i have a 99 monte carlo with the 3.1 motor in it and i was told by a mechanic that one of the valves was burned out. the car will start but it sputters and threatens to cut off. it was hard to start at first but after the spark plugs were changed out the care started again but it still cuts off sometimes. if anybody may know what this may be or have any info i would greatly appreciate it :banghead:

A compression test is the first thing done when this condition is diagnosed, was it done and what were the results.

no the compression test wasnt done i hadnt thought of that but ill have it done and ill let you know. in the meantime, would a 3.1 motor from a 92 camaro RS work with the monte carlo?

I'm pretty sure the RWD Camaro engine is slightly different... the starter motor is on the wrong side, and it will not fit in your FWD chassis.

One burned exhaust valve will mean that your engine will me missing (not firing) on one cylinder.

One burned intake valve will also cause a miss and may cause poor running. However, this problem is easily diagnosed with a vacuum gauge.

Do these tests and a cylinder leak-down test to be sure.

oh yeah thats right it is a rwd and the monte is a fwd...but ima check that info out about the vacuum gauge as well