Dead cylinder? I feel sick!

[ga.spyder]

Wow...I am bummed.After 6 trouble free years,track days ,auto-x's ,banzai runs thru the mountains,etc...I think I have a major problem. I took a ride thru some of our curviest roads today.Beautiful day and I drove her hard ,but not really beating on the engine.Hard braking and turning,trying to get a feel for my new tires.I was slowly coming back up the mountain,and I noticed my acceleration had stopped.No shaking,funny noises,piston slap,extra valve noise.Nothing.It sounds like a VW.Pretty obvious I wasnt hitting on all 4.I nursed home 25 miles,really not sure if I was going to make it up some of the steep grades.I started pulling wires and it seems #4 is the culprit.I changed the plug,wire,coil,and control module.No change.I am getting spark to the wire and to the plug.I wedged a dowel into the plug hole(Hillbilly compression guage) and it blew it across the yard.The piston isnt seized.I dont know what to do,now that I have finished crying! Valves next? Any feedback is appreciated.I was going to FUN in 2 weeks.Unless this is something simple...thats out!!

[FiatMac]

Craig,
Have you checked the injector on that cylinder?

[ga.spyder]

I just did ,Stan.I had a brainstorm re. the injector and ran to the garage.Used a stethescope to check all 4 and they are working.Checked all connectios too.Replaced(one at a time)cap,rotor,#4 wire and plug,coil,and ignition control module.I have checked every connection,replaced AFM,checked the mag p/u....I dont know.The car starts and there are absolutely no metal to metal ,or any other knocking noise or rattle.Sounds like it always does except it isnt running on 4 cylinders.It even idles.I was cruising at about 40 mph when it just happened.No warning ,no noises ,nothing.I am confused and depressed.

[toyfiats]

Before swapping any more parts around, a compression check would be in order. That will quickly rule out whether you have a problem with the motor itself (unlikely, as the valves are non-interference and rings usually don't just go poof), and then you can narrow it down to either fuel or ignition.

[ga.spyder]

I agree with you.I will try to beg,borrow,or steal a comp. guage.Living in the boonies means I dont even have anyone to crank while I read the damn guage! I will enlist my wifes help and get a guage from Autozone.I feel I have pretty much eliminated the ignition system.Spark seems strong.I suspect a fuel delivery problem like f.i. system or an intake valve

[Europa]

Sorry to hear that Craig. Your description sounds like what happened to my car weeks after I purchased it. MIne ended up being a blown head gasket. I too was driving around 40mph and the car lost power. I coasted home. You should do a compression test.

You have fuel, spark and the engine runs. Is the engine smoking?

I know you tested the injectors. But if you need a NOID light, let me know.

[manoa matt]

You can check the head gasket without a compression gauge if you have an air compressor. Remove the spark plugs and valve covers. Turn it over by hand until both valves on #3 are closed. Set your compressor output pressure to around 10psi. You need a blower fitting with a rubber tip that will seal against the spark plug hole, or improvise. Force air into the cylinder and listen near the adjacent plug holes for signs of leakage across the head gasket. Turn the engine over until #4 valves are both closed and repeat to confirm.

[ga.spyder]

Engine isnt smoking.I will get a noid light and rent a compression guage.I hadnt even thought of a head gasket.Can they just go like that w/o warning? I have spent the better part of the day swapping parts to no avail.I really dont have a clue.The only hint I have even gotten,is that if you pull the #4 wire,the car pretty much stays the same,
I coasted down some pretty steep grades to get the car home! There is one final long ,hard climb before my house.I was going 60+ when I started up,and was at 20mph when I finally hit the top.I really didnt think I would make it

[manoa matt]

High load (hill climb)and high RPM + #4 dead, sounds like a HG to me. Does it run like a tractor?

I guess you don't even need a compressor, just fit a hose to the plug hole and blow. You said you were in the boonies right?

[mgbgtn]

Was the spark plug wet when you pulled it out? If it was dry then it might be a plugged injecter or if it was wet with gas then it most likely an ignition problem.

[ga.spyder]

Thanks Matt...I needed something to make me smile!! It has been a crappy day.It sounds exactly like an old Ford tractor!!
The plug was a bit wet,but didnt really smell of gas.Almost looked like a little oil.I was sure it was a plug/ignition isuue.Now,I really dont think so.I got my wife to hold the car at 1500 rpm and then I pulled each plug.Definitely#4.I will p/u the comp guage from Autozone in the morning,but I am felling that Matt is right..head gasket.

[dmwhiteoak]

I kinda take offense to the (old ford) tractor reference . My (old ford) tractor runs like a well oiled machine. But your point was well made.

[rlux4]

Uh oh. I think I jinxed you Craig. I was driving my car on a couple errands around town yesterday and it's running perfectly. You came to mind. I thought how fortunate we've been with our cars.
Sorry.
I can't add anything to these suggestions other than if you do end up pulling the head it would be interesting to note what the torque is on the adjacent bolts to the problem.
If the compression checks out OK, the next thought would be plugged injector if you hear it clicking.
Good luck buddy. Wish I could be there wrenching with you.
Ron

[ga.spyder]

You are right...it sounded like an old Case tractor!! I spent a lot of time on my Grandfathers Ford 601 tractor.That old beast is probably still running somewhere!! I wish I had it.

[ga.spyder]

Hey Ron,I just got off the phone with RacyDave and he is leaning toward the #4 injector also.I will do the compression check first.I have had no warning or symptoms of mechanical isssues,so hopefully,I can eliminate that.I feel I have already eliminated the ignition system.
This has been a great car.It has never had the head off and it is over 80K.I drive the crap out of it.Run track days,auto-x's,rallies,Tail of the Dragon,etc... with nothing other than routine maint.If it is a mechanical problem,it would be hard to complain too much.I have had Brit cars that would have died long ago under the kind of use.More proof that Fiat quit on this car after 82,knowing they couldnt get it any better!!