Running 3 cylinders, need help!

Xtian · Post by **Xtian** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 11:17 pm

Hey guys, I really need your help!
So here's what I have

2001 SE ATX 2.0L SOHC
No A/C.
110,xxx miles.

My engine makes all kinds of noises lately, they are different everyday. Acceleration is really bad! Changed the oil yesterday, new spark plugs+wires, did tranny flush, radiator flush, new fuel filter etc. Full tune-up.
Also did seafoam on the engine. Gas mileage got extremely bad, drove about 180 miles and it was empty. I never run my car on low gas, because I know its bad for the engine.

So when accelerating there's a noise coming from the passenger airbag, which I discovered comes from the engine area. It is like a popping noise. I remember on my old '96 DOHC, had the same problem which I end up selling, because I was told by a mechanic that the engine was about to die. Also car dies in reverse and when idling rpms go down to 300-200. Knocks a lot! I even had the winter oil but still knocking doesn't go away as much.
I will post videos, pics little bit later today, so you can see and tell me what I can do about. I can't sell the car, because the money I will get for it will be no more than 1500-2000. I don't have any saved money. Neons around Seattle are way overpriced, high miles, basic models for about 4000, which is insane. Take a look at craigslist for Seattle.
I really need your opinion for what to do, what to replace, and if there's a way to fix this without pouring a lot of money.
THANKS!

Adionik · Post by **Adionik** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 11:47 pm

Did you check the compression?

Don't those have headgasket issues too?

Xtian · Post by **Xtian** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 1:20 am

Adionik wrote:Did you check the compression?

Don't those have headgasket issues too?

Compression is low, headgasket was replaced at 95,xxx miles.

Adionik · Post by **Adionik** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 2:52 am

You did a compression test? What were the results?

If it's low you have to rebuild it and I don't see anything cheap happening there...

Mat00ES · Post by **Mat00ES** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:53 am

Sounds like what was wrong with mine. Everytime I'd accelerate it'd make almost like a plastic snapping sound. I replaced my plugs and it went away. Check and make sure your wires are on right and you have the right gapped plugs. idk thats about all I can think of atm.

asanti · Post by **asanti** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 12:49 pm

If you're really running on 3 cylinders, then get the coil replaced as it's most likely your problem. I had the same thing happen to me and it turned out one of the coil towers went bad.

Later
Allex

Addicted2Boost · Post by **Addicted2Boost** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 1:18 pm

^^^^ same problem happened to me on my 1gen but it was the harness for the coil pack

Post by **jonnymopar** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 2:31 pm

Definitely check the coil pack. If it is indeed the coil pack, and you're not getting spark to one cylinder, then that popping noise during acceleration is unburnt fuel exploding in your catalytic converter. NOT good.

OB · Post by OB » Fri Jan 16, 2009 3:41 pm

If the ignition system is ok, i'd look at a fuel injector as a possible issue next. Fuel and spark play the biggest role in misfire/no fire. A possible valvetrain issue would be next, as it can cause strange noise and cause loss of power if not operating correctly.

Hudson_Neon · Post by **Hudson_Neon** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 7:04 pm

asanti wrote:If you're really running on 3 cylinders, then get the coil replaced as it's most likely your problem. I had the same thing happen to me and it turned out one of the coil towers went bad.

Later
Allex

wrong thing to do

jonnymopar wrote:Definitely check the coil pack. If it is indeed the coil pack, and you're not getting spark to one cylinder, then that popping noise during acceleration is unburnt fuel exploding in your catalytic converter. NOT good.

right thing to do. look up the specs and ohm it out. check primary and secondary ignition on the coil. also, do an injector bleed down test. see if all the injectors are working properly.

what were the numbers on the compression test? did you pressure test all the cylinders? if so is there a leak? where's it coming from?

actually to sum it all up, there's a lot you need to do if you wanna go about this properly instead of just throwing parts at it

Speeder · Post by **Speeder** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 8:42 pm

jonnymopar wrote:Definitely check the coil pack. If it is indeed the coil pack, and you're not getting spark to one cylinder, then that popping noise during acceleration is unburnt fuel exploding in your catalytic converter. NOT good.

Xtian · Post by **Xtian** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 11:42 pm

bought a new coil pack today, installed it.
does not help at all, I am returning it tomorrow though, paid $117!!!
compression test, I did not test all the cylinders, will do tomorrow though.
I don't think that there is a leak anywhere, the thing that there is this noise when I go up a hill, where more acceleration is needed, when I cold start the car that noise stays for about 10 minutes, after the car warms up is okay. Will post a video of a cold start later.