Hi

So, I've searched through the whole "Issues & Problems" section (manually) and although there are a few similar threads, none of them seem to match my symptoms exactly and by what I'm experiencing in the car, I don't think I have the same problem.

The 2 main symptoms I'm experiencing are:

1. The engine takes a bit longer than normal to start - maybe 4 or 5 more cranks than what I was used to, but while it's doing that it seems to take and then doesn't, then seems to take and then doesn't - then takes. That probably happens about 2 or 3 times. Once then engine is running, it seems to be running fine - idles the same - there's no uneven-ness. Warms up as normal and then:

2. When I drive, there's a slightly different engine note, and a slight loss of power from what I'm used to. And I really do mean slight. The car still runs fine - get's through the entire RPM range, doesn't stall - still has power (just not 100%) etc.

I only really have experience of piston engines before, but it kinda feels like one of the plugs isn't firing, or isn't firing properly. I had a VW Beetle a long time ago and when one of the spark plug cables wasn't attached properly I felt kinda the same thing.

Since the car is still running fine (let's say 95% of what I'm used to), I was wondering whether it may be something to do with the plugs or the coils. I imagine that it would have to be to do with one of the trailing plugs because I imagine the leading plug does most of the work, right?

The engine has +- 104000 km's on it (+-62800 miles) on it and is still bone-stock. It's had all it's regular services, so I would imagine that the plugs have been changed according to schedule, but the coils are probably still the same coils that have been in the car since 2004.

I dunno - any ideas?

 

Check your PLugs, Coils, and Coil Wires. It sounds like it is the coils

 

What would I be looking for though - sorry - I don't have much experience.

 

I really hope not - it's only been doing it for the past day or two... I got a new cat around 40000km's (25000 miles) already, and now that the car is out of the maintenance plan, I don't really want to fork out for a new car myself. I just hope I've caught it in time to not have fried the cat already...

 

irq5

the slightly flat sounding exhaust note is an apex seal going dry.. if you were able to monitor temps. the exhaust and h2o would have shot up.

as you are in south africa and do not have the latests flashes. i would do some reading on premix..

i know this from having it happen to me.

beers

 

Thanks swoope

I broke down and booked the car in at the dealership tomorrow to have it looked at. Let's see if they come up with anything. I'll read up on premixing in the mean time...

 

Well, the dealer can't find anything wrong with it - surprise, surprise

I'm on my way there in 2 minutes to firstly go show them the problem - and secondly to go past an autospares store and get some good engine cleaner and some 2 stroke oil to start trying out the premixing...

Will let you know the results

 

Spend the $100 and get the compression checked.
Railton

 

I honestly don't think it's anything to do with compression, specifically because there isn't a major drop in power and the fact that the different engine note is intermittent. I'm busy running a bottle of engine clearner through this tank of fuel and then have bought some good 2 stroke premix oil which I'll try out on the next tank.

I should be through this tank and on the premix in the next day or 2... I'll see how it goes...

 

Ok, so I've finished the tank with the engine cleaner in it - just filled up this morning on the way to work and added the premix as well.

How long would it take to notice whether the premix is helping? So far I've only driven 32km (20miles) - I'd imagine it would be more right?

So far, the engine note is still the same but slightly muffled... Power is back up to where it should be (I think). But there's still a bit of a rough feel to the engine - I still feel more vibration through the gear lever than I did before the problem started

 

you will not know till you are on a light cruise about 70 mph..

give it time..

but.. it is about the light cruise.. i would guess about 75miles on cruise would give you a good idea..

pm if you need more detailed info.

beers

 

Sticking your head in the sand won't make the problem go away. Trust me Dude.
Railton