16 valve running on 3 cylinders.

Ross_P · Post by **Ross_P** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 11:29 am

Hi There
I own a 1991 16 valve which decided this morning to go down (I think) to 3 cylinders- sounds like a tractor, no power etc etc....
The HT leads are pretty much brand new, all the connections seem fine, and are not wet.
Having not had the car that long, and not that familiar with the Mi16 engine I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:22 pm

There's someone not a million miles from you who has a thang for valvers...

(Kitch)

Have you checked the plugs and the distributor?

Jaba · Post by **Jaba** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 1:16 pm

See this thread which deals with exactly your symptoms.
http://bxclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9791

Turned out to be the ignition module in this case.

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 1:45 pm

Yeah I'm in Winchester for the next week, then I'm moving to Stubbington. You're welcome to pop over and try bits from one of my cars to see which bit cures the problem. Could be the module, but I've never had one go.
I have had the dizzy cap/rotor arm need changing before though. But if its a constant misfire, it could be the coil isn't kicking enough enough juice?

Ross_P · Post by **Ross_P** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 3:41 pm

Thanks all for your help!

Im going to have a good look at it after work (got to get the bus home- nightmare!), and have a good look at the plugs, distributor and coil, hopefully its nothing too electrical..

Jayboy · Post by **Jayboy** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 6:52 pm

It's possible you may find one of the plugs covered in oil. If so you'll need new seals between the cam cover and head - simple job. That's what happened on mine when it went down to 3.