Exhaust Popping

[Argrdnr]

Earlier today after a small 30 mile round trip, I got back home, went back out about 5 min later and in start up I notice the exhaust is popping and upon acceleration the whole car vibrates and on rev up.

 

Any thoughts PLEEEEEEASE

[BrianH]

Sounds like a misfire - First step would be to check that the plug leads are fully pushed home at both ends. Could be a faulty plug or lead or coil pack if that doesn't solve it (the 2.0 doesn't seem to have the issues with the coil packs failing like the 2.3, but if the plugs are past their best it wouldn't be a bad idea to change them and/or the leads. The plugs are a pain to get to though).

[Argrdnr]

Would that cause the engine to vibrate and exhaust to pop, I'm confused, could also smell a bit of petrol as well. Just need it explaining to me, I'm always eager to learn new things

[BrianH]

Yes. You probably have some of the fuel burning in the exhaust thats what the popping and some of vibration will be. (rest will be down to the engine not running at its proper even speed - it will be slowing down as it tries to fire the problem cylinder(s)). Its probably not managing to burn all of it hence you can also smell petrol. Its probably not sparking on one cylinder, maybe two depending whats failed exactly

 

A quick word of warning - if it is misfiring and you continue to drive it you will end up ruining the Cat in the exhaust (its relatively fragile and the pounding it starts to take breaks it into little pieces before too long) and having to replace that sooner or later as well!

Edited April 19, 2014 by BrianH

[Argrdnr]

Will change the plugs in the morning, thankyou Brian

[Argrdnr]

Update, taken 1 plug out and the spark bit is all white, not a good sign?

[Argrdnr]

Needs replacing for sure

[BrianH]

If you have got as far as taking them out then putting a new set in would be the best way forward as its not the most fun of jobs to do!. If its still playing up afterwards try running it when its dark and see if you can see any sparking from the leads - if you can they definitely want replacing as well

[Argrdnr]

Update: spark plugs replaced! Took forever! Exhaust not popping as much but still doing it, HT lead replacement next?

[BrianH]

Most likely yes. Hard to tell from here obviously! Its a right pig of a job doing the plugs i found too!

[Argrdnr]

Took me 4 hours, took off the ICV as well, cleaned that, had to take off the black plate that holds the ht leads on, all the air filter piping. Was a nightmare.

 

Thankyou Brian