First cylinder problem Zetec

[rdv]

Goodmorning,

I need some help with a strange problem.
My Ford Zetec uses the emerald MD3k ECU.

New ignition coil, cables and spark plugs.
New fuel injectors.

Problem: the first cylinder is giving problems. Spark plug is getting black and misfires occur.
When I pull the plug of the injector almost nothing happens.

When I switch (rotate) the injecors, cables, sparkplugs... still the same problem on cylinder 1.

Compression is the same on all cylinders, also did leaktest. All (very) good. And the same on all cylinders.

Any thoughts?

Best Regards,
Romke.

[c42]

Might be worth trying the forum - turbosport.co.uk - there are plenty of Zetec experts there.
Good Luck
John

[englishmaninwales]

Not sure about this but I think in the Emerald software (maybe K3 rather than MD3K) you can select between batch (all or pairs) or sequential injector firing, depending on how the injectors are wired.
I’ll take a look in the hand book.
Malcolm

[HCA]

Romke, from your description, especially regarding the changing of injectors and plugs, it could well be a duff transistor holding an injector open for too long hence causing a rich mixture in cylinder 1 (your black plug indicates this possibility). I am not sure though how this might change between grouped or sequential firing.

You might consider an upgrade to the newer K6...

In fairness to Emerald, your issue might be best directed at them and not trawl around the forums getting a myriad of useless answers. Emerald are very receptive on their technical back up and would appreciate a direct mail. They may not respond immediately, but when they do, the information will be spot on. Having said this, I do not even know if they still support the MD3K. I think not as way back they offered a free upgrade to K3, and even the K3 is outdated in favour of the K6. So maybe something to consider...