91RSmaro

Okay, now what do I do when my car is not running on 8 cycl.

Enkil

You find out why it's not, and then you fix it. One cylinder missing could be caused by any number of things: Injector not firing (I'm going to assume, since you have an RS, that you have a throttle body injection system, so that's not likely to be the case), spark plug fouled, plug wire came off, cam lobe spun, broken lifter, though.. the latter would probably cause quite a few problems. What makes you think one cylinder's missing?

Cruzin Kaz

A tune up! LOL!

But seriously check your plug wires, distributor cap, spark plugs. This is where to start anyway.

91RSmaro

Because my dad knows some guy the works on cars, and he hooked some machine or did something... I'm not sure I was at work when this all happened. I have to get it to a mechanic... or someone i know... just $$$$ that i dont have

RB83L69

Ummmmm..... get rid of the 6-cyl and put a V8 in?






Do I get a cookie now?

Cruzin Kaz

LOL! Good point!

Vader

I'm a little curious as to how you know all cylinders aren't producing power. It you determined that, you should already know which one(s) isn't firing and may have a clue as to why.

The first thing to do might be a power balance test with a good tachometer. That should identify which cylinder(s) isn't making power. After that, you can concetrate on deciding if the probelm is ignition, fuel, or mechanically related.

91RSmaro

Okay, thanx... and btw I have an 8... where did you get I have a 6 from... anyways, i went to talk to my friends dad who is a mechanic... and he said he will look at it either over the weekend or next week... i dont know much about engines... im trying to read stuff about them to try and learn... so please excuse that i am a moron

RB83L69

Well, you didn't say what you actually had, so I was just guessing.

Vader

In one way or another, we're all morons. No one knows everything. If you can describe some of the symptoms in a little detail, we might be able to find someone who is a little knowledgeable to take an educated guess as to the cause of your problems - and we might all learn something along the way.

Is it starting hard or noramlly?

Are there any unusual noises?

Does the engine lurch, chuggle, or vibrate?

Does this happen all the time, or only when cold, hot, etc?

NTChrist

Every time I've seen a V-8 run on less than 8 cylinders was because of an ignition problem. Usually something to do with plug wires.

Example: An original plug wire on my '82 F-150 (my first vehicle ever) either started arcing, or was so old that it was broken internally. Replacing all 8 solved the problem.

Another example: My old boss used to own a pale yellow '69 Charger, with a 383 big block Chrys. Beautiful shape. He raced a smack-talking co-worker of mine (second generation Firebird with a 301), and totally annhiliated him. When he pulled the Charger back into the shop, he was complaining that it wasn't running right. We popped the hood to discover one completely unplugged plug wire. Boy was the Firebird driver pissed at that! Got beat by a car running on 7 cylinders!

dimented24x7

iTrader: (2)

I dint know if id trust a mechanic. There are lots of honest guys out there but just as many that arnt honest. IVe had many mechanics that have tried to rip me off (car breaks down on long trip, need to get it fixed at a local shop deal). How does it run, does it seem to have a periodic vibration along with an off sounding exaust note? Lacking more power then usual J/K previous L03 owner, had to say it. But seriously, list all the things that seem unusual about the car lately so we can get a better idea of what it does. Youll notice a consistant vibration form the engine when it drops a cyl. Ive even gone down three cyl. and by then there is no doubt that something is wrong.

dimented24x7

iTrader: (2)

BTW, in some odd sort of disturbing way, i really like those three black stripes, looks kinda cool.

91RSmaro

Okay, Thanx for the input... I will try to list the things that seem unusual...

- the car starts fine, just like normal
- when idle its not a constant hum, its offbeat (don't really know how to explain) like choppy
- car shakes really bad, like it is anxious to move
- when I rev the engine it seems to be ok while foot is on gas... once it idles again the shaking starts.
- Ive only put about 250-300 miles on the car since I got it... this only started happening about one and half to two weeks ago... and since then it has been sitting in the drive way.

And I don't trust anyone I know that knows some stuff about cars.. thats why I am screwed... im not really friends with anyone that knows alot... so im always stuck with a mechanic

I know it isnt the best info to work from, but I don't know what else say about it.

dimented24x7, you are the only one that said that about the stripes... goes with the name. lol... just kidding dude.

dimented24x7

iTrader: (2)

Its all good
if its choppy at idle then id say its probably misfiring and in need of a good tune up, or, like you said, it dropped a cylinder. Id take it in for a good tune up and lube and get a new cap/rotor/wires + plugs wile your at it. Probably needs it anyhow and the mechanic can diagnose it while he/she has the car.

raggedout91RS

My RS did the same thing and it ended up being the plug wires. It is a cheap fix and you should be able to do it yourself. Screw paying somebody. Oh yeah, I kinda like the stripes too.

Vader

91,

If you only recently got the car and haven't done anything to it, you have a lot of work ahead. Unless you have copies of service orders or reciept showing service work, you need to start from scratch and perform all the service for a car of that age and mileage. Since you're having idle quality problems, a goo place to start would be with ignition/tune-up service - replace plugs, test the wires, replace the distributor cap and rotor, test the coil, clean the throttle body, set the TPS, set the minimu air position, check the timing, replace the oxygen sensor, air filter, fuel filter, clean teh battery cables and terminals, and clean or replace the PCV valve. Even if ignition isn't the primary cause, you cannot determine what the problems might be without a reliable ignition system.