Constant Missfire Cylinder 2, no clue???

[kanuck15]

Ive got a 97 mountaineer drivetrain in a 98 ranger. The motor ran great for a while even with that AWD t case it would roast the tires all day. Lately I keep getting P0302 along with the flashing CEL. I noticed the wire was bad so I replaced that. Worked well for a week or so now we are back to the flashing CEL and same P0302. I pulled the plug and it seems a little weird. The color was way off so I brushed it off and put it back in. Checked the wire and it was fine. I now have a new set of wires/plugs/coil packs on the way. Also I am losing coolant ever so slightly. I noticed my truck steams out the pipe more than normal. Compression test seemed ok but a hair low on cylinder 2. Am I chasing a spark issue or a head gasket issue??

I get I am rather vague but kind of just want to know what direction id be better off chasing

 

[kanuck15]

update, pissed around a bit and tested number two cylinder. Blown head gasket, I unplugged the injector and still had spray coming out of the spark plug hole. Smells like coolant

 

[Flash]

Now you know what you gotta do then.

 

[kanuck15]

yep, engine is on the stand already. Dont think its going back in. Forced upgrade time

 

[delexploder]

Dam sorry to hear it. What are you gonna do as far as upgrades?

 

[kanuck15]

I am just going to build a new motor, start from the block and have fresh everything