When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey guys. Drove up to TN from FL last night. Truck ran great until I stopped in Chattanooga. After I started it back up I could tell it was missing slightly. Accelerated back onto the interstate and it was missing somewhat- mostly below 2500 rpm. If I dropped it down a lower gear it would clear up. I was trying to make it miss enough to set off a CEL but it wouldn't do it. Started it up today and now it runs fine again. I'd like to try and track down which cylinder it is before I drive back to FL. Any other way to track down which cylinder it is? I brought some tools and spare COP's with me lol. Have my scanner also- shows no pending or current codes. Cylinder 3 COP went bad a few weeks ago. Replaced it and was running perfect until last night. Thanks for the help.
Does your scanner read live data as the engine is running? If so it should give you a misfire count per cylinder. The higher the count, the more likely that cylinder is the problematic one.
Just some info. I was recently told by two good mechanics COPS do not go bad . The plug wire or boots go bad and cause the misfires or engine miss. I have not tried it yet but I will the next time there is an issue.
Just some info. I was recently told by two good mechanics COPS do not go bad
Yes and no. Many times a misfire can be due to a dried out cracked boot. In those cases a new boot (about $3) will fix the misfire. Then there are times that COPs actually do go bad. It's a part like any other part. It might not have moving parts in it, but it does have insulated wires that can break, or the insulation itself can break down and cause an internal short inside the COP. Like anything, proper diagnosis and test is usually the way to get off cheap without buying unnecessary parts.
For example: Just recently I fixed my alternator for $13.99 while a rebuilt goes for $250. I took it apart and found the brushes were almost gone. I ended up buying a regulator with the brushes already attached on eBay. I installed them this past weekend and all is well.
I replaced the plugs about 5000 miles ago. Also replaced 3 of the boots that looked like they weren't in the best shape. All others looked great. Still no misfires again lol. Maybe it was just getting used to the cold weather . Probably the coldest it's ever seen. Was 23* this morning and supposed to be down in the teens the next few days.
In Florida? That's got to be killing you guys down there!
No no! I'm in Tennessee right now. Kind of looking forward to going back to the warm! Supposed to get some snow tomorrow though. First time the kids will have ever seen snow