Only running on 3 cylinders - Engine Troubleshooting


	Auto Repair Home	SEARCH POSTS	WHO'S ONLINE	LOG IN

Automotive Repair

Car Troubleshooting Topics
  Car Troubleshooting
  Engine Troubleshooting
  Engine Fault Codes
  Electrical and Wiring
  Transmission Problems

Car Repair Topics
  Car Making Noises
  Car Stereo Repair
  Heating or AC Issues
  Motorcycles and ATVs
  Tricks of the Trade
  Truck Repair Advice

Site Options:
  Login
  Sign up here!

Latest Forum Post

+27730066655 HOW TO JOIN ILLUMINATI AND GET RICH IN JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA CONTACT PROF AAFA

+27730066655 HOW TO JOIN ILLUMINATI AND ...

1989 toyota pickup 3.0 crank no start

I have a 1989 toyota pickup 3.0 crank no...

Strut spring orientation and strut mount tension nut

2017 Nissan rogue awd 2.5 L Put in Monro...

Transmission stuck in part, I have tried everything

So I'm working on my elderly fathers 201...

2017 dodge journey LED headlights on/off randomly

Year of vehicle 2017 Make of vehicle dod...

Kia Soul starter replacement issues!

Okay so my car is a 2010 Kia soul 2.0 en...

Please Help - Knock sound & engine fail

Hi all, Hoping to get some insight and ...

multiple warning lights

2013 GMC Terrain 130,000 miles 4 cylinde...

03 alero no low speed blower

Good day everyone, I have a 2003 Olds a...

04 Chevy 2500hd tail light issues

Help!!! I have changed my combo switch...

Only running on 3 cylinders

Sign up here!

Search for (search options)

Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Engine Troubleshooting

Lizzie
New User
Lizzie profile image

Jan 14, 2007, 5:14 AM

Post #1 of 3 (1801 views)

Only running on 3 cylinders	Sign In

A few months ago I bought my first car, an '89 Ford Laser (with a carbie). A while ago I noticed it kind of jerked when I took my foot of the accelerator, but it only happened on and off, and not too badly, so at first I didn't worry too badly. But then it started doing it much worse, and I had a lot of trouble getting her started. When the engine is cold she'll stall if I'm not revving her and in the lower gears, she jerks quite violently. I got my dad to look at her as soon as it became bad, and he reckons she's only running on 3 cylinders. We're going to replace the spark plugs and distributor cap, but my dad doesn't think that's the real cause and only part of the problem, but he doesn't know what else it could be. Any ideas?

steve01832
Veteran
steve01832 profile image

Jan 14, 2007, 6:07 AM

Post #2 of 3 (1793 views)

Re: Only running on 3 cylinders	Sign In

You should start with a compression check on all cylinders. The compression guage should jump up to 50-75 lbs. on the first puff. The third puff should be around 120 lbs. If compression is low on all 4 cylinders, check timing belt/chain. If compression is ok on all 4 cylinders, proceed with ignition and fuel testing.

Steve

Lizzie
New User
Lizzie profile image

Jan 22, 2007, 3:03 AM

Post #3 of 3 (1775 views)

Re: Only running on 3 cylinders	Sign In

Thanks for that, so far no luck with anything we've tried, we have yet to try the compression test. It's looking like it might be a valve though, so I'll probably get a professional to have a look since it's beyond our capabilities.

Search for (options) Privacy Sitemap