Quote:
Originally Posted by GTOger
I fished around in the port with a rag and my finger. The sniff test says gasoline, gasoline, gasoline. There's a little drip of coolant where I pulled the plenum off. That smells like coolant. The port doesn't smell at all like coolant.
I went back and looked at the plugs again. None of them look "steam cleaned". #5 is filthy black, fouled really bad.
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It's always best to troubleshoot one problem at a time, Chris: divide and eliminate! Otherwise it can get a bit overwhelming and easy to become distracted and go off on tangents!!
I'm
never in favor of changing stuff till the problem goes away (e.g. many auto "repair" shops, including some dealers!), and commend you for testing. But, I sense you're having an issue with pulling the trigger.
At some point enough is enough.
OK...First things first: the most obvious...Let's review:
- With the plugs out (sans #8) cranking resulted in fuel squirting out of #5. (Strike One)
- Add to that #5 plug was really fouled and NOT "steam cleaned" in appearance. Strike Two)
- Then you have liquid that smells like "gasoline, gasoline, gasoline" pooling in #5 secondary. (Strike Three!).
Given those findings, and keeping in mind the well established issues with those injectors in the presence of alcohol...I'd say that was enough to justify replacing the injectors. Yeah, there are even more tests you could do, but I recommend you replace the injectors and both the IH and plenum gaskets before becoming distracted with any other items (that may or may not be at issue too).
Quote:
Originally Posted by GTOger
Alright, if I promise to quit being stupid, what do you think my next move ought to be? I'm really hoping for a good outcome here.
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Besides taking a chill pill?
With the new injectors installed, and before putting the plenum back on, you could do a fuel pressure leak down test - even brand new injectors have occasional "infant mortality". (You can get a fuel pressure test kit at AutoZone and if you take it back, you get your security deposit back and net no-charge for the rental!). If all is OK now, then you can move onto renting a coolant pressure test kit.
I'm going to guess and say (hope) you don't have a coolant leak. However, having installed new gaskets, there's no time like the present to test for leaks. Again at AutoZone you can rent a coolant pressure test kit (as suggested) and check for leaks. With new IH and plenum gaskets you will have eliminated the most likely sources for any leaks, and you will likely be back on the road soon. Again...I would change oil and filter before heading out again to avoid problems caused by fuel contamination in the oil.
Keep us posted.
P.