E90Post
 


 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Powertrain and Drivetrain Discussions > N54 Turbo Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications - 335i > Cylinder #2 carbon fouled plug x 3



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-01-2014, 07:29 PM   #1
j1gilles
Captain
j1gilles's Avatar
United_States
53
Rep
719
Posts

Drives: 2009 335xi
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Cylinder #2 carbon fouled plug x 3

So for the past 3 months I've notice that only my cylinder number 2 plug becomes heavily fouled after only a couple thousand miles.... I've pulled it once a month for the past 3 months and each time I had to install a fresh plug. The carbon fouling is pretty heavy and comes up the threads of the plug a little. The plug is dry in appearance and I have yet to throw a misfire code. All of the other plugs look almost new. Usually I would suspect a rich condition is causing the carbon build up but it is only happening in one cylinder? The plug has never been wet and the cylinder looks dry when I pull the plug so I do not thinks it is a injector issue, so that leaves me with a weak coil...I think? Has anyone ever had a weak coil cause a similar issue without throwing a misfire code? Thanks for your help!
__________________
ASE master tech (many moons ago)335xi- JB4 G5 iso/e50 custom flash/Custom meth/Borla mids/Custom x-pipe/DCI/ER charge pipe/Dual Ebay BOV's/Alpina B3 flash/Paddle shifter retro fit
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2014, 07:33 PM   #2
Ingeniator
Major
Ingeniator's Avatar
Canada
34
Rep
1,093
Posts

Drives: 07 335XI(90) 09 135I(82)
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Fort Mac, Alberta

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by j1gilles View Post
So for the past 3 months I've notice that only my cylinder number 2 plug becomes heavily fouled after only a couple thousand miles.... I've pulled it once a month for the past 3 months and each time I had to install a fresh plug. The carbon fouling is pretty heavy and comes up the threads of the plug a little. The plug is dry in appearance and I have yet to throw a misfire code. All of the other plugs look almost new. Usually I would suspect a rich condition is causing the carbon build up but it is only happening in one cylinder? The plug has never been wet and the cylinder looks dry when I pull the plug so I do not thinks it is a injector issue, so that leaves me with a weak coil...I think? Has anyone ever had a weak coil cause a similar issue without throwing a misfire code? Thanks for your help!
I hate to state the obvious but have you tried swapping coils. I'd also swap injectors if the coil doesn't solve it. It could be some other things but you know that. Done a compression or leakdown lately?
__________________
07 335XI (A008006) 6AT ~94K miles JB4 G5 ISO VSRF DP's
09 135I M (VK80379) 6MT. Race Project car. 1) Install Cobb/piggyback? and Motiv 600 Kit[HTA3076R w/ tial .82] 2) JRZ or Moton suspension. 3) Build high flow intake manifold with multi-port fuel and relocate OFH 4) Build full cage 5) Complete staged twin setup with HTA4205R [w/Tial 1.16] 6) Complete dry sump system
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2014, 07:52 PM   #3
j1gilles
Captain
j1gilles's Avatar
United_States
53
Rep
719
Posts

Drives: 2009 335xi
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ingeniator View Post
I hate to state the obvious but have you tried swapping coils. I'd also swap injectors if the coil doesn't solve it. It could be some other things but you know that. Done a compression or leakdown lately?
I did not swap coils because I never threw a misfire code. The cylinder looks good under the scope, no oil and the car runs relatively smooth so I doubt there is an issue with compression/leakdown. I guess I could swap the coils and see if another cylinder carbon fowls but I already leaning towards a bad coil...I just wanted to get so assurance before I threw in a new coil
__________________
ASE master tech (many moons ago)335xi- JB4 G5 iso/e50 custom flash/Custom meth/Borla mids/Custom x-pipe/DCI/ER charge pipe/Dual Ebay BOV's/Alpina B3 flash/Paddle shifter retro fit
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2014, 10:13 PM   #4
kfrazie1
Lieutenant
kfrazie1's Avatar
65
Rep
553
Posts

Drives: 335i
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: NY

iTrader: (4)

I'd guess it's more than likely an injector issue.
__________________
Montego Blue E90 335i
7" VRSF IC | OFT Tune | DCI | RB PCV | Secondary CAT Delete & CYBA 3.75" Tips | M3 Front | Mtech Rear | CSL Trunk | 219M | KW V1 | AA CP
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2014, 12:34 AM   #5
robc1976
DIYER
robc1976's Avatar
638
Rep
5,521
Posts

