Running on 3 cylinders... dangerous?

[Paul S]

The coil pack does not seem to be distributing charge to all four cylinders. Is there any immediate danger in running the car on 3 or is is just a lack of power?

PAul

 

[Tom]

Yes, you will kill the cat.

Are you SURE its the coilpack? What engine is it? If its a 1.4, 1.6 or possibly a 1.2 as well then the coils feed 2 cylinders so a faulty coil pack would kill 2, not just 1.

 

[Anonymous]

Re: Re: Running on 3 cylinders... dangerous?

are you being hip when you say kill the cat or is it a technical term? What damage will it do? we have been driving for three days with it like this....oops

 

[Tom]

Re: Re: Re: Running on 3 cylinders... dangerous?

If there is unburnt fuel getting into the catalytic converter it will overheat and can melt.

 

[Anonymous]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Running on 3 cylinders... dangerous?

hence a strong smell of fumes???

 

[Tom]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Running on 3 cylinders... dangerous?

Bingo!

Again, are you sure its the coil pack and not the plug leads?

 

[Anonymous]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Running on 3 cylinders... dangerous?

I wouldn't be able to tell but the mechanic seemed pretty sure....will get it checked just in case. is the damage still done???

 

[Tom]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Running on 3 cylinders... dangerous?

I would not like to say, you will have to see.

Change the plug leads!