Suddenly not running on all 8

[gmhowe]

Started up this am to go to work and could tell car wasn't running on all 8 cylinders. you know when you step on the gas and and it just makes that sound. also noticed when idling temp climbs up to about 190. that is normal during summer months here in Phoenix but at 5:30 am it was only 48 degrees. I haven't had time to check things out, like the radiator for Oil or anything. Checked with a couple of guys at work who I know work on cars quite a bit and they said could be Timing got off somehow or blown head gasket or cracked block. I don't abuse my 85 so I was just wondering if anybody had any other ideas or are the above possible. Will be all over the car Friday on my day off. Good thing tomorrow is my work @ home day.

And Ken I apoligize for not responding to my previous thread about the Code 53's. about a week after the 17 amps showed up it suddenly went to 11.2 and the battery was losing power. so I changed the Alternator and all better. I have been very busy with work and taking care of my wife who has ALS. You guys have always been there to help me out. Thanx again Gordon

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Check for spark? Could be as simple as a loose wire.
Compression test? Could be good news, could be really bad news.
After that, I wouldn't know what to recommend. I'm not a mechanic, I just listen to mine.
Heidi
Last year I kissed the #4 piston and intake valve, bending lots of stuff. However, that was a result of a spirited accelerator foot.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Gordon,

Start by isolating which cylinder is not firing by pulling the plug wire on each cylinder one at a time until you find the one that doesn't make any difference whether the wire is on or not.
Then pull the plug and ground it to see if it is firing.
If you have spark, then try swapping the plug with another cylinder to see if the problem moves with the plug. Replace plug if bad.
If you have no spark, then trace back to your coil and check connections. May have a bad coil. You also may have a cracked distributor cap or moisture under the cap.
Check for oil in the radiator and antifreeze in the oil.
Also check radiator level.
If it is making any ticking sounds, you may have a mechanical problem such as blown head gasket, stuck valve or lifter.
Let us know about your progress and good luck!

 

[Vettefan87]

Yes, but remember that the injectors will make noise, don't let this confuse you. If you check the oil and it is milky, or overfull you have a problem... I doubt that that is the problem. Do the above recomendations and go from there.

 

[Ken]

Your timing wouldn't change unless something was drastically wrong , and if that was the case the car probably wouldn't run.

It's more likely a wiring/connection issue or it's a faulty fuel injector, judging from symptoms provided.

There's no way 48° is going to freeze and crack the block, and unless you've been hammering it lately, I wouldn't be too awfully concerned about a head gasket either. Besides, a blown head gasket won't even necessarily cause it to misfire; the engine may still run smoothly even with a bad head gasket.

 

[gmhowe]

Found 1 plug wire fried just behind the boot, replaced wires and plugs.. all better. Start with the simple things and then move on. Thanx again for all your help.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Great to hear it! Happy trails to you, until we meet again.

 

[Vettefan87]

That is great to hear it was an easy fix. Now get out and drive it!