Hey all -

2001 s40 - 173k miles

The other day car started misfiring under moderate acceleration and throwing the CEL after. Also while idling the misfire occurs. Took it to my car guy and he reads the code "Cylinder 4 misfire". He does the routine, replaces spark plug, switch ignition coil, and checks the injector. Finally does a test (I guess its called compression test) he comes back with this -

Cyl 1 - 3 - 175 psi
Cyl 4- 100 PSI

He pretty much tells me to drive it like this for a while (won't leave me stranded just will misfiire) and then sell cause the cost to repair this will be very expensive.

Wanted to get some input here regarding what to do, 1) investigate further to get it fixed (if its not too expensive cost??)?? 2) just drive it for another few months then sell??? 3) or get rid of the car sooner rather then later?

I have taken great care of the car but I also understand that at almost 175k nothing is guaranteed.. Thanks everyone for your input!

 

Might have the start of a burnt valve on cylinder 4 or just good old dirty valve.
Maybe try running a decent valve cleaner through the motor and see if it gets any better.

 

It all boils down to money and how much you like your car. I fixed 8 bent valves on my 2001 and gave the car to my 16 year old. That was a better option for me than selling and buying a different car.

With someone else doing the work it probably is a better option to sell and get a newer car with less miles. My .02