Compression Problems (I belive)

[HoustonSHO]

Ok, the other day I was driving from South Houston to North Houston (close to where you stay Marlene). I was on I45 doing about 65-70 mph and had the windows rolled down. I started to notice a light hissing noise (because I was in the very left lane right beside the median). After hearing this I played with the acceleration a little bit only to notice that the hissing noise was fluxuating along with the acceleration. I then thought to look at the gauges and my car was running hot. By the time I could pull it over to the right side the engine had died. The overheating problem is a different story, but what I'm really worried about is this... After I pulled it over I looked at the engine and noticed that the plug wire boots had came off of every one of my plugs (telling me that there was some serious pressure on my engine). After towing it home and letting it cool off I proceeded to turn the engine over to make sure that I hadn't froze the engine. It turns over no problem at all but it just totally sounds weak. I can't really explain the sound too well but I'm thinking since the plug boots had done that, that something else had built up enough pressure to blow off as well. I guess what my question is, is what are some other common things that I can look for wrong in this situation.

Thanks,
Aaron

<small>[ July 02, 2002, 12:31 AM: Message edited by: HoustonSHO ]</small>

 

[fredhurderjr]

Worst case, you may have warped a head or blown a head gasket. Do a cylinder compression check if possible.

<small>[ July 02, 2002, 01:02 AM: Message edited by: fredhurderjr ]</small>

 

[projectSHO89]

I can't imagine any engine failure that would cause all 6 of the plug wires to come off the plugs. That would require every one of the spark plugs to either loosen or catastrophically fail allowing cylinder pressures to unseat the plug boots.

Check the plugs individually for damage and to be sure they are properly tightend.

A compression check is definitely in order. You should see around 160-200 psi on all cylinders, with all of them within 10% of each other.

Make sure you're actually using Motorcraft plugs and wires. Seating problems with other aftermarket brands of both are well documented.

Steve