Engine Problem.....

My 97 Caviler started doing this yesterday......

Yesterday while driving home on the highway, i got on the highway from the onramp and stepped on the gass to get up to speed. When i got up to around 100kmph it started to act like it was going to die, it was shaking a bit and felt like it was pulling, and was reving up and down.

When i got up to speed again it was fine for abit but still shook abit.
I've had this happen to a lesser degree in the pass year that ive had this car, and i know that the top end isnt in good condition it has a bad valve train and timing chain noise.

Today when i started it up and tried to go down the street it was shaking really bad, i pulled out onto another street and i had to floor it to get it to move. I dont know if its a fuel problem because i had the fuel tank seal fixed when i got it, but i cant remember if the shop i took it to replaced the fillter.

When i drove it back home to park it and take my other car, i smelled oil smell not really burning but like the smell of oil when it sits on a hot engine. I looked at the engine no smoke or leaks and no smoke out the tailpipe its not low on oil either.

I'm not sure if its the timing chain starting to go bad or if the valve spring or rocker that was so noisy has packed it in.

Any info on this problem will be greatly appreciated.................

**Scratches head**... ever have your tranmisson serviced?... that might be a long shot, but mine was acting up, it was just due for a flush and refill... my whole car shakes too at high speeds... but thats because my struts are shot...lemme ask around and see what some of my buddies can think of.. i can't think of it right now... too drunk

it does sound like your timing chain could have jumped, i wouldn't drive it anywhere except maybe to the dealer(or have it towed)

Thanx for the replys.......

Well i havent drove it any where since i parked it, i will tow it to my machanic next week i dont need the cav at the moment while i can still drive my firebird.

I think the tranny is still ok but it could be a problem aswell, i think its more of a engine prob because it shakes bad at idle. But like i said before the top end was really noisy since i bought the car last year, and the chain rattled bad too. The car has 375k on it lol, but i got it for a winter car and its been really great till now, even with the noisy engine it still has tonnes of power and doesnt smoke.

Ohwell guess ill see what the machanic says, ill post back what the problem is and if i will even keep the car ifs its too much to fix lol.

Just thought id post an update on my problem fix..... It was the coil pack to one set of pistons that was bad and actually had a big crack in it. My machanic got a replacement ignition controller that came with the packs on it, a new one would have cost $500 cdn but he got this one used for like $130 or so. It also needed new plugs and wires becuase he said the wire were in really bad shape.

The car runs great now but still has the hesitation while driving on the highway, but after i went to get an e-test done the e-test shop said that my engine computer was bad and was causing bad fuel mixtures.

So i guess i know what my next big fix will be but not till it dies or i sell the car which ever comes first :grinno: