Want to know who is good at diagnosing engine problems. I'm having a realy bad time with another vehicle in the family and wanted to ask someone knowledgeable a few questions through PM's of course since this has nothing to do with a Dakota, but engine problems are common. Having a misfire on #1 & #2 cylinders. Have verified spark all the plug. Raw gas is coming out the exhaust. Let me know if you have some ideas through PM before I call the motor toast. Thanks. Hope this is not inappropriate but I know there is a ton of knowledge on this site.

 

I know you say PM, but I think we should have the ideas out in the open. There may be some true mechanics out there, but I for one am not and it helps to discuss ideas. I understand it's not a forum brand but the powers that be should make an exception for mr. jkeaton here.

Fuel injected I assume? could injectors foul up and just drip fuel into the cylinder causing a very uneven burning of the fuel? thus, a very rich smell from the exhaust, and misfires?

 

It is a v6. and the cylinders are right next to each other. I am going to do a compresion check this weekend. There is no water in the oil and no oil in the water (radiator) that I can see. If I let it run long enough, along with the gas smell (and it is burning oil) there is a pool of tan colored milky stuff that accumulates under the tailpipe (thats coming out of the tailpipe). I'm thinking the gasket has blown between the cylinders since I am getting spark and gas to them.

 

Whats the make/model?

Can you do a compression test? Many autoparts stores have a loan-a-tool program that you might be able to borrow one from.

 

Does the oil smell of significant gas, like more than normal? Hows the oil look?

 

compression test this weekend. 94 mustang. Oil looks normal. Just changed it last weekend and it is still golden color like new. No oil in the radiator.

 

I would almost say it'd have to be the head gasket, especially considering it's two adjacent cylinders...

 

I'm leaning towards that. From what I've been reading, the early 3.8's were notorious for it, to the point of *ahem*...furd....issuing a recall in 95 to address the issue.

 

F.O.R.D. = Fixing or Repairing Daily

 

you can actually tell a sad, short story with only acronymns.

For off-road destination,
driver returns on foot...
found on road, dead....

bummer on head gasket man, at least it's a cheap part. tons of work though...