Nissan 370Z Forum - View Single Post - 1st real issue: EPC and Check engine lights

DLSTR · 02-04-2013, 03:17 PM

Evidently the spark plug in Cyl-4 came apart. The electrode is gone and that piece was playing ping pong between the valves and the piston. Mech suspects ignition/failure detonation.

Boroscope revealed markings/damage to the cylinder piston and valves.
The compression check yielded Cyl 1-3 at 11.5 bar and Cyl 4 at 8.4 bar. Definitely bad.

The mech and service advisor have seen this with 1 other GTI at my dealer here in Germany.

Now the fun begins with consultation with VW, the warranty end and game plan to address this. More to follow. Most of the team there expect the engine to be replaced.

I will post pics later of the spark plug, assuming they look ok. Took them with my camera phone.
Cheers! Dave

02-04-2013, 03:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
DLSTR A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: Süd Germany Posts: 2,462 Drives: 21Supra 2.0/22 M240i Rep Power: 21267	Update #1 this morning... Evidently the spark plug in Cyl-4 came apart. The electrode is gone and that piece was playing ping pong between the valves and the piston. Mech suspects ignition/failure detonation. Boroscope revealed markings/damage to the cylinder piston and valves. The compression check yielded Cyl 1-3 at 11.5 bar and Cyl 4 at 8.4 bar. Definitely bad. The mech and service advisor have seen this with 1 other GTI at my dealer here in Germany. Now the fun begins with consultation with VW, the warranty end and game plan to address this. More to follow. Most of the team there expect the engine to be replaced. I will post pics later of the spark plug, assuming they look ok. Took them with my camera phone. Cheers! Dave