got a question for you guys. The CEL came on in my truck today. I went to the parts store to put the scanner on it. It came up as Cylinder #1 misfire. The guy said all that needed was to change the plugs. Does that sound right or is there more to it. I know some of these guys know what they are talking about, but most dont. I this problem something that would come out of nowwhere. The truck seems to be running like it normally does?

 

also if it is the plugs, what are the best plugs to use

 

Bull****. Do a search for "misfire" in this forum. Could be a clogged injector.

 

a misfire can be cap, rotor, plug, wire, or as Gary mentioned injector. could also be crap cloging up the rail at that end. #1 is the last injector on that side of the fuel rail.

 

I saw something about the heads being bad that would cause a misfire. is this possible or am I thinking of something else

 

I doubt it's your heads. The cylinders that typically go bad are #6 and/or #8. Even then, my machinist told me a cracked head can be worked around.

Anyway, a simple test is to fire up your truck and let it idle. While it's idling, unplug the wire lead to #1 injector. If the idle doesn't change, then there is a problem with either the injector or the wire. If the idle changes, then you know the injector is working properly. You could have a broken plug wire. That has happened twice with my Cavalier, and I make sure to get the lifetime warranty on my plus wires. I'm on a second set right now at no charge.

 

cool man. I'll check that out hopefully tonight.

 

you can also put a screwdriver up to the injector and listen to the handle. it acts like a stethescope. you should hear it ticking.

i think i read in a thread somewhere that a clogged cat can cause a misfire.

 

It can (and it did it to me); however, it's more likely going to be on the passenger side of the engine.

 

just to make sure , which is the #1 cylinder. i thought it was the drivers side to the front