Mechanical problem

Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 18:19

ThreadID: 79380 Views:2855 Replies:7 FollowUps:2

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Bazooka

Hi
Check Engine warning sign came on in the 3.5l petrol Jackaroo as I got near home after a trip yesterday. Car seemed to be running okay, no obvious signs of a problem (oil pressure normal, radiator ok I think) and started okay this morning (CE warning still shiowing). Haven't had time to get a diagnosis yet but thought I'd replace fuel filter and spark plugs anyway. Only got 3 plugs out and all have a fair bit of oil around the threads, some more than others. This car has already had a $major 'overhaul' caused by blown head gasket (not uncommon apparently) so I started thinking - NOT AGAIN.
So, I've googled and it seems maybe it is 'just' a valve cover /plug gasket problem (he says with everything crossed). Not sure if I should drive it or get it towed to a mechanic though. Some advice would be gratefully appreciated.

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Reply By: mechpete - Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 18:31

Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 18:31

check engine lights don,t normally indicate a mechanical problem
they usually log a DTC relating to the emission control side of things
eg , a sensor or switch out of range
mechpete

AnswerID: 420931

Follow Up By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 18:42

Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 18:42

Agreed - CEL's can fall into the nuisance only category - sometimes the light being on is the only problem :-o) - when that happened to me though (diff. motor though) I went to a dealer and had them analyse it - was just a throttle body sensor - left it like that for years. Was going to cost hundreds to fix, but more importantly, there was no guarantee the light wouldn't be back on soon after ... IE - they didn't know 'why' the light had come on in the first place.

FollowupID: 691143

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 18:57

Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 18:57

There are two common causes for this in the Jackaroo 3.5l petrol engine.

It may be the CO2 sensor which is in the Air Cleaner.

If you experience a smell of a rich mixture and a roughish idle, the chances are you have a leak in the inlet manifold gasket. This is a reasonably common fault in the V6 motor. You can check this by removing the plastic cover on the top of the inlet manifold, spraying around the edges of both the upper and lower joints with some brake cleaner and check for bubbles indicating a leak.

Bill.

Bill

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AnswerID: 420940

Reply By: Madfisher - Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 21:45

Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 21:45

I have had 2 ce light issues in my Jack over the last 63000ks. First one as Sandman said was the inlet manifold gasket, second one the egr valve at the back of the motor was all carboned up. This was the hardest one to fine as my orinigal mechanic keep wanting to put new mafs on it.Still thats buggar all in three years of motoring.
Take it to someone who has a decent scan gauge.
Cheers pete

AnswerID: 420980

Follow Up By: Madfisher - Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 21:47

Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 21:47

Sorry did not answer your question, I can see no problem in driving it, You may start to experience an erratic ildle in the next few days.
cheers Pete

FollowupID: 691194

Reply By: Member - Bucky - Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 03:55

Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 03:55

Bazooka
Have you tried to reboot the thing.

ie.. remove battery terminals over night.
Restart in the morning..
May cure/ may not, but it's worth a try

Cheers
Bucky

AnswerID: 421005

Reply By: brushmarx - Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 09:13

Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 09:13

I have had the CE light come on twice in the last few weeks.
I had them diagnosed, and they related to a slightly lower power production from one of the "mini coils" associated with one of the spark plugs. The mechanic said it wasn't worth worrying about for such a low difference in spark.
In both cases, the light went out after a couple of days.
There is obviously a large number of components that can cause the light to show, and a friendly mechanic with a diagnostic tool could ease your mind.
Cheers

AnswerID: 421022

Reply By: Bazooka - Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 18:22

Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 18:22

Thanks for the responses chaps.
=Oil in plug wells - having gaskets replaced tomorrow, looks like the plug leads are still okay (good thing too as they are difficult to get and cost ~$50 a pop!).
=Will then get a diagnostic on the CEL.

Tip for the unwary - when changing fuel filters on older 4WDs don't clamp the rubber fuel hose (plug it instead). I did and later found the truck wouldn't start. Initially thought of the spark plug problem but finally traced it to the hose, which 'popped' when I fiddled with it. Obviously age has made it a bit sticky inside and clamping it temporarily glued the sides together so no fuel was getting to the engine. Phew, thought I was in even biigger trouble.

Cheers
Bazooka

AnswerID: 421087