Drives: E90 335i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Illinois

iTrader: (14)

I say a leaky injector
__________________
JB4 G5, Stage 3 LPFP, Stage 2 MOTIV PI, VM 6466 ST, Custom OCC W/ SS lines, ER FMIC, ER CP W/HKS BOV, M3 control arms, M3 guide rods, M3 upper links, M3 front & rear sway-bars, HPA rear toe arms, Wavetrac LSD, HPF Gen 2, DEFIV kit, KW clubsport, Delrin solid SF bushings, stoptech rotors, Rogue Tranny Mounts, 1M bumper, M3 CF hood, M3 fenders, M3 OEM sideskirts, Mtech rear bumper, CSL trunk, MORR VS8.2 rims 245/295
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2014, 12:44 AM   #6
Ingeniator
Major
Ingeniator's Avatar
Canada
34
Rep
1,093
Posts

Drives: 07 335XI(90) 09 135I(82)
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Fort Mac, Alberta

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by j1gilles View Post
I did not swap coils because I never threw a misfire code. The cylinder looks good under the scope, no oil and the car runs relatively smooth so I doubt there is an issue with compression/leakdown. I guess I could swap the coils and see if another cylinder carbon fowls but I already leaning towards a bad coil...I just wanted to get so assurance before I threw in a new coil
I doubt it is the coil that is why I suggested changing it. I agree with everyone else that it is likely the injector. Start the car cold shut it off pull plugs it is probably wet. My bet is it is a injector spray pattern issue. If not I would check leak down/compression it could always be valve seals.
__________________
07 335XI (A008006) 6AT ~94K miles JB4 G5 ISO VSRF DP's
09 135I M (VK80379) 6MT. Race Project car. 1) Install Cobb/piggyback? and Motiv 600 Kit[HTA3076R w/ tial .82] 2) JRZ or Moton suspension. 3) Build high flow intake manifold with multi-port fuel and relocate OFH 4) Build full cage 5) Complete staged twin setup with HTA4205R [w/Tial 1.16] 6) Complete dry sump system
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2014, 07:10 AM   #7
volcom8190
Private
United_States
4
Rep
92
Posts

Drives: 14 Sierra 1500
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: RTP Area, NC

iTrader: (0)

Its a bad injector, i had the same problem on my car, although it ran a bit rough on cold starts until I fixed it.
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2014, 08:14 AM   #8
j1gilles
Captain
j1gilles's Avatar
United_States
53
Rep
719
Posts

Drives: 2009 335xi
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by volcom8190
Its a bad injector, i had the same problem on my car, although it ran a bit rough on cold starts until I fixed it.
That's what I was waiting to hear... I did pull the plug after a cold start and it was slightly wet. Going to order an injector today. Thanks for your help!
__________________
ASE master tech (many moons ago)335xi- JB4 G5 iso/e50 custom flash/Custom meth/Borla mids/Custom x-pipe/DCI/ER charge pipe/Dual Ebay BOV's/Alpina B3 flash/Paddle shifter retro fit
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2014, 08:16 AM   #9
j1gilles
Captain
j1gilles's Avatar
United_States
53
Rep
719
Posts

Drives: 2009 335xi
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ingeniator
Quote:
Originally Posted by j1gilles View Post
I did not swap coils because I never threw a misfire code. The cylinder looks good under the scope, no oil and the car runs relatively smooth so I doubt there is an issue with compression/leakdown. I guess I could swap the coils and see if another cylinder carbon fowls but I already leaning towards a bad coil...I just wanted to get so assurance before I threw in a new coil
I doubt it is the coil that is why I suggested changing it. I agree with everyone else that it is likely the injector. Start the car cold shut it off pull plugs it is probably wet. My bet is it is a injector spray pattern issue. If not I would check leak down/compression it could always be valve seals.
Plug was a little wet after a cold crank and start this morning. I'm going to replace the injector. Valve seals would cause oil fouling and I had my intake off a few weeks ago and the seals looked good. Plus I'm only at 39k
__________________
ASE master tech (many moons ago)335xi- JB4 G5 iso/e50 custom flash/Custom meth/Borla mids/Custom x-pipe/DCI/ER charge pipe/Dual Ebay BOV's/Alpina B3 flash/Paddle shifter retro fit
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2014, 11:08 AM   #10
shawntech
The Wolf
shawntech's Avatar
United_States
273
Rep
1,013
Posts

