M54 engine replacement - final stages, hopefully! .

I checked the coils were pushed home and they all seemed to be. Changed coils, no difference, same cylinders. Then checked the ICV. It was seized in the open position. Went to swap it out with another, which was also seized. I've tried cleaning them but they're both stuck fast. I've one soaking the valve end in bike cleaning fluid, the only thing I had enough of to hand. If that doesn't work I'll source another.

Makes sense this could be causing the issues as the engine wouldn't 'know' it was seized as it wasn't throwing any related codes.

Anyone more knowledgeable is very welcome to confirm my thinking!
 
It's highly likely the ICV, I didn't read the only at idle bit :oops: Bang it on a table with a cloth underneath if it is still stiff and then spray some WD40 in and rattle it around. Unless it's carboned to death it will free up.
 
I wouldn’t expext a stuck icv to cause a misfire on three specific cylinders. You would more likely get a lean code for thst. Also, is it possible that the icv is servo based on the M54? If so, you might not even be able to move a perfectly healthy one by hand.
 
ph001 said:
I wouldn’t expext a stuck icv to cause a misfire on three specific cylinders. You would more likely get a lean code for thst. Also, is it possible that the icv is servo based on the M54? If so, you might not even be able to move a perfectly healthy one by hand.
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I recently checked the ICV on my wife's 2.5i (M54). That was stuck but a quick spray with penetrating oil and a shake had it moving freely, so yes, you can move a healthy one.
I too, was thinking a misfire on particular cylinders points more to those cylinders only being the issue.
However, as with all these things, you need to eliminate one thing at a time, so get that ICV working first.
 
HOOOORRRAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :driving: :driving: :driving: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Managed to release one of the ICV and it's sorted it. I reset the codes and fired it up, ran smoothly, took for a test drive and all is well! Ran it up to temp, only took it to 4k revs but no codes thrown.

So if your M54 is suffering with misfires, it could be as simple as a seized idle control valve.

I can't tell you how relieved I am.

Just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who contributed to this post. Not only for the practical advice but for the words of encouragement at the beginning. I doubt I would have ventured to do this without that encouragement.

For future reference and anyone else contemplating a similar engine swap i think this has cost me about 40 hours outside and probably half that again researching stuff online. The actual engine removal and reinstalling was probably about 20 hours, but another ten spent swapping all the ancillaries over - rocker cover, vannos and associated gaskets, intake, disa, ICV, throttle body, CCV, oil filter housing gasket, sump gasket, coolant pipes etc. If I'd had more space, this time would likely have been cut in half but I was struggling with a slightly 'droopy' engine hoist and a severe lack of space. Plus the fact the temperatures have been between -2 and 5deg c has no doubt played it's part.

And then time hunting vacuum leaks and the seized ICV.

Price wise, I'm about £1100 in so far. £750 for the used/tested engine delivered, £126 to rent an engine hoist for two weeks (struggled to return it sooner because of work) and the rest on consumables/gaskets etc. I've spent a bit more on restocking the odd tool etc but haven't counted those in the price - nothing specific save the load leveller.

And to top it all off I've had the insurance pay out go into my bank today. I've obviously bought the car back from them, the difference is paying for my camper van to be resprayed a different colour, so assuming I don't have furthers issues, all's well that ends well. :D :D :D
 
Rockhopper said:
Don't forget to get your V5 changed :-)
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Rockhopper said:
Don't forget to get your V5 changed :-)
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I'm reading mixed info on this - my understanding from the DVLA site suggests they're not interested in Cat N. The only legal requirement is to declare it as such when/if I sell it.
 
Jamie25 said:
Rockhopper said:
Don't forget to get your V5 changed :-)
Click to expand...
Rockhopper said:
Don't forget to get your V5 changed :-)
Click to expand...

I'm reading mixed info on this - my understanding from the DVLA site suggests they're not interested in Cat N. The only legal requirement is to declare it as such when/if I sell it.
Click to expand...
Does he mean the engine numbers?
 
Nictrix said:
Jamie25 said:
Rockhopper said:
Don't forget to get your V5 changed :-)
Click to expand...
Rockhopper said:
Don't forget to get your V5 changed :-)
Click to expand...

I'm reading mixed info on this - my understanding from the DVLA site suggests they're not interested in Cat N. The only legal requirement is to declare it as such when/if I sell it.
Click to expand...
Does he mean the engine numbers?
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Yup, my lad just had a new engine in his Fiesta and had to get the V5 changed to record the new engine number.
 
Jamie25 said:
HOOOORRRAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :driving: :driving: :driving: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Managed to release one of the ICV and it's sorted it.
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Hoooorrraaaaayy indeed. Bet you're chuffed?

Funny how it threw up codes on just a few cylinders?
Maybe if you'd left it running longer they would have all joined in?

Why not leave the other ICV soaking and see if that frees up, then oil it and keep as a spare.
 
enuff_zed said:
Hoooorrraaaaayy indeed. Bet you're chuffed?

Funny how it threw up codes on just a few cylinders?
Maybe if you'd left it running longer they would have all joined in?

Why not leave the other ICV soaking and see if that frees up, then oil it and keep as a spare.
Click to expand...

Already soaking 8)

I'm also stripping the old engine for spares before I dispose of the dead engine. I'll split the head and block, both out of interest and for easier manual lifting/storage.
 
I'm undecided but if anyone wants it I'm sure we could sort something. I'll likely sell most stuff I can to try to recoup some costs. Maybe keep a few spares.
 
That's really impressive Jamie. :thumbsup:

And it sound like you've had a bit of a result on the insurance too!
 
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