Compression query

Author
Discussion

Mark Hulme

Original Poster:

35 posts

76 months

Friday 2nd February 2018
quotequote all
This model uses the moulded block type . I fitted a new one but to no avail .

Mark Hulme

Original Poster:

35 posts

76 months

Saturday 3rd February 2018
quotequote all
I have now removed the ECU from the car and carried out some very basic circuit tests.
I identified the two pulse wires which run from the coil connector to the ECU (BK/GN and BK/OG ) which earth out the primary coil when required .
Having disconnected the 60 pin connector block from the ECU , I connected the two pin sockets for the two coil wires with a paper clip so I could conduct the test from the engine bay .
I disconnected the wiring block at the coil and put 12V from the (disconnected) battery on one wire and ran my circuit tester between the other wire and earth.
The test lamp lit , proving a complete circuit through the two wires.
I also tried slightly pulling and wiggling the wires where they enter the connector block but the tester lamp shone without any flickering , so my guess is that they are sound .
My next step now , I guess , is to get the ECU tested ,
Incidentally , I read that a fault code which puts an engine into ‘limp mode’ needs to be deleted from the ECU memory before the engine will return to normal , EVEN if the problem which caused the fault has been rectified ! I wondered if this could apply to my problem ?
Thanks in anticipation guys !

Mark Hulme

Original Poster:

35 posts

76 months

Saturday 3rd February 2018
quotequote all
Well , with my ignition set up , inside the coil block is a primary coil and two secondary coils.
The primary coil has a conductor at each end which is connected to the ECU.
Depending on which conductor the ECU earths out , the HT is induced in the coil on that particular side. Each secondary coil is responsible for two spark plugs , 1 and 4 , and 2 and 3 .Each pair of plugs fire simultaneously . One cylinder will be at TDC on compression and the other , on exhaust, (wasted spark principal)
Having tested the ignition system from the plugs right back to the ECU several times , and finding that the two plugs affected are controlled by the same coil , I believe that the ECU is failing to earth down the LT on one side of the coil.

Mark Hulme

Original Poster:

35 posts

76 months

Monday 5th February 2018
quotequote all
Thank you for your reply GreenV8S.
I fully appreciate and understand your idea ! It would certainly confirm 100% whether or not I'm dealing with a faulty ECU !
I have nothing to lose by trying this !
Thanks !

Mark Hulme

Original Poster:

35 posts

76 months

Monday 5th February 2018
quotequote all
Thanks Kccv23highliftcam .
I think I am on the verge of looking around for some professional input with this problem. My problem is by no means unique by the sound of it , especially after reading your own experience ! It is always nice to have a recommendation !
Thanks.

Mark Hulme

Original Poster:

35 posts

76 months

Tuesday 6th February 2018
quotequote all
Big thanks to all you guys !
I will now get the ECU tested and inform you of the results !

Mark Hulme

Original Poster:

35 posts

76 months

Thursday 8th February 2018
quotequote all
Well my friends !
All is resolved and I'm back on the road !
Firstly , I want to thank you all for offering your kind advice !
Never had a response like it !!
The culprit ? It was the ECU which , apparently , is a common problem giving rise to a misfire on 1 and 4 or 2 and 3 !
Managed to get the original unit tested and repaired !
Safe motoring !

Mark Hulme

Original Poster:

35 posts

76 months

Friday 9th February 2018
quotequote all
Yes indeed !
I'd like to think that someone , somewhere will find my experience useful !
I've certainly learnt lessons from it ! laugh