Technical Panda classic engine misfire

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Technical Panda classic engine misfire

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Apr 27, 2021
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I originally started this enquiry in the general section, but it’s been a few weeks since I last posted and have since realised I should have posted in the technical section, so I’m starting again and continuing the saga.
Panda classic 2009 , 70,000 on the clock suddenly started misfiring. With the help of Koalar and a code reader
Found P0300, P0301. Misfire cylinder 1 and general misfire.
Swapped plugs, coils, injectors around no change to codes. My next check was to compression test, but, with all the checks I had done, disconnecting and reconnecting the Ecu plugs , my carelessness resulted in two bent and then broken pins on the Ecu unit.
If anyone in the future should be reading this take the GREATEST CARE, when dealing with these two plugs and sockets.
What to do? Is the car a write off or do I source a used Ecu unit? Disliking to chuck something away that can possibly be repaired I sourced a new old Ecu and hoped it would be OK to clone, even though it cost me.
Meanwhile I did a compression test, although to a cold engine.
No 1:190psi No2:190psi No3:80psi No 4:160psi Now there’s a surprise I thought the codes said the problem was with no 1 cylinder.
Leak down test next, again to a cold engine
No1: 20% but with the radiator water boiling like a kettle.
No2: 20% can’t hear anything
No3: 80% air noise from intake, also air coming out no4 plug hole
No 4: 20% air from intake.
From that I think I realise that the head gasket has blown.
My thoughts are to take the head off and hope that the it’s just the head gasket and maybe the valves.
Does anyone have any thoughts as to the condition of the piston rings. I think to do anything with them is a step too far for me. No means of removing engine, nor the space to do so.
The condition of the engine oil as far as I can see from the dipstick is as clean as when I put it in.
Sorry to be a bit long winded
Richard
 
When you say "leak down " test, do you mean, as in compressed air down the plug holes with each cylinder in turn locked at TDC, as generally if oil filler cap off at same time you will hear if excessive blow by past the pistons if worn pistons and cylinders.
The other test for pistons is a compression test before and after adding some oil; to the plug holes, it can be messy, but if compression reading improve it points to pistons as it will temporarily improve the seal where as it will not improve leaky valves.
Put about a desert spoon of oil down each bore to test, let it settle before test and afterwards put a cloth over plug holes and spin engine to prevent any damage due to hydraulic lock.
No chance of a good electrician doing a repair on the ECU as cloning may be even more problems. See what specialist advises.
 
yes , air down TDC cylinders. I couldn’t hear air from oil filler cap, only in the case of 3 & 4 air coming from inlet and air coming out of no 4 when injecting air into no 3
Sounds like classic head gasket issue blowing across two cylinders, so head skim and test cylinder block with a straight edge and feeler gauge, personally less than 2 thou of an inch as old school;) As long as no cracks!
Check valves while head off for peace of mind, either with valves shut and using petrol or similar or machine shop where head skimmed may have a suction tester unless you have something yourself.
 
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