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  #1   IP: 66.103.46.35
Old 07-03-2015, 08:28 AM
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quiesence65 quiesence65 is offline
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Missing on two cylinders

I have an early A4-----50 years old this year! Starts easily and runs OK...however, sounds like a diesel. If I pull the spark plug wire off each one in turn, the engine almost stops on Plug # 1 and #2....but as I do the same on #4 and #3....NO CHANGE!. Sooooo......that must mean that the engine is only firing on the #1 and #2 cylinders....is that right? New dist cap, new rotor! Is this a timing issue? Stuck valves? What should I do next?
Thanks!
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  #2   IP: 129.83.31.3
Old 07-03-2015, 09:51 AM
Vermonstah Vermonstah is offline
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Q - have you confirmed good spark? And good plug wires on 3 and 4?

If you have good spark, then do you know your compression numbers? If not, probably time for a compression test. Issues with adjacent cylinders, like 3 and 4, might indicate a blown head gasket. A compression test is a good diagnostic.

Good luck
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  #3   IP: 68.111.9.106
Old 07-03-2015, 11:15 AM
JOHN COOKSON JOHN COOKSON is offline
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Are the spark plug wires in the correct firing order, 1,2,4,3?

TRUE GRIT
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  #4   IP: 107.0.6.242
Old 07-03-2015, 01:17 PM
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hanleyclifford hanleyclifford is offline
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Talking

50 years and still running. Engine deserves a compression test, and maybe Medicare to boot.
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  #5   IP: 24.138.22.213
Old 07-03-2015, 01:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hanleyclifford View Post
50 years and still running. Engine deserves a compression test, and maybe Medicare to boot.
Agree...go from there.
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  #6   IP: 66.103.46.35
Old 07-04-2015, 08:00 PM
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So.....compression is 100/100/100 and 110.....just like it was two years ago!

This A4 was completely rebuilt in 1990, so that's why. Then checked the plug wires.....and instead of 1-2-4-3...........it somehow wound up as 1-2-3-4. Switched them out.....runs like a 50 year old clock!

Just came back in from a 20 K sail.......life is good!

Thanks guys!!
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