Running rich/misfire

1. john_p Newbie Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5

   #1 13th September 2009, 18:13

   posted over at Probs but maybe should have been in here
   
   VTR, '00
   
   Idling high, engine running rough (misfire - scooby noise!) and cat glowing RED hot (with smoke!). Broke down yesterday, no power, and seemed like it was running on two cyls. Today seems a bit better but no way we're gonna risk driving it. Exhaust seems to be blowing too, can't see from where. Cleaned MAP, crank sensor, changed plugs just in case.
   
   So, what to do now. Is the high idle just because the Check Engine light is on? Should I test the coil pack - if so how ? Haynes manual not very clear..
2. djdanman Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 dunstable Posts: 111 Saxo vtr phase 1 in white

   #2 13th September 2009, 18:28

   could be lots of things mate tbh, sounds like more than one thing maybe sensor problems and mechanical problems....lots of things to check start with the sensors if its running rich then it could be,
   
   lambda sensor
   coolant temp sensor
   Knock sensor
   intake air temp sensor
   cranks shaft sensor
   
   could be something mechanical aswell like
   
   timing out
   head gasket gone
   air leak at the inlet track ie manifold throttle body etc, you will be suprised how bad the engine will run and idle with a vacuum leak at the inlet tract, nd cause smoking because of running to rich....
   
   need more info really maybe some pics and vids....

   1 user thanked this post: user_10418
3. user_10418 Saxperience Addict Joined: Jun 2006 Wirral Posts: 13584 Wickerd red VTS MK2, Two tone VTS MK2,vvc Metro..

   #3 13th September 2009, 21:14

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by djdanman could be lots of things mate tbh, sounds like more than one thing maybe sensor problems and mechanical problems....lots of things to check start with the sensors if its running rich then it could be, lambda sensor coolant temp sensor Knock sensor intake air temp sensor cranks shaft sensor could be something mechanical aswell like timing out head gasket gone air leak at the inlet track ie manifold throttle body etc, you will be suprised how bad the engine will run and idle with a vacuum leak at the inlet tract, nd cause smoking because of running to rich.... need more info really maybe some pics and vids....

   Anyone of these as said...........
4. john_p Newbie Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5

   #4 13th September 2009, 23:00

   OK, best take to someone with a fault code reader?
   
   Could it be the coil pack not firing on one cylinder and causing the misfire? Changed the sparkplugs but no diff, one of the plugs was pretty brown and the insulator rubber was too. Or is it more likely to lose two cylinders (or all of them) if the coil pack stopped working.
   
   I take it driving it's out of the question, that cat heated up pretty quickly and smoke started coming off it, lol
5. john_p Newbie Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5

   #5 16th September 2009, 14:48

   Turns out it was the coil pack, put the new one on and started instantly, Engine light went straight out. Could have been worse!
   
   Any idea if the cat will have been damaged by running red hot for ~10 mins at light load?