302 misfire
 

My 302 is misfiring on cylinder 3. I replaced the wire to no avail (it did it on at all rpm's however, it needed wires anyhow.) I pulled the plug to find it black. I'm pretty sure that means that the motor is running rich, at least on that cylinder, however, even after cleaning the plug it still won't fire. I scraped the build-up off the cap and rotor, also to no avail. I'll prolly just replace the plugs, wires, and cap/rotor tomorrow, but wanted to know what you guys thought. One other thing, it smokes and the previous owner said that the compression was low on one cylinder which I believe to be cylinder 3. Thanks in advance.

Erik

Did you check for spark on that plug? It could be a bad plug, or a bad wire.

I'd do a compression test though, from what you say I think the problem may be mechanical rather than electrical.

The guy I bought it from said that it had about 70 percent of what it should have compression wise. Not sure on an actual number because i'm not sure on compression ratio and whatnot. However, I will change the plugs tomorrow and get a new cap and rotor. I plan on swappin the motor but that could be a month or more away.

Erik

Even if that cylinder's dead, a month or so on 7 isn't too bad. 70% of what it's supposed to be is liveable. So, let's see what the tune up does for it. Keep us posted.

well i'ld love to start it, I would, but the power steering line is off at the pump but won't come out at the box. I'm thinking about just screwin it back in the top and starting it but i decided to cook some chili to cool down... the chilli's good though. Oh and thanks for the suggestion.

Erik

Or you could pull the power steering belt off and start it.

Yeah, but I don't like to start two things at once. Got the new hose on now, changed the plugs and wires, however, the cap I got at farm and fleet is the wrong one. I'm headed back right now to get the right one.

Erik