1999 Buick Century Diagnostic code cylander 2 miss fire

1999 BUICK CENTURY
10,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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LISHAMATHEWS
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Went to local auto repair store and they got the code cylander 2 missfire and advised me to change spark plugs then wire then coil pack. We (husband & I) have changed spark plugs and wire and went back to get coil pack and another service person is now saying it is the manifold gasket, which could cost up to $700.00 to repair. Help! need honest and straight awnsers. Hoping you may be able to help me.

Thank you,
Lisha Mathews
Jul 23, 2008 at 7:54 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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What did the plug look like that you pulled out?

Intakes are common on these
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:10 AM
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LISHAMATHEWS
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I was told they looked worn down on the heads. They needed to be replaced. Thanks for the reply
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:55 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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It needs to be diagnosed by a shop that normally does this work.

I doubt a coil problem, unless there is corrosion on the coil for that cylinder. I would expect two cyls misfiring other wise. A spark tester can confirm this

The fuel injector should be checked to verify it is working.

HAve you been losing coolant at all?

The cylinder can be compression tested in the event it is the head gasket.

To help check for an intake leak you can:

The cooling system can be placed under pressure overnight and the oil drain plug slowly released to see if any coolant comes out first as it will settle to the bottom.

or


have the oil drained out overnight with the drain plug out and see if any coolant is caught out
Jul 23, 2008 at 9:17 AM
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LISHAMATHEWS
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We have been smelling coolent and got a collent flush just 2 weeks ago. Thanks for your help!
Jul 23, 2008 at 9:37 AM
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The coolant flush may have put the gasket over the edge. I wouldn't be surprised if those last two tests yeild coolant to confirm it.
Jul 23, 2008 at 12:28 PM
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MOXXIE
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If #2 cylinder is misfiring at idle due to a vaccum leak at the manifold. You can determine this easily, by spraying a small amount of carb cleaner around the area of the suspected leak. If the engine idle speed increases, and engine stops misfiring, you have found the leak.
Jul 23, 2008 at 2:57 PM
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Suppose I should have specified intake GASKET leak.

I really can't say I've found these to be a vacuum leak kind of thing on this engine, But great point about checking for intake leaks regardless.
Jul 23, 2008 at 4:10 PM