I'm getting a misfire in cylinder 2 code. Code P0302. Was also getting p0352 coil 2 bad code. Replaced the distributors / ignition coils and the coil code went away. Replaced all the plugs (well the ones on cyl 1, 2, and 3. Not yet on 4 because of intake cover). Replaced the wires on 1, 2, and 3 also. Still getting misfire on cylinder 2.

To add some context to this story, I recently had mechanics run diagnostics on this engine. They said compression was low in cylinder 1. But compression was good on all other cylinders. I'm probably going to be putting a new engine in this soon anyways. But curious about what might be causing cylinder 2 misfire, even after plugs, wires, and coils replaced. Also having issues I had a couple years ago where the truck is stalling when slowing down and making turns. Any insight would be great. Thanks.

 

Low compression on cylinder 1 and cylinder 2 misfiring, it's really running like garbage. Lean white smoke coming out and such. Lot of miles and I'm just assuming the engine has had it's day at this point.

 

What did spark plugs from #2 look like?

White smoke is not Lean, its coolant being burned in a cylinder
Pinging/knocking noise is Lean

Old spark plugs tips looking clean and white means coolant is being burned in that cylinder, and that causes a misfire

Both spark plugs fire at the same time in your 2.3l Lima engine, so both spark plugs would have to be bad for a "spark misfire"

That leaves fuel and compression
Bad injector is possible but you would have to swap it with say #1 and see if misfire moved to #1

That leaves compression, did the shop give you numbers or just #1 is low?
And did they do a mechanical test using a gauge, or a digital test using a computer?

 

Those were the old plugs I pulled out before installing new ones. The docs on the diagnostics said no compression on cylinder 1. 100psi for all the others.

 

The top portion is the diagnostic. I believe it was hooked up to advanced computer. It was more advanced equipment than say common OBD-2 reader. The bottom segment was suggested actions and estimated cost to repair (replaced head gasket, etc.). But another oddity, is the empty coolant on the diagnostic. I always top off the coolant reservoir. Don't see and haven't noticed it leaking under the truck or anything.

 

The 2.3l Lima engine should be 155-165psi so 100psi means timing belt has slipped, and engine shouldn't start up, or should be very VERY hard to start up with gasoline
If engine starts and runs then their numbers are wrong, period

0psi means a burnt valve, so doesn't matter about P0302, head has to come off regardless

How many miles on the engine/vehicle?
If 300k or more I would rebuild the engine
Under that would be a toss up on just doing the head and driving until bottom end was knocking


Spark plugs look like oil was leaking in and someone may have used fuel additives, alot of it, lol, spark plugs were done
Maybe some coolant in there as well but after the oil and additives coated the plug tips

If looking for used engine
Only 1995-1997 2.3l Lima will match up, 1994 and earlier won't work
Or you can use a 1998-2001 2.5l Lima

 

It doesn't have problem starting. Just sounds and runs like garbage. It does stall on slowing and turns some times. Then it becomes hard to start back up. Have to give it gas on those occasions to get it going again. If it's been sitting off, it doesn't have problems starting.

Do you know what might be causing the stalling? Related or another problem altogether?

I did notice during the previous cold seasons that it seemed moisture was getting mixed in oil. Could have been coolant I was seeing in there. Kindof a milky substance on dipstick. Only during cold seasons though. Maybe a problem with front main oil seal allowing moisture in? Don't really use additives. But there was a time where I was experimenting with fuel additives to get better fuel quality. Nothing over what recommended dose on bottles though.

Sounds like mechanics saying empty coolant I guess means the coolant was leaking into engine somewhere (probably head gasket? Had that replaced about 5 years ago). Instead of draining out under truck. Reservoir barely goes down and I always top it off. So maybe hose from reservoir is clogged and not accurately representing amounts in radiator.

Miles are 350,000. So it had a good run. Probably going to go with Jasper engine or JEGS or something.

 

Not sure where the shop came up with 100psi on their compression test, engine should not start cold

Yes at 350k I would rebuild

Not sure what you mean by the cause of engine stalling or rough running, 0psi in a cylinder means a 4cyl engine has lost over 25% of its power, over 25% because now the other 3 working cylinders have to drag the non-firing cylinder thru it cycle
That's the cause

Condensation on dipstick(high up) or under side of oil cap, the white stuff, is normal in colder months, can mean time to change PCV valve, but won't cause any running issues

If engine is burning coolant then you will see white smoke coming out the tail pipe and overflow should get fuller and maybe bubble a bit after engine warms up

 

Thanks. My father and I pulled the old motor off. Looked at the cylinders. Reason cylinder 1 had no compression was the piston ring was damaged. There was starting to be residue build up on intake and exhaust valves that probably contributed to problems. Put a new motor on and works great now.

I don't have any more problems with the oil pressure gauge (sender switch / dummy switch) jumping around like crazy at stops. And also no stalling issues since putting in new motor.