Number three cylinder miss at idle, code PO303

Tiny
GANDALF0531
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 198,000 MILES
My truck listed above Z71 developed a number three cylinder misfire, set a PO303 code. I found where the plug wire for that cylinder had dropped out of its holder and got on the manifold and burned. I replaced all the wires, cleared the code and still had the miss. As it was due anyway, I replaced the cap, rotor and plugs and felt sure the miss was cured. Nope. Checked the compression and had 150 pounds. I noticed that at about 1,500 rpm's, the engine smooths out, so I connected my code reader, and after getting to road speed, I cleared the code. Drove about 30 miles at highway speed and no codes and truck ran strong. Pulled in to get a snack, and while idling in the parking lot the miss return and check engine light came on. Read the code, PO303. Headed back home, cleared the code while on the highway, no code and ran good until I pulled in the driveway, PO303. Any ideas?
Sunday, July 14th, 2019 AT 8:16 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

I would pull the valve cover and inspect the intake and exhaust valve springs at idle to see if one is broke. Another way to test it is to recheck the compression but do it while it is running.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Also, check the movement of the valves as well.

Roy
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Sunday, July 14th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM
Tiny
GANDALF0531
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  • 13 POSTS
Thanks for the reply Roy. The compression check was inadvertently done with the engine running. I failed to disconnect the coil and the engine started. I rechecked it later without starting and it was a little over 140. I'm pretty sure its a sticking/dirty fuel injector, and at cruising speed the pintle is held open more and longer. As it is the original CPI with almost 200,000 miles, I'm thinking a MFI upgrade is probably a good idea.
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Sunday, July 14th, 2019 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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If it was an injector, it would do it all the time not just at idle.

You had 150 lbs running? Is that correct?

Roy
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Sunday, July 14th, 2019 AT 4:08 PM
Tiny
GANDALF0531
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Yes.
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Sunday, July 14th, 2019 AT 4:10 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
That's not right. Running compression is always lower than cranking compression.

Roy
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Sunday, July 14th, 2019 AT 4:28 PM

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