Check engine light / loss of power

[Tampa330i]

Hey guys! It's been a while since I've done much of anything with the ZHP, but today I started it and had a weird problem. As soon as I started it, the check engine light came on and there is a 'stutter', for lack of a better term. I'm also noticing a huge loss of power, especially at low speeds. It's barely noticeable over 40. I just drove to work so I haven't had a chance to hook it up and get the codes yet. Based on the check engine, stuttering, and loss of power - any thoughts on what might cause this? Mileage is at 73k, a co-worker suggested it might be something with ignition coils or spark plugs - he thinks it's a misfire. Thanks!

[Mtnman]

Good to hear from you tampa! As far as ur problem, get the codes...there iare a lot of things it could be..

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[Newjack]

Could be any number of things. Check the codes and let us know!

[kayger12]

Agreed. Ready to jump in when we get the codes.

[danewilson77]

Agreed. Ready to jump in when we get the codes.

+1

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[Tampa330i]

Won't be able to scan until tomorrow morning :( I'll post it up as soon as I can.

[danewilson77]

Won't be able to scan until tomorrow morning :( I'll post it up as soon as I can.

Roger. Obtw.... Good seeing you around.

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[Tampa330i]

Nice to see you guys again too! Survey says:

error: 2(2) Nr: 100512743 mis-fire cylinder 5
P0305 Cylinder 5 Misfire

got an inpa screenshot of it if that helps. Based on a single cylinder misfire... spark plug failure, ignition coil failure, something else? Now reading it could be ...the injector? This probably requires me taking it apart a little and swapping plugs or coils I imagine. Other than my standard oil pressure switch error, it's the only one that shows up. Wish it was more detailed.

[kayger12]

Most likely a bad coil.

Pull the coil from five and switch it with one from a different cylinder-- if the error code moves, you've isolated the problem.

If the coil is good, then I'd say bad plug or possibly a clogged injector.

I'm thinking it will be the coil, though.

[Tampa330i]

Awesome, I was thinking the same. I was sweating all night, hoping it wasn't something major. I can do the plug and coil, but neither of those are the cause I'll be back to check out injectors. I've never done anything with an injector in any of my cars.

[kayger12]

Really doubt it's the injector. Was just kind of thinking out loud.

Coil would be the most likely, imo.

Let us know what you find.

[Tampa330i]

First thing I did was swap coils 4 & 5. The error followed the coil, cylinder 4 now lights up as mis-fire, no other codes. Just called autozone, they have replacements for $38, in stock. Yay! Thanks for the help guys :) I'll post on the condition after I replace this, should be later today.

[Newjack]

Glad you got it fixed. Just a warning though, driving an engine when it is misfiring for extended periods of time can do some damage to your catalytic converter. The unburned fuel goes through there and creates a mess.

[kayger12]

Good deal. Easy fix.

[Tampa330i]

Glad you got it fixed. Just a warning though, driving an engine when it is misfiring for extended periods of time can do some damage to your catalytic converter. The unburned fuel goes through there and creates a mess.

Luckily I've only driven it 4 miles like this. I'm having someone else drive me to get the coil :)

[Newjack]

Luckily I've only driven it 4 miles like this. I'm having someone else drive me to get the coil :)

Sweet deal.

[iZHP]

Just had this happen to me last month. Sputtering, no power, SES light. Ignition coil on # 5!! Coincidence?

[Tampa330i]

Results are in, we have a winner! Just installed, started it up - back to the normal purr. Cleared codes, checked again, no more codes.
While I was in there, I noticed a small amount of oil settled around the base of coils 1 and 2(not dripping in the coil sockets, but around the edges where they're inserted), looks like it might be coming from a bolt an inch or so away. Is this something to worry about?

[MrMaico]

Sounds like that part of the valve cover gasket is leaking oil into the spark plug wells.

[kayger12]

Sounds like that part of the valve cover gasket is leaking oil into the spark plug wells.

This. Probably due for a VCG.

[acontzhp]

While I was in there, I noticed a small amount of oil settled around the base of coils 1 and 2(not dripping in the coil sockets, but around the edges where they're inserted), looks like it might be coming from a bolt an inch or so away. Is this something to worry about?
I did my plugs a few days ago and noticed this as well.


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[MrMaico]

From what I've read, if it's just a bit of oil it's not something that has to be done immediately but I wouldn't put it off for too long. Next month or two maybe.

[Tampa330i]

This. Probably due for a VCG.

Is this difficult to replace?

[acontzhp]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww8qc3Y4BxA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

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[Tampa330i]

Nice, thanks! That's like the same thing I just did, but one step deeper. I'll consider doing it myself, probably will get a quote on this from an indy shop as well.

[acontzhp]

Yeah I have the same type of leakage as you do. I'm gonna go ahead and do this within the next month and vanos as well

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[MrMaico]

Is this difficult to replace?

Here's another good vid done by one of our members (Scorpius).....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugPUqjjKRz8

He also did a good oil filter housing gasket vid.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy0EKjuxlpY

[Tampa330i]

I think I might do this myself. Local place quoted me at 253 for parts and labor. 57 for the gasket. I checked around and can get the gasket for like 33. I assume the sealant is relatively cheap. That's my only concern, I've never applied a sealant like that. How long after it's applied do you wait before running the engine?

[Tampa330i]

That is an awesome video, btw, very informative. I've watched it a couple times, psyching myself up to doing this on my own.

[pfr]

Great video, it almost made me WANT to do it... ;) - what I don't understand, why would the position of solenoids matter? Shouldn't be those interchangable?

[danewilson77]

Really pretty easy. Just follow any well written diy (I like the first few steps of the Beisan procedure for vanos repair), and take your time.

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[Tampa330i]

Just a thought - the leak I noticed is right at one of the center bolts holding down the valve cover, the closest one to the front. Is it possible the rubber 'valve cover seal washer' on this one bolt is bad and causing the leak? I'm going to pull that bolt and replace the washer, then see if the oil comes back.