No 1 cylinder not Firing

[Graaf]

I think I may have posted my original query under the wrong section, so.......

Hi, took my 1992 we out for a run to to heat it up properly for it’s mot. Car passed mot with no advisories.

When I picked the car up it was only running on 3 cylinders. When I got it home I checked and number 1 was not firing, change plugs but still no joy. Possible ht lead or injectors? How can I tell?

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

[Jamie N]

Try swapping the lead / plug / injector one by one from another cylinder and see if it changes the misfire to the other cylinder for starters.

[dapinky]

If you take the HT lead off the plug which isn't firing, put one of your old plugs into the rubber cap on the lead and rest it on a metal bit of the engine (cam cover!) you will see it spark or not when you run the engine.... if it sparks, then the HT lead is working (but maybe not enough to generate a spark under compression).... if it doesn't spark, then you have an issue with the lead (or coil pack).

You can bypass the old plug bit by just holding the HT lead about 3mm off the engine cover and you should see a spark between the lead and the engine, but as the metal bit of the lead is quite deep in the rubber cap it isn't so easy on an Elan - - - but if you do it that way, use some well insulated pliers to hold the lead to avoid getting a high amperage electric shock

[Graaf]

Thank you gents.

Right..............

Now the next question is after shopping the plugs round to check that the plug wasn’t at fault, why didn’t my brain consider either of your suggestions?????

My brain must be going to mush over these lockdowns.

[Graaf]

Hi again

I am getting a good spark on the dead cylinder so would I be correct in assuming that it's the injector?

If so, would experience be to change all 4?

where is the best place to get them from, I see that SJS have them but £475 seems a lot of money.

thanks

[TorqueHorse]

Before you jump to replacement, there are some things others have tried to free-up stuck injectors (and trouble shoot to verify it is the injector). Try searching for past threads about "injectors" to see.
You should be able to check the resistance without too much fuss, and there are things to listen for when ignition is turned to on.

[TorqueHorse]

Here's one for example
viewtopic.php?f=37&t=28380&p=363908&hilit=Injectors#p363908

[Graaf]

Here's one for example
viewtopic.php?f=37&t=28380&p=363908&hilit=Injectors#p363908

Thank you for that, I’ll have a play tomorrow.

Much appreciated.

PS I did try the search for ‘injectors’ and loads came up but nothing seemed to be relevant.

[Saltire]

The first part of Edward’s thread here may also be useful

[TorqueHorse]

PS I did try the search for ‘injectors’ and loads came up but nothing seemed to be relevant.

What are you talking about, there is only 20 years of content here to sift through
Hang around and you'll get the knack soon enough (and learn more than you bargained for in the process)

[Graaf]

Thanks all, I’ve gone through the suggestions.

Tapping the injector has got no 1 cylinder firing but it’s still running rough. Think I’ll give up and Get someone to trailer it down to Gav at Unit 4.

Thanks again.

[Graaf]

Thanks all, I’ve gone through the suggestions.

Tapping the injector has got no 1 cylinder firing but it’s still running rough. Think I’ll give up and Get someone to trailer it down to Gav at Unit 4.

Thanks again.

[Rambo]

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Have you carried out the ALDL paper clip test to ascertain if any error codes are present/stored? If so, what were they?

[Graaf]

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Have you carried out the ALDL paper clip test to ascertain if any error codes are present/stored? If so, what were they?

Not tried the paper clip because I have elanscan (don’t understand it thought) but it does say that there are no fault codes.

[Graaf]

Well, I shorted out the no 1 cylinder not firing - it looks like it was a stuck injector - thanks for the advice.

The car was still missfiring. Changed plugs and all fine. Went out for a spin and all ok. Stopped for coffee went back to the car and it started missfiring again.

It appears to be ok when cold but when it’s rested but warm it misfires.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[Simon_P]

Use it!

It sounds like it sticks when it's hot so get it hot and use it.

[Rambo]

And get some injector cleaner into the fuel tank. And/or use a better quality fuel ie higher RON. I think too many of us are using cheapo fuel and experiencing problems. I've never seen so many injector problems as in the last couple of years Lockdown and lack of use appear to have exacerbated the problem

[Graaf]

Right, off to get some additive and I’ll take it for a run tomorrow! Thanks

[ashm]

You can also get injectors refurbed quite cheaply - ultrasonic cleaning and new seals etc. I did and it made a noticeable difference. Cheaper than buying new.
A

[Graaf]

You can also get injectors refurbed quite cheaply - ultrasonic cleaning and new seals etc. I did and it made a noticeable difference. Cheaper than buying new.
A

Once it’s stopped raining and I get chance to take the car out, I will look at this if it’s still missing. Thanks