P0300, random misfire detected.

[MasonMetcalfe]

Hey all,

I was driving the other day and my engine started to try and stall and run like s***. exactly like a misfire moving around to different cylinders. I wasen't far from home so I got home the CEL flashed for a second then went solid. I know you arent supposed to drive it but I was like 2 blocks. Anyways get home, pull in turn car off and then plug in my CEL computer tihnger and get the code p0300 random misfire detected. Pop the hood and see that this thing (attached picture) is hanging out from the head with oil around it (not tons).

I stuffed it back on and its in there ok now. but i turned the car on again and it idled for about fives mines fine but then started to misfire again and almost died. CEL light came on again.

I let it sit overnight and then drove it, to my GFs place (only 7 or 8 blocks away) no problem, drove back this morning no problem.

My question is could that thinger hanging out. I think it's a vacume tube? would cause the random misfires. (i know it could be the coils/wires/plugs as I havent changed those but first I want to find this out)

thoughts?

 

[CheeseHelmet]

That little thing is your Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve, my guess is that it's never been changed and is currently blocked. Get a new one (I got one for $4) and change it before it pops out again and squirts oil all over your engine bay.

Excessive crankcase pressure is never a good thing but I'm not sure how it would cause a misfire. Perhaps some more knowledgeable folks could fill us in.

 

[MasonMetcalfe]

according to Wiki the PCV thing relates to air going back into the intake or something so maybe related?

 

[MasonMetcalfe]

http://www.random-misfire.com/

this says PCV valve leak can cause my problem.

 

[MasonMetcalfe]

replaced the PCV valve. Hopefully nothing from here. I felt like a one off stumble while on the highway before I changed it. And maybe one after I changed it too. Though hopefully thats not my transmission slipping :/

 

[CheeseHelmet]

replaced the PCV valve. Hopefully nothing from here. I felt like a one off stumble while on the highway before I changed it. And maybe one after I changed it too. Though hopefully thats not my transmission slipping :/

Have you ever changed your coilpacks? If they're still the original ones they're most likely on their way out...

 

[MasonMetcalfe]

I've never changed, them. However, im not the first owner. But they look to be the original ones. I guess as you mentioned in the other thread. it's time to do it. Where did you pick up yours?

 

[CheeseHelmet]

I've never changed, them. However, im not the first owner. But they look to be the original ones. I guess as you mentioned in the other thread. it's time to do it. Where did you pick up yours?

I ordered mine (and an NGK wireset) from Rockauto and picked them us in the US. However, currently the best place to get them is from Autozone, they're only $27 a piece. If you go to the one in plattsburgh call ahead because they never seem to carry more than one in stock.

 

[MasonMetcalfe]

35$ shipping to MTL :/

 

[CheeseHelmet]

Hence why I go pick it up, it's $20 worth of gas but I like the drive (plus gas in the US is like $1/L).