Does anyone know if there is a common cause for plug fouling in this
engine? The offending cylinder is #4 and the plug looks to be fouled
by a carbon residue. It is not oil soaked, but maybe the valve seals
are weak. I can take the plug out and clean it which cures the problem
for about 10 minutes worth of idling. I would appreciate the advice.
Will
Harri Markkula - 27 May 2006 21:54 GMT
> Does anyone know if there is a common cause for plug fouling in this
> engine? The offending cylinder is #4 and the plug looks to be fouled
> by a carbon residue. It is not oil soaked, but maybe the valve seals
> are weak. I can take the plug out and clean it which cures the
> problem for about 10 minutes worth of idling. I would appreciate the
> advice.
It's the very well known camshaft problem.
I did one repair myself once about 15 years ago.
Reg: Harri
T.G. Lambach - 28 May 2006 00:49 GMT
I don't know of a common cause but these are the possibilities (in order
of likelihood and, luckily, increasing cost):
1. Bad ignition wire which can be checked with an ohm meter.
2. Dirty fuel injector that's now throwing a stream instead of a spray;
this would cause #4's over fueling, especially at idle.
3. A leaking valve stem seal, but I'd discount that because only one
cylinder is involved.
4. A burned valve that's causing low compression; a compression test
will confirm, or deny, this possibility.
I believe you'll find #1 or #2 are the cause of your motor's problem.
Richard Sexton - 29 May 2006 20:34 GMT
>Does anyone know if there is a common cause for plug fouling in this
>engine? The offending cylinder is #4 and the plug looks to be fouled
>by a carbon residue. It is not oil soaked, but maybe the valve seals
>are weak. I can take the plug out and clean it which cures the problem
>for about 10 minutes worth of idling. I would appreciate the advice.
Do a compression test.

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