So I buy my Z 12 days ago - WOOHOO!!! [dances a jig]Put it straight in for 100,000km service and a few other 'fix-up' odds and ends...Get it back yesterday, put about 100km on the clock today doing joyrides for family and friends, etc... And the darn thing drops back to 5 cylinders...WHAT THE...!!! PLEASE EXPLAIN...??? Now I'm starting to get a tad p!$$ed off!!!Dunno what the exact problem is yet, but me and the old man are working on it - so here's hoping it's an easy fix.Anyone else had a similar problem of losing a cylinder??? Any tips on what to check for that may not be immediately obvious?Time to invest a conzult I think.Cheers,M
Coil pack connectors first. Probably broken clips and changing plugs for 100k service has caused one to fail. Also check the PTU plug.
You know there's not a whole lot about those in the owner manual. Do you know of any "How To's" or guides for checking these things on the net?Cheers
A slow process but would identify the problem would be to remove a coil pack one at a time, leaving the plug in the cylinder and place a spare plug in the coil pack as it lies across the top of the engine still connected and then start the engine and take it for a run or if you are good enough just observe the engine. If the exposed plug doesnt fire then you have found a faulty coil pack or PTU or connecting wire. If it is the crook cylinder all things will be the same but if you have disconnected a good cylinder then the engine will run worse than before you started because 2 cylinders are now not working. If you find all the plugs / coil packs are firing then the problem is with the cylinder or injector. A compression check would be the way to go to identify a valve/cylinder problem. Maybe thats enough for now and hopefully you will find the problem. You did say that the problem started 100klm after the 100000 service? What I am suggesting is that the mechanics didnt have the timing out a tooth when they repaired it which will show up straight away. Hope this may be of some assistance }) regards John
Check Vacuum Hoses >> on balance bar at rear of Plennum Chamber. I had the same problem a couple of years ago, & it turned out to be one of the hoses had blown off. Had the same symtoms as running on 5 cylinders.:-0 Welcome to the Zed ownership faternity.:-Z Cheers Kerry
Thanks folks... that's heaps... ...of info for now. We'll hook right into it tomorrow and try to narrow down the problem.
what the? Thats a very complicated way to check the coilpacks.Simply take the connectors off one at a time with the engine running. You will hear it drop another cylinder clearly each time until one of them will make no difference. Thats the one thats not firing. 2 minute job that way.If you want to check that your getting a spark, simply remove the coilpack and spark, keep them attached. Crank the engine and visibly watch the spark plug to see if it sparks.I would clean the coilpack connecters, ensure they attached well, clean the PTU and take it from there.
How did u go fixing your misfire:?) If you've still got probs, see the reply threads to my similar problem here.Otherwise how did you fix yours?Have a great cruiZe tomorrow and I'll be there in spirit 6:9
Simple fix! Hey zed4life,It was actually a very simple fix. After reading REAMS of printouts of tech articles, and arming myself for the massive mechanics/tinkering session to come... if simply wiggled the (I have no idea what they're called) connections that plug onto the sparkplug assembly. I'm not sure exactly what they're called, but they've got 3 wired coming out the top.Anyway, it seems the plastic connectors have become a bit brittle and quite cracked and broken and won't quite stay on properly for one of the cylinders. So, it comes away a little, loses connection, and the engine drops a cylinder. Happens every now and then, but at least I know what the problem is now and can remedy it. Surprised these connectors weren't replaced during the service... they're pretty dodgy... [shrug] Anyway, I'll have some more on order soon enough.Hope you get your Z on the road soon... you must be going insane with the wait!Cheers, M
Very common... They wouldnt replace these in the service as they are a bit of a PITA to rewire plus the plugs arent exactly cheap either. I recommend putting zipties around them to keep them in place in the meantime. Works well. When you order the plugs, check the coilpacks themselves also. You will find the connector is often broken on the coilpack end so just getting new connectors wont fix the problem without a new coilpack.
