wolfeee99

Poor thing. Sat for 20+ days, got cold, snowed, warmed up. I never started it, started it the other day and now have check engine light on. Put an reader on it and have multiple cylinder misfires, and it idles terribly. Heading to the dealership Monday (Better get ready to bend over!) but thought maybe if I put some Lucas fuel injection cleaner in it might fix it. Any thoughts on additives like this doing more harm than good? Or any thoughts on the misfires and idle? Tks

MagmaRed55

How much fuel was in it while sitting? How long was it running before codes appeared?

wolfeee99

Over half a tank, check engine light right away on start up, let if sit running for 20 mins, then took it on the hwy, still idled rough. Checked the codes the next day.

MagmaRed55

I'm assuming that it was parked outside? Does the exhaust smell funny?

wolfeee99

yes, outside, (see pic) no strange exhaust smell.

MagmaRed55

The engine runs erratically and misfires An ignition cable may be damaged. The engine electronics may not be op- erating properly. Unburned gasoline may have entered the catalytic converter and damaged it.
̈Give very little gas.

2PRECISE

just clear the codes and you should be fine

wolfeee99

I cleared the codes, but check engine came back right away...

Critter

Original spark plugs?
Which cyls are misfiring.
pull out plugs from the cyls that are showing misfire, check for wetness, gas or oil soaked
If wet then could be coil on that plug or just worn out plugs altogether.
I believe if the car has a misfire it will shut down that cyl, you could be clearing the code but need a different system to satisfy the computer, ie Star/ dealer
Good luck, keep us informed as to the outcome.


Which codes did you have originally that cleared?

wolfeee99

"random open cylinder misfire"
"cylinder 1 misfire"
"Injector circuit open cylinder"
"cylinder 4 misfire detected"

hopefully I can make it to the dealer 1.5 hours away. I guess just dont push it hard.

Critter

There must be a closer dealer, no?
Driving that far with two cyls misfiring is not good for the cats and will cause them to overheat if raw fuel is constantly being sent to them in the exhaust.
Can you or someone else remove the number 4 sparkplug or just re[place it if it is the original plug, how many miles on the car, have you owned it from new?

Critter

Standing in from of the car looking at the engine the cyl order is 1234 on the passenger side or your left side, and 5678 on the driver side.
Cyl 1 is first obviously near the headlight left side and cyl 4 is near the firewall on the (left) passenger side.
Just by chance look in these areas and see if maybe a rodent has not crawled up and chewed on some wiring.

mercedes4ever

Sounds like you have moisture ingress into the fuel. Put a bottle of Stabil in the fuel tank & use it next time its going to sit for 20 days.

MagmaRed55

I agree with mercedes4ever. I would use some dry-gas or something. My 55 is sitting in storage with a belly full of super and stabil.

wolfeee99

Ok, agreed, I will do that next time. But what do I do monday for my 1.5 hour drive to the dealership? I was going to get a bottle of Lucas, any thoughts about that? I started it today, let it warm up and drove it 100 yards, terrible idle and check eng. (sigh) I so worried about my drive to Beaumont Monday.

MagmaRed55

I know this sounds stupid but have you checked for an indy shop that's closer?

wolfeee99

haha. um. Yes, and no there's none. I'm in the middle of bfe, country podunk, middle of no where...closest stores are walmarts 25 miles each direction.

MagmaRed55

I feel your pain. I live about an hour from the closest dealer (not that I'd ever go there unless it's for a new key). I would think that you should make it. Either way, if you do break down, the closer you are the cheaper the tow bill. Throw your fuel additive in and floor it. Good luck.

wolfeee99

Thanks for all the suggestions, put the Lucas in it , no change but made it to dealer. Could not go over 60 or it vibrated, I stressed the whole way, sitting here now waiting for diag.

MagmaRed55

Glad to hear you made it there! Here is to a cheap repair bill.

Critter

So what was the diagnosis from the dealer, is all okay now?

wolfeee99

....Critter! Turns out a rodent made a comfy nest up there and chewed up some wires. They said driving it more would damage it. I am able to claim it under Comprehensive on insurance. Repair will be $640 if they can't repair it then up to $2600 for a new wiring harness. I guess starting and moving it around occasionally would have prevented it. Stupid me! Hard to see, but here's are some pics. Mechanic said potentially will have more probs. as there may be other areas it chewed. great.

Critter

Well I guess that's good, knowing
You should get the car smog tested just in case the catalytic converter was damaged during the drive.
Go for the new harness, would not feel good having someones soldering job under the hood, could also cause issues down the road. Not sure where they would get a partial harness unless it is from the salvage yard. If it is insurance then go for the new harness for sure.
Good Luck and hopefully the smooth ride home
Again keep us posted.

mercedes4ever

Get a mouse trap lol!!

Scott Simoncic

Ya, unfortunately more than not that's what happens, I try and start my summer only cars at least twice a week and get em nice and HOT.... Also, clean that engine brotha!