P0303 code HELP

Spark plugs are in order left to right.

 

Okay, I'm liking valves as the culprit here.

 

3rd plug looks suspicious.
And if it’s the #3 cylinder plug, that makes sense.

I’m not saying it is the plug. I’m just saying, the problem is “evident”.

 

Just curious to see how much you paid to get the injectors replaced?

 

One of these things is not like the others... one of these things just doesn't belong...

It's hard to tell; that could be soot from a leaking injector, or crud from an out-of-whack valve, but it doesn't look like head gasket to me...

OP, is that #3 plug fouled with fuel (was it wet and smelling of gas when removed) or combustion (dry and sooty/oily)?

 

I guess it’s time for a leak down test.
But I’m curious how they checked the injectors and cam to conclude that was the problem?

You could do a compression test, it’s easier and will show you if a cylinder is “different” than the others.
Then, do the leak down test on the “different” one. (Cyl 3)

 

im going to pull them again today so I’ll check. I actually remember when I pulled them they did not smell like gas.

 

I did a compression test


Cylinder 1- 150 psi first try cold

Cylinder 2- 119 psi first try cold, 90 psi second try cold, 150 psi third try warm

Cylinder 3- 50 psi first try cold, 60 psi second try warm

Cylinder 4- 150 psi first try cold

 

Well, I’d do a leak down test and listen to where it’s leaking from.
And then, I would go get my money back from the yahoos that misdiagnosed it.

 

I wish I could get my money back but they called me today and said that was the process of elimination they were using to diagnose it. I probably won’t take it back to them. But I’d like to figure out why it’s misfiring. My service advisor from Toyota said to put a couple ounces of oil in the cylinder and wait like 2 minutes and then do the compression test and if the number doesn’t go up then it’s rings and if it does go up then it might be valves. Why couldn’t they do that when I took it in for the diagnosis. What should I tell them?

 

If they weren't up front with you before the work in terms of diagnosing via process of elimination, I'd file a complaint with the BBB or whatever business authority you have in your state.

 

At this point, I’d just tell them they were wrong.
And maybe mention the 4 cycles of a 4 stroke engine.

I think they checked it for ignition (spark).
Once they seen spark, they assumed it was fuel.
That’s not exactly how you should diagnose things.
It either incompetence, or laziness. Either way, it’s not the way to keep a business “in business”.

 

Process of elimination == we just started replacing parts


How many miles on it? Have the valves ever been adjusted?

 

273,250 and not to my knowledge. Not in the almost 3 years I’ve owned it.

 

If I were a betting man, I’d suspect a burnt valve. Mine had one at 180k when I bought it.

A leak down test or measuring valve clearance would be a good move.

 

So if it’s a burnt valve I need all new valves? Or a new head?

 

Probably just one new valve. I took mine to a local head shop. They went through the whole thing, replaced feb valve, new valve stem seals, machined it flat for $427


But it would be good to make sure that’s it.

 

Not necessarily, but you’re getting at least new valves and seats on the cylinder that’s bad.
At which point, you might as well have the others pulled and inspected. The machine shop will know what is best. And contrary to popular belief, most shops aren’t out get you. They will tell you what needs replaced.

However, it can sometimes be cost beneficial to just get a new head and return yours as a core.

 

I had a hard time finding a new head when I looked, a lot of shady ones on the internet. The shop was also cheaper by $200

 

Thats a bullshit diagnosis
They didn't properly tested the faulty Injector. I would call BAR.Bureau of Automotive Repair. And have a that technician marry your car