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'96 LSi - Cylinder 3 Misfire
Hi all... been a while since I last posted. Last I was here, I had just got one of the original PWR rad's installed, then some jack**s rear-ended me and totalled my '92 LS-L!
I finally found a new SVX recently, a 96 LSi, about 115k miles. It's been treating me well for the most part, but recently (2-3 months ago) there was a smallish exhaust leak right before the main catalytic, caused by the flange gasket deteriorating. I attempted to repair it but couldn't find the exact part (locally) at the time. It was better, but not perfect. Slowly, it's been getting worse again. While getting ready to replace the gasket and associated pieces to get the exhaust sealed up, I started getting a check engine light. OBDII reader shows me P0303 - Cylinder 3 misfire. I found conflicting information on which is cylinder 3, so I checked the middle plug on both sides of the engine. Both are getting spark. The plugs were recently replaced with Bosch platinum 2's and are still almost brand new looking, though I swapped them out just to be on the safe side. Cleared codes, and P0303 came back again after letting the car idle for a few minutes. The symptoms of what's happening are as follows: - Motor shakes pretty bad below ~800rpm, but runs much smoother > 1000 and even > 2000. - While driving, you can hear what sounds like misfiring especially at low rpm. - There is a distinct and severe lack of power as opposed to when it was running correctly. My question is, could the misfire be caused by the lack of compression due to the exhaust leak, or would you think there may be something else causing it? I'm planning on repairing the exhaust in the next week or so once I get the parts needed. I hope that clears everything up, but in the mean time I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what else to check to narrow down the problem. Thanks! Dan Last edited by dizzan; 11-03-2005 at 12:00 PM. |
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-Chike
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"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) Last edited by Chiketkd; 11-03-2005 at 11:58 AM. |
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Thanks |
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Okay, I re-read your post and have a few questions:
1) Are the Bosch Platinum 2 plugs OE replacments for the SVX? If they don't have the same heat range as the OE plugs it could cause a misfire. 2) Have you checked the fuel injector for the number 3 cylinder? When facing the engine from the front of the car, the cylinders are numbered: 5-6 3-4 1-2 Bad/incorrect plugs and a clogged fuel injector are the most likely causes of your problem. Either way, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be from an exhaust leak by the main cat... -Chike
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"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) |
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As for the plugs, I've used the platinum2's in my '92, and now in this '96 for a couple thousand miles before any of these issues came up. Bosch lists the 8303 model platinum2's as replacements for OEM. I think I still have the previous plugs that I took out when I purchased the '96, so perhaps I'll try swapping them in.
I'll also check on the injectors. What's the best way to check them? I'm thinking about redoing the whole exhaust while I'm at it and getting rid of some of these "extra" cats I saw your setup while looking through some threads... I was just wondering if you'd mind sharing what you paid for the whole setup? Thanks again, Dan |
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Here's a pic Svxfiles took of an SVX injector: -Chike
__________________
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) Last edited by Chiketkd; 11-03-2005 at 01:19 PM. |
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Cyl #3 misfire...
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Mike.... 8/96......Vin 100109 1997 LSI,18 inch Axis wheel(summer),16 inch ALT wheels(winter),Trans temp/Volt gauges,Iridium plug's, Autotechnica intake,silverstar high/low and fogs,polyurethane sway bar bushing's front and rear,Smallcar shift kit,Stebro exhaust finally..SWEET!! Motorsports drilled/slotted rotor's front and rear with ceramic pads and SS brake lines. 1997 SUS Legacy,finally got the engine in after a year!! My Locker www.myspace.com/devilhornz |
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Mike.... 8/96......Vin 100109 1997 LSI,18 inch Axis wheel(summer),16 inch ALT wheels(winter),Trans temp/Volt gauges,Iridium plug's, Autotechnica intake,silverstar high/low and fogs,polyurethane sway bar bushing's front and rear,Smallcar shift kit,Stebro exhaust finally..SWEET!! Motorsports drilled/slotted rotor's front and rear with ceramic pads and SS brake lines. 1997 SUS Legacy,finally got the engine in after a year!! My Locker www.myspace.com/devilhornz |
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Which means is has a heat range of +6. Most n/a cars use spark plugs with a heat range of +4. What's the part # for the Bosch Platinum 2 plugs you purchased? -Chike
__________________
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) |
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http://www.boschusa.com/AutoParts/Pa...e=H6+3.3+8+GAS |
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www.langstonspeed.com sells them at a great price! -Chike
__________________
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) Last edited by Chiketkd; 11-03-2005 at 02:32 PM. |
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Btw, SVXers have run Bosch plugs with a heat rating of +4 with no issues. I suspect a well-maintained engine will not have any problems with these plugs. -Chike
__________________
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) |
#15
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Coil Pack
Have you checked the coil pack on #3? I would cause it to miss---not necesarily a misfire by most definitions.
Lee
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SVXx2 92 SVX LS-L Silver 92 SVX LS-L Burgundy (structurally challenged with 2792 miles) 96 SVX LSi Red 92 SVX LS Pearl (Parts) 01 F150 4X4 Red (+6 with other members of the family) FREEDOM IS NOT FREE |
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