97, 2.4L, Base Cab, 150K, Cylinder 2 Misfire ???

Two days ago I got an engine light, P0302 (I think); for sure it was cylinder #2 misfire. I had recently bought iridium plugs, so I pitched the iridium and went NGK. This morning, on my way to work, the engine light came back and this time I could feel and hear an intermittent miss on one of the cylinders. I noticed that when the miss came in, the engine light would flash, then when the miss went away the engine light stayed on solid. I haven't checked it yet, but it is very likely the same error. (Note: recently outside temps have been in single digits or teens.)

I am tempted to replace plug wires, rotor, cap, and coil.

Does anyone have any advice?

 

Compression test

 

Im currently replacing all exhaust valves as po installed reman head and never verified valve clearence all were below spec and it burnt 5 exhaust valves

 

I hate to even think about valves or rings, but you are right. It won't hurt any thing to check. Iam hoping it is electrical.

 

I chased the problem for 2 weeks till I finally just did a compression test

 

Rings will be fine but it's probably valves

 

Error codes read p0302, p0300, auto zone print out says " most likely solution is adjust valves to OE settings."
Question: how do I know if they need reworked, or just adjusted?

 

You would need to pull valve cover then follow procedure in manual for checking valve clearence

 

And a compression test will tell you ,if is too late

 

Do you think it will cause damage to make 20 mile round trip tomorrow? Interstate speeds.

 

The damage probably already done I don't think 20 more miles is going to make it any worse I would do a compression test ASAP

 

Mine started out the same exact conditions as yours and it progressively got harder and harder to start a lot of stumble at idle and occasionally stalling until a week ago when it would not start at all anymore I was trying to make it past Christmas before I had to tear it down but I did not make it

 

I would really try to limit driving it as much as you can but if you have no choice you gotta do what you gotta do

 

Have to work tomorrow, then off 5 days. Looks like Xmas in the garage. Compression test tomorrow evening. Parts store Thursday.

Many Thanks for your help! Have a good night.

 

If you decide to start pulling it apart and you have any questions hit me up because I'm just finishing mine I'm actually waiting for my gasket set

 

I will likely send the head to a machine shop. Replace gaskets and head bolts. Appreciate the advice. I will continue to post. Many variables at play with Christmas coming. Can I get it in shop before the weekend? Time and luck, good or bad, will tell.

 

^THIS

Also a misfire is the absolute fastest way to destroy your catalytic converter. Each misfire is unburnt fuel and air being passed into the exhaust, which will foul the catalytic in minutes in left untreated.

 

Crap I got the exact same problem. 2000 Tacoma 2RZ-FE, 240k miles.
Going to do compression test tomorrow. Hope it's not compression. Might as well get a used JDM engine if it is.

 

I do believe I have some good news, for me. Went to Autozone and borrowed a compression gauge and a plug wrench. Compression shows @ 170 lb. I didn't do the test by the numbers as I was on my lunch hour and in a hurry. I pulled #2 plug, disconnected the distributor and cranked about 4 revs, and it showed right at 170 lb. I will do it by the numbers when I get home. BUT, I also plugged the plug into the wire and cranked it over a few times and saw a weak yellow spark jumping around the anode. No blue to be found. I will confirm this tonight at home, but I am thinking electrical. Whew! (I hope)