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[chrisr]

My 2002 2.2 auto petrol (62,000 miles) has just begun to start up as if it is running on 3 (or even 2 and a half) cylinders.
As it shudders the check engine light slowly comes on. It will then run normally after a minute or two but the check engine light stays on. It will drive as normal from then on, the next time I start it up everything may be fine (no light or misfire) or light and no misfire or it will have both again!
Any ideas please?

[jimac]

Sounds like it could be water getting into the spark plug wells, probably at the back of the engine where it drains down from the scuttle.  Do you find that you get the misfire more after it has been raining?

[chrisr]

It doesn't seem to matter if weather is dry or wet.

[jimac]

OK, you need to get the codes read but in the meantime it wouldn't harm to remove the dispack and check the plug wells anyway.  Also check that the rubber plug caps are clean and dry.  It could be the dispack failing (and the engine light will be recording a misfire), or a dirty/wet plug cap.

Of course, as it's a 2.2, it could always be the usual cam sensor 

[chrisr]

Thanks, will check the plug caps.

[chrisr]

So, after a plug change the car was starting and running normally for a couple
of days.Then when starting up the misfiring started again gradually, if you
stop it and then start again straight away after a run it will run normally, if you start it after
a lengthy stop then the misfiring appears  but then may clear. But then
I noticed that the coolant was disappearing. No leaks and no pools underneath.
Suggestions please?
(Head gasket?)

[Abiton]

Sounds a possibility for HG I'm afraid.
How hard are the rad hoses when it's up to temperature? Firm but squeezable, or "blimey that's solid!" ?

If the latter, whip out the plugs again and have a look down the holes with a bright little torch, some hours after it's last been run. Piston crowns all dry as a bone = good. One or more damp or wet with coolant = not so good.

[martin42]

get the codes read,could be coil pack starting to go

[chrisr]

Would the coil pack breaking down use coolant?

[RobG]

Would the coil pack breaking down use coolant?

Nope, as suggested, when car has been left overnight check sparkplug holes for coolant on the piston crowns, especially #4.

[chrisr]

So after being let down by a mechanic who was recommended to me by a neighbour ("he's very reliable and knows his stuff, I wouldn't let anyone else touch my car!), he came and had a look last Saturday- (I'll call you first thing Monday morning with a price!  -I'm still waiting!) I took it to the local garage I've used for years, confirmed as head gasket, told them to replace the cambelt kit and waterpump as well. Waiting to find out if head has any problems or if it's just the gasket. Suppose it's going to cost more than the cars worth but I love driving it and spent 600 quid on the air-con last year! This love affair is starting to cost money!!!
Are there any Omega loving mechanics in the Kingston/Surbiton/Surrey area, it's not so much paying for repairs, its knowing that they are done properly!

[JamesV6CDX]

So after being let down by a mechanic who was recommended to me by a neighbour ("he's very reliable and knows his stuff, I wouldn't let anyone else touch my car!), he came and had a look last Saturday- (I'll call you first thing Monday morning with a price!  -I'm still waiting!) I took it to the local garage I've used for years, confirmed as head gasket, told them to replace the cambelt kit and waterpump as well. Waiting to find out if head has any problems or if it's just the gasket. Suppose it's going to cost more than the cars worth but I love driving it and spent 600 quid on the air-con last year! This love affair is starting to cost money!!!
Are there any Omega loving mechanics in the Kingston/Surbiton/Surrey area, it's not so much paying for repairs, its knowing that they are done properly!

Yes, there are a few of us!

Darth LooKnee - gets about a bit!
Elite Pete - isn't around at the minute but I hear some members can pass on messages
Myself - www.omegamechanic.co.uk

A fair few members in the know near you too who may be willing to help.

[chrisr]

Thanks, wish I'd asked sooner! I'm sure I'll be contacting you before long!