Drives: stuff
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Midwest

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
  [0.00]
2019 BMW M850i conv ...  [0.00]
My plugs after 5k miles are carboned up at the round base and first 1-2 threads on cylinders 2-6. I have a rough idle at cold start and its jerking/stuttering on shifts the first 2 miles from cold. It's getting all new injectors tomorrow which hopefully solves the problem. It has done this for several months without a single misfire or other fault.
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2014, 11:55 AM   #11
Jeff@TopGearSolutions
Jeff@TopGearSolutions's Avatar
United_States
3474
Rep
79,211
Posts

Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com

iTrader: (37)

Leaky injector
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2014, 05:29 PM   #12
j1gilles
Captain
j1gilles's Avatar
United_States
53
Rep
719
Posts

Drives: 2009 335xi
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions
Leaky injector
Thanks Jeff... I pulled a plug after the car sat over night and saw free standing fuel in cylinder numbed 2 and a nice cloud of smoke for a few seconds after the car started. The injector must leak down over night and when not firing. I ordered an injector today.
__________________
ASE master tech (many moons ago)335xi- JB4 G5 iso/e50 custom flash/Custom meth/Borla mids/Custom x-pipe/DCI/ER charge pipe/Dual Ebay BOV's/Alpina B3 flash/Paddle shifter retro fit
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2014, 05:46 PM   #13
ucdbiendog
Captain
91
Rep
610
Posts

Drives: 2008 335xi E90
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Reno, NV

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ingeniator View Post
I doubt it is the coil that is why I suggested changing it. I agree with everyone else that it is likely the injector. Start the car cold shut it off pull plugs it is probably wet. My bet is it is a injector spray pattern issue. If not I would check leak down/compression it could always be valve seals.
thanks for that tip, gonna try that myself!
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2014, 11:41 AM   #14
BlackBB6
Lieutenant
United_States
65
Rep
554
Posts

Drives: E92 335i 6MT
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by j1gilles View Post
Thanks Jeff... I pulled a plug after the car sat over night and saw free standing fuel in cylinder numbed 2 and a nice cloud of smoke for a few seconds after the car started. The injector must leak down over night and when not firing. I ordered an injector today.
Change your oil asap, I had the same issue you're having and my oil was contaminated.
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2014, 09:21 PM   #15
j1gilles
Captain
j1gilles's Avatar
United_States
53
Rep
719
Posts

Drives: 2009 335xi
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackBB6
Quote:
Originally Posted by j1gilles View Post
Thanks Jeff... I pulled a plug after the car sat over night and saw free standing fuel in cylinder numbed 2 and a nice cloud of smoke for a few seconds after the car started. The injector must leak down over night and when not firing. I ordered an injector today.
Change your oil asap, I had the same issue you're having and my oil was contaminated.
Will do... Thanks
__________________
ASE master tech (many moons ago)335xi- JB4 G5 iso/e50 custom flash/Custom meth/Borla mids/Custom x-pipe/DCI/ER charge pipe/Dual Ebay BOV's/Alpina B3 flash/Paddle shifter retro fit
Appreciate 0
      11-05-2014, 10:13 AM   #16
shawntech
The Wolf
shawntech's Avatar
United_States
273
Rep
1,013
Posts

Drives: stuff
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Midwest

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
  [0.00]
2019 BMW M850i conv ...  [0.00]
reporting back, mine had shaking at start going into reverse and random jerking/bucking at part throttle while cold. Removing the plugs didn't reveal any raw fuel, however there was carbon deposits at the base. I never had a fault code for anything, ever. all injectors were replaced Monday and I'm happy to report it runs smooth as silk cold, I can't tell it's running without gripping the wheel firmly, lowend power is dramatically increased 1000-1500rpm and mpg is up too.

Keep in mind my car already had new plugs and was walnut blasted a couple months ago when starting this journey of trying to resolve the cold start problems, so I'm sure that helps.

Bottom line, when you've done everything else and have no faults... it's always the injectors.
__________________
-2019 BMW m850i convertible
-2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye Widebody
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:26 PM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST