SOS, I was driving about 25 at around 3K rpm and!!!!!&a Options

[falconfp2001]

OK, I need help. I was driving relatively low speed when I hear what sounds like a gear grinding, it was really quick and then gone, and then I lose power. It accelerates but seems to be firing only on two cylinders.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

I am so bummed as i just got this car back running with the FI.

Any one have a super cheap Engine close that I can get to install this weekend?

[Dave_Darling]

The engine needs three things to run: Fuel, Air, and Spark. Check for each of those. For Air, use a compression test. For Spark, you can grab an extra spark plug and tape it so the outer electrode or the threaded part is touching a ground. Have someone crank the starter and look for sparks at the plug.

For fuel, you can be pretty certain you have it if you smell fuel at the tailpipe after cranking the starter for a while (say, with the above tests). But you can also pull the injectors on that one side (just one nut holds each one in) and stick them in jars. Have someone crank the starter (unplug the coil wires first!) while you look for the fuel spray. You want a spray, not a dribble.

If those check out, then the culprits are either when the spark happens (unlikely with just two cylinders), or how much fuel is going in (harder to figure out).

But a sudden loss of 2 cylinders is most likely either spark or fuel.

How's the distributor cap look? Is it on correctly?

--DD

[ConeDodger]

The engine needs three things to run: Fuel, Air, and Spark. Check for each of those. For Air, use a compression test. For Spark, you can grab an extra spark plug and tape it so the outer electrode or the threaded part is touching a ground. Have someone crank the starter and look for sparks at the plug.

For fuel, you can be pretty certain you have it if you smell fuel at the tailpipe after cranking the starter for a while (say, with the above tests). But you can also pull the injectors on that one side (just one nut holds each one in) and stick them in jars. Have someone crank the starter (unplug the coil wires first!) while you look for the fuel spray. You want a spray, not a dribble.

If those check out, then the culprits are either when the spark happens (unlikely with just two cylinders), or how much fuel is going in (harder to figure out).

But a sudden loss of 2 cylinders is most likely either spark or fuel.

How's the distributor cap look? Is it on correctly?

--DD

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) If you have two dead cylinders and nothing is wrong with your plugs or wires, check inside the distributor cap. Watch the shaft turn. You might have big old wobble. But look at the cap first. Evidence of this will be found there.