Chasing P0302

[Archaic2021]

So, with a bran new gauge the cyl was reading 155lbs

 

[honkon]

Add leaking fuel injector to the list of possible contaminants.
Have you put a scanner on it? Did you monitor compression leakdown? Maybe try fuel pressure leakdown test also. Check fuel trims with engine running.
What's the plug smell like? Oil? Fuel? You should replace it as it is fouled.

 

[1997]

What was the compression on the other cylinders?

 

[Archaic2021]

155-160 all around

 

[1997]

looks like your contamination in #2 is most likely coming from the listed sources then.
start with a close visual inspection of the intake manifold and surrounding areas.
fuel leak down test is easy.
work your way on to harder ones, no magic bullet at this point. Good luck.

 

[Archaic2021]

Yeah the manifold second manifold bolt was a tad loose, I'm gonna go ahead and order a whole top end gasket set. Meanwhile I"m gonna find a scanner to do a fuel pressure test and make sure I don't need to throw a injector in it while I have it tore down.

 

[stutaeng]

For fuel pressure test, all you need is a pressure guage. I think it was mentioned you can rent them from the local parts store? I personally think you need to own one.

For checking the fuel injectors, you will either need a fancier scanner that does a injector balance test or there are smaller electronics devices that do it.

Here's an inexpensive one. There's a guy on YT called Ratches and Wrenches and he demonstrates how to use this one:

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Or, the more professional version is the OTC version:

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Live fuel trims monitoring would probably offer a clue of what's going on...

 

[honkon]

Yeah the manifold second manifold bolt was a tad loose, I'm gonna go ahead and order a whole top end gasket set. Meanwhile I"m gonna find a scanner to do a fuel pressure test and make sure I don't need to throw a injector in it while I have it tore down.

Did you check the torque on all of the manifold bolts? You need to diagnose this problem before you tear into the engine, possibly creating new problems. This will leave you chasing your tail indefinitely.

 

[Archaic2021]

I need to find a scanner that will do a fuel test or read the injectors I thought about simply spraying starting fluid around the intake while its idling see if it has that bad of a vacum leak up top somewhere. Around cyl 2 valve cover and intake have pretty good build up in that area.