During a recent autocross event, my car developed an intermittent miss. It starts up just fine and may run fine for a little while (2-3 min.) but then begins to miss. Feels and sound like a bank of cyl. goes dead for a few seconds and then comes back. I've checked the plug extensions for pin holes,and they seem fine. Since it sound like the whole bank goes down I suspect some electrical connection is the culprit. Is it a common problem with a simple solution? Thanks!
Common problem? = yes Simple solution? = if your lucky If it's bank-related, I'd have a look at inside the distributor caps (carbon button, rotor, contacts) and the coil connections/wires (both high and low voltage) on each -- good luck...
My sympathy here. Am chasing a somewhat similar problem on my 328. How exactly have you confirmed to be ignition? Mr. Magnussen gives good advice. Also check your grounds at coils (only one on earlier 328s) and at both the Microplex and Jetronic ECUs (at each corner of trunk). Another common area of difficulty is the wiring harness connections under the left rear wheelwell shielding. Per the Jetronic, the O-2 sensor protection relay (small silver tower) is also a common failure item. Would pull the bellhousing plate and check for static timing at idle (for some reason mine moves around? Open to suggestions here?). And if you need to test out a few parts via replacement, drop me a line: [email protected] Best, Carl
Steve and Carl, Thanks for your input. Carl, no confirmation on ignition other than previous experience with motors. It's getting fuel ( I can smell it). Biggest concern is raw fuel in a hot cat, not a good combo. The problem seems to abate when the revs get to about 2500rpm or more. Any chance this info might narrow it down to a part? Thanks, Will
I had a similar problem in a non-cat 328- Under accleration, (when warm) ignition to all cylinders would cease for a fraction of a second. It was intermittent, and a real nuisance, as the resultant shock to the engine and transmission when it happened under full throttle made me wince. My mechanic checked everything, but found no faults. In the end, it went away. I believe it was damp-related; the car sat outside overnight in very heavy rain, and the fault started after that. It then improved, but recurred briefly after the engine was steamcleaned. Robert.
