My 1996 Sportage is running rough. Intermittent error code for a miss on cylinder #3. Changed plugs, wires, coils. It was due anyway.

Still runs the same, same error. Pulled the plugs. #1 is pretty much white, a little spot of brown on the tip. #2 looks evenly tan, #3 and #4 are tan except for one third of the tip on the side is white.

I'm thinking I've got a fuel injector problem here. My Kia overheated and I'm thinking this might have affected the injectors or the injector wiring. How do I check the injectors for proper operation if this is indeed what it might be?


Thanks,
Stanley

If you overheated the engine I'd check the engine compression first. You might have fubar'ed a valve or have a blown head gasket.

Thanks, Axe Man.

Went out and bought a compression tester. Maybe its me, but I get #1-120, #2-60, #3-90, #4-90. From researching the forum I see I should have 164 in each cylinder. I am surprised that the Sportage ran at all. I did notice reduced power and gas mileage, though.

Is there any posts on the forum for the procedure to change the head gasket?


Stanley

If you are confident that you used the compression gauge properly then yes, you roasted something.

Before tearing the engine down check first that the timing belt hasn't jumped a cog. If it did it will greatly affect the compression results. If the belt is OK you have no choice but to pull the head and see what's up.

I can provide engine teardown instructions if you need them.

before pulling the head off if ur not too sure bout the compression y dont u take it to a mechanic just to get it doubled checked no point taking on a job like that if u dont need to. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

before you pull the head off......tip a small amount of oil down each plug hole......only about 50-100mls and do the compression test again .....if the compression test readings are higher......then u have a ring sealing problem......time for a new motor....... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

DId you test with the throttle wide open? TO reach 164..which by the way would be over 12 compression ratio (???) it would need a full gulp of air and anyway, at low rpm, theoretical ratio will probably never be reached....
120 is 9.16 compression ratio....