LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

How do i tell which cylinder misfires?

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Old 02-02-2005, 07:48 PM
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How do i tell which cylinder misfires?

I am having misfire problems lately. I get the code once every couple of days. I oringally had a problem with the spark plugs coming loose but i have fixed that by putting them in super tight. I just changed the plugs with tr-55s at .050 and wires with taylor spiro pro 8mm wires within the last 3000miles. I didn't originally have aproblem but now, it is quite common. I get the code random cylinder misfire. Ive checked all my plugs and wires pretty thorougly and have used dielectric grease. The only other thing i noticed is that one of my wires is burnt with a minor slit. It is #6 and it is too cold out to get a new one (where could i get just one wire btw?) I taped it up with electrical tape (The burn is a slit about 5 mm long. and put one of those heatsleaves over it so i dont think it is able to short through that.

Any ideas i can find out exactly which cylinder is misfiring?
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Old 02-02-2005, 08:56 PM
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Re: How do i tell which cylinder misfires?

You don't wanna strip that Aluminum head.
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Old 02-02-2005, 08:58 PM
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Re: How do i tell which cylinder misfires?

I didnt strip anything, the threads were good, but i believe theere was some carbon build up in some of the threads that cause the plugs to get loose under vibration. So i cleaned the threads good and put them in while the heads were warm. But how can i tell which cylinder is misfiring so i can further diagnose the problem . Also, would electric tape be enough to temporarily stop arcing?
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Old 02-02-2005, 09:01 PM
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Re: How do i tell which cylinder misfires?

I wouldnt use electrical tape and you don't wanna install the plugs while warm and if you said super tight then you couldve stripped them because LT1 heads are delicate.
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Old 02-02-2005, 09:39 PM
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Re: How do i tell which cylinder misfires?

Two things.... Electrical tape was not made to stop such high voltage and Electrical tape was not made to withstand that much heat (if close to the exhaust). It is however better than a naked spark plug wire with a cut in it but depending on how much heat it gets or is in the vecinity...it may not even last one trip to the supermarket.

Marvin
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Old 02-02-2005, 09:54 PM
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Re: How do i tell which cylinder misfires?

Its been a temporary fix. I am wondering if this burnt wire is causing all my problems or is there something else. Where can i get one taylor wire by itself? I put dielectric grease on the slit to insulate it a little and wrapped it in electrical tape and threw it in a heat sleeve. Its lasted one day. I did have a misfire but i was jumping someones battery when it happened so it may have been due to the loss of power. Ill see what happens. I will change it but i just dont have the time in the next few days to do it.
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Old 02-03-2005, 12:00 AM
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Re: How do i tell which cylinder misfires?

A scan of the PCM will give you the misfire counts, by cylinder.
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Old 02-03-2005, 10:06 AM
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Re: How do i tell which cylinder misfires?

Its been a temporary fix. I am wondering if this burnt wire is causing all my problems

Your Whole Problem! Burn wires will misfire with ease. Ive replace my wires plenty of times.
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Old 02-03-2005, 10:47 AM
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Re: How do i tell which cylinder misfires?

Replace the wires man; All of them. Don't try to fix a problem with blacktape and apathy...

Dave C.

Last edited by CCCCCYA; 02-03-2005 at 11:02 AM.
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Old 02-03-2005, 11:00 AM
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Re: How do i tell which cylinder misfires?

Originally Posted by CCCCCYA
Replace the wires man; All of them. Don't try to fix a problem with backtape and apathy...

Dave C.
i cracked my block once, and i just JB welded...

seems to work fine

i'm jk lol

yeah, i learned you cant halfass anything with these cars... if you look the actual copper wire in those insulated wires is THIN! with ALOT OF insulation.... i would only do what you did to get me home, and thats it...
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Old 02-03-2005, 12:21 PM
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Re: How do i tell which cylinder misfires?

damn dude youre not having much luck with that thing are you. If the wire is burnt, it will cause misfiring... i wish i knew where you could get just one wire.
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