2001 Taurus same error after tune-up.

I just gave my 2001 Ford Taurus 3.0 w/10800 miles a tune-up and the check engine light came back on with the same "#2 cylinder error" I originally got. The car runs rough at 700 - 800 rpm idle. Anything over that, it smooths out and runs like a deer. The car doesn't smoke and is in good mechanical order otherwise. Please advise as to what it may be. Thanks.


(This post was edited by allthumbs on Apr 29, 2009, 12:02 PM)
What is the exact code number and what exactly have you replaced?




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida


Well, I didn't see the exact code #, so I'll have it checked again and write it down.

I replaced the plugs, wires and the coil pack.
Possibly injector or maybe a spring has broken.


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Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds I got it checked again last night and this time there were 2 codes. They were P0302 and P0305 - misfires in cylinders 2 & 5. The codes were reset and the car ran smoother, but later the check engine light came back on and the car began to run rough again.
What is the 8th digit of your VIN#?




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida


It's a "U" series Taurus.
What I would do is install an inline spark tester on cylinder #2 and observe it while someone power brakes the engine. Look to see if you actually getting an ignition miss or not. This will at least tell you what direction to pursue. If you can eliminate ignition, then you can take a closer look at the fuel system and compression.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida


allthumbs; PMJIH; #2 & #5 are directly across from each other. Look for a vacuum leak that could affect those two cylinders.
Loren
SW Washington I got the bad news yesterday. A compression test confirmed that there may be a crack in the head. # 5 cylinder had only 99 and #2 had 120 lbs. I think the old girl is in need of some serious TLC. Or the scrap yard. lol

This is still a good car. I really like it. Solid and dependable...until now, that is. You guys think it's worth putting that kind of money into?

P.S. Thanks for all the answers and tips.
allthumbs; A poor compression reading doesn't say 'cracked head'. If you are getting exhaust gasses into the cooling system, it's a 'possibility'. Did you try a wet compression test? (that's putting some oil in the cylinder, cranking it over a few times to distribute the oil, then do the compression test again). Also, do a leakdown test on the cylinder to see if you have pressure escaping through the exhaust or intake. There are many reasons that you could have poor compression and/or misfires, but a cracked head would be, if at all, at the bottom of the list.
Loren
SW Washington Thanks for the info. I'm possibly headed to the garage today. I'll mention those tests to the mechanic.
allthumbs; I was lying in bed, about midnight, thinking about this. (don't you feel bad?) Generally, the heads will crack between the valve seats. Although I've never seen one crack badly enough to affect compression, I suppose that it is possible.
Loren
SW Washington Loren, No, I don't feel bad. If some of the things were known that I Think about while lying in bed, well, let's just say I could be deported or on death row. :) Thanks for all the input. Have a great day.

Dave
>>If some of the things were known that I Think about while lying in bed, well, let's just say I could be deported or on death row. :)<<
Ya think they'll have room for both of us?
Loren
SW Washington Plenty of room. ALL ABOARD!
On my way.
Loren
SW Washington