Another misfire story...
#1
02-24-2010 | 12:59 AM
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Another misfire story...
I've appreciated the good info I've found around here, and thought I'd relate my experience.
It started with an engine light and 0302 code on my '03 4.7l Durango SLT with 103K miles.
The mechanic cleared the code, ran some seafoam thru it, changed the plugs and switched the coil from #2 to #4.
A couple days later the CEL came on again. Same code. (CEL comes on with cold start in morning or after it sits outside all day at work)
Cleared code. Switched to synthetic engine oil.
Took a week and a half before CEL came on again. Mechanic kept it for several days, to clear CEL, do compression check and numerous cold starts. Compression not worrisome. Couldn't get the CEL to come on again. Switched injector from #2 to #4.
After that, I drove it for several hundred miles over the course of the last couple weeks, without any CELs.... until yesterday.
Same CEL and code as before.
So the operating assumption is that the coil, and injector have been eliminated as the cause, that it is probably a sticky intake valve and that would require pulling the head and changing valve guides, etc. $$.
I'm thinking that the synthetic has helped lengthen the intervals between CELs, and that I'll just drive it and see if it stays off; and with the warmer weather coming... maybe it'll stay away.
Is there anything I can do that might effectively reverse the presumed sticky-ness - other than pull the head? Or can I only attempt to keep it from getting worse?
Thanks for any input.
It started with an engine light and 0302 code on my '03 4.7l Durango SLT with 103K miles.
The mechanic cleared the code, ran some seafoam thru it, changed the plugs and switched the coil from #2 to #4.
A couple days later the CEL came on again. Same code. (CEL comes on with cold start in morning or after it sits outside all day at work)
Cleared code. Switched to synthetic engine oil.
Took a week and a half before CEL came on again. Mechanic kept it for several days, to clear CEL, do compression check and numerous cold starts. Compression not worrisome. Couldn't get the CEL to come on again. Switched injector from #2 to #4.
After that, I drove it for several hundred miles over the course of the last couple weeks, without any CELs.... until yesterday.
Same CEL and code as before.
So the operating assumption is that the coil, and injector have been eliminated as the cause, that it is probably a sticky intake valve and that would require pulling the head and changing valve guides, etc. $$.
I'm thinking that the synthetic has helped lengthen the intervals between CELs, and that I'll just drive it and see if it stays off; and with the warmer weather coming... maybe it'll stay away.
Is there anything I can do that might effectively reverse the presumed sticky-ness - other than pull the head? Or can I only attempt to keep it from getting worse?
Thanks for any input.
#5
02-24-2010 | 08:21 PM
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He did indeed put in the OEM application, Champion RC12MCC4's that were gapped. He replaced 'em all - they did look kinda rough.
So am I off-base to operate under the assumption that it's something mechanical like a sticky valve guide?
From searching around the forums, it looks like maybe the gas treatment and occasional top end seamfoam treatment may maintain but not reverse the condition - if it is a sticky residue issue.
So am I off-base to operate under the assumption that it's something mechanical like a sticky valve guide?
From searching around the forums, it looks like maybe the gas treatment and occasional top end seamfoam treatment may maintain but not reverse the condition - if it is a sticky residue issue.
Last edited by Blue Dee; 02-24-2010 at 08:35 PM.