Number 3 cylinder misfire

[Bretton65]

Hello All,

My 1999 Ford Explorer has a misfire on #3 cylinder (from the front of the car it is in the rear on the left which I think is #3). I read the posts about the cracked head being the cause so I bit the bullet and pulled the head today. The number 3 exhaust port is black (not grey) like the rest.

What does that mean and how can I fix it? Would a new head fix it? Thank you in advance for your help!

Thanks!

Brett

 

[Abbondanza]

If you can't visibly see a crack, then the only way to confirm it is to take it to a shop and have it tested or buy one of those do it yourself test kits. Maybe you can take pictures, after I posted pictures of my removed head, someone (Joe Dirt) helped me find a crack that I couldn't initially see.

I replaced both heads on my 96 XLT, $475 shipped. Everything solid after 1 year and 5k miles (knock on wood!).

Maybe my thread, posts and pics with other members help and experience will help you: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=357323

Obviously if the head is cracked, a new head will fix the problem. I'm sure you know, but make sure you get new gaskets and head bolts before re-assembling.

 

[Bretton65]

Thanks Abbondanza! I am glad to hear that your new heads worked out. The number 3 piston head is almost completely clean but the other 5 have a black deposit so i am fairly confident it is a cracked head issue. Either way I think it makes sense to replace both at this point. I read through your thread, it will be very helpful. Where did you get your heads? Did you put in new pushrods or rockers?

 

[Abbondanza]

Clearwater Cylinder Heads...no I didn't replace the pushrods or rocker arms. I have had that famous lifter 'tick' since when she's cold, but it goes away after it warms up, and doesn't effect performance at all.

Yes replacing both is the move.

If I could do it again, I would have probably cleaned and soaked the lifters like Dono suggested. Also, keep track of which push-rods go to which valve location, as they wear-in together. I think I lost track of that with all the parts I removed! l

Good luck!