Itskohler's Not-A-Build Thread

[itskohler]

Almost forgot, I used the Sherpa Awning Mounts to install my awning. These mounts are NOT compatible with the track on my Roam Adventure Co. awning in the highest from the ground setting. I had to cut away about 1/4 of an inch out of the mount to get the hardware in. The mounts will work for second highest and lower positions, but the doors will hit the awning.

 

[itskohler]

Replaced the ECU at 234k miles last week. Was getting a very persistent P0115 code and the ECU ended up being the culprit.

 

[itskohler]

Made a thread about this a few weeks ago, and think I may have found the culprit.

One morning I had this odd clicking/clapping sound coming from the drivers side of the engine. Video of it here.Scoped it as best I knew how, and all I could gather was that it was indeed coming from the drivers side. Parked it for a few weeks and drove my other car while I pondered it over and waited to find a post with similar symptoms.

Then, while helping a coworker with his BMW 5 series suspension refresh, I decided to start it and take another hack at with the scope. Started it up and the sound was gone! At this point I thought it had to be an injector.

Been driving it the past few weeks with little to no issue. The knocking sound came back one time then went away when I have it a little gas. Fast forward to tonight and I'm getting on the interstate when boom. Running like shit, making a god awful sound that was similar to a belt about to go. Pulled over and called a friend that I had just left dinner with to come get me.

We're poking around when he notices that cylinder 4 (middle on the drivers side) has its spark wire off. I think to myself what in the world and go to put it back in but its not going on right. Shine a flash light down there and see the plug is completely unseated and loosely rolling around. Try is we might, in that tight space, we couldnt fish it out to get a better look. So my friend cupped his hand over the hole and I cranked to see if we could get the plug to change its orientation. Well, it shot out and bounced around the engine bay.

Neither of us had a spark plug socket on us so we went to the auto parts store and grabbed one. Screwed it, being super careful to feel for the threads and make sure they were intact and were blown out. Got it in, snugged it up, still cautions it was the threads that gave, put the wire on and its running as good as new.

Dealt with many things, a spark plug backing all the way out is a new one for me.

 

[itskohler]

Well. The saga continues.

The number 3 cylinder decided to eject its spark plug too, taking the entire coil off with it. Odd that it happened on the same coil pack as the first one, which was cylinder 4. Except this time it took the spark plug threads with it.

Time-Sert is on order!

 

[itskohler]

Well. The saga continues.

The number 3 cylinder decided to eject its spark plug too, taking the entire coil off with it. Odd that it happened on the same coil pack as the first one, which was cylinder 4. Except this time it took the spark plug threads with it.

Time-Sert is on order!

Thought I updated this. Ended up needing Time Certs. The spark plug threads corroded into the plug socket, 4 of them. What should have been an easy spark plug job ended up being a few hours of work. After the Time Certs were installed it fired up and runs beautifully.

I’ve also had to replace the starter. Burning through contacts every 8 months didn’t seem right. Splurged for a brand new starter and hoping I won’t be doing contacts in the summer.

Also did an oil change with Valvoline Restore and Protect. Noticeably smoother run now. Replacing the filter at 1k miles is the plan.

Lastly had to plug a hole in a tire. That’s not fun and no one needs to read about how that went.


Now looking into redoing the suspension, LCAs, UCAs, end links, wheels, and tires. Possibly some lighting but wires and I don’t get along.