be able to have a scanner on the computer and get a multiple misfire reading if this is a problem.

That is a dual coil pack, one coil pack feeds 2 cylinders.

 

[88k5blazin]

I just looked up the coil pack for that car, it's almost identicle to the one I replaced on my dads Aveo. You should be able to have a scanner on the computer and get a multiple misfire reading if this is a problem.

That is a dual coil pack, one coil pack feeds 2 cylinders.

This is the coil it has. Looks like it has two section built into one pack

 

[63chevyll]

Oh sweet, a GM egr valve, those go bad all the time.

And yes there are two coils there, but the whole thing is called a "pack"

 

[88k5blazin]

I put a new plug and wire on the number four cylinder. Took it for a twenty minute test drive down the highway and it drove fine. I suspect it will be fine for a few days.

I did notice that it was difficult to remove that one plug compared to the others. It was extremely tight even though i torqued them back to all the same requirememts.

Would that be due to excess heat build up in that one cylinder?

 

[63chevyll]

Why not the whole set. If one failed then the others could be close. Remember 1 wire effects 2 cylinders

 

[Jessie James]

I am not sure, but to be safe maybe you should put some anti-seize lube on the plug threads?

 

[88k5blazin]

Why not the whole set. If one failed then the others could be close. Remember 1 wire effects 2 cylinders

Even though there are four individual wires? One going to each plug.

 

[88k5blazin]

I am not sure, but to be safe maybe you should put some anti-seize lube on the plug threads?

Probably a good idea. Couldnt hurt any.

I have a new plan of action. Tomorrow im going to borrow a pressure tester for the coolant system. I have to order the other coolant test set so i figure i may as well try this first since it is free.

If it tests out ok then i am going to look into the ignition coil. For the 100 dollars i may just pay it out of pocket to avoid dealing with the dealership.