Rough Riding

Hey everybody, hoping to get some help...
Got a '95 Camaro 3.4L V6...
Starts fine, but when idling in park or neutral, rpm's dip about 100 rpm spradically. When I put it in gear, the dip in rpm's gets more noticeable (didn't record the amount of dip though). Now, when trying to accelerate, it surges, spits, sputters, and generally has a hell of a time getting up to speed. Noticed also that the temp gauge was pretty high. Checked fluid levels and all were well.

Please help!!
I'll be glad to provide any more info to help troubleshooting.

well, every engine needs Gas, Air, and Spark to run so try narrowing it down to a problem in one of those systems. Also check the timing that could possibly be the problem too, just guessing though. Get back to us with more details and maybe we can be more helpful.

Heya
Just filled the tank and put a bottle of injector cleaner in.
Just had the plugs changed last month. Checked 'em out and the boots look tight on 'em. Pulled the air filter out and checked it, looks fine. It's K&N, and just cleaned it last month also. Also removed all the tubing from the filter to the (throttle body?) and they're all clean.
What else should I be looking at?

Thanks!

Well, is the check engine light on at all cause you could scan the car for error codes and that could really help. Otherwise check to make sure you are getting enough fuel to the engine (maybe a clogged fuel filter) and that you are getting the right spark (maybe a bad coil pack or ignition module). Again I am just guessing so start testing stuff, troubleshoot and you'll figure it out.

maybe you could do cylendar (why cant I spell that word?) leakage test, that can really narrow it down

yeah, that will narrow it down to whether you have compression in all cylinders or not, then you just have to figure it out from there...

Ok, now how do I check that stuff?
Do I need to take it in to the shop?

They will rape you, trust me. Buy a compression tester and ask a lot of questions to people who don't have their head up their ass. You'll get everything but the right answer if you ask the wrong person.


This place is great, but you need to ask specific questions and give alot of details in order for anyone to help. Me... I'm still earning and have a LONG way to go but if you try to narrow it down some, generally someone can help get you on the right track.

Gotcha. Thanks man.
There's an auto hobby shop here on the base, and I hear there's a group of guys there that are pretty knowledgeable, so I'll go over there and pick their brains a bit.
Thanks for the advice, and I'll post what I learn later on.

Hey, just wanted to post that I just got back from Pep-Boys after they ran it on the diagnostics... it's a bad coil pack. They recommended cleaning the fuel system and cleaning the fuel rails... is that something I can do myself?

They will rape you, trust me. Buy a compression tester and ask a lot of questions to people who don't have their head up their ass. You'll get everything but the right answer if you ask the wrong person.


This place is great, but you need to ask specific questions and give alot of details in order for anyone to help. Me... I'm still earning and have a LONG way to go but if you try to narrow it down some, generally someone can help get you on the right track.

That's how i feel too dude. This place is great and i learn something new everyday, thats why my troublesome ass is always on here. Something always breakin on my car.... not my fault...

Hey, just wanted to post that I just got back from Pep-Boys after they ran it on the diagnostics... it's a bad coil pack. They recommended cleaning the fuel system and cleaning the fuel rails... is that something I can do myself?

This tells you right here why PEP BOYS SUCKS. If the coil pack is bad, you replace the coil pack.
Another reason why pep boys sucks: http://www.njfboa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3732

This tells you right here why PEP BOYS SUCKS. If the coil pack is bad, you replace the coil pack.
Another reason why pep boys sucks: http://www.njfboa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3732
KC you owe me 10 minutes of my life back for reading that whole page... and yeah it sounds like pep boys dont know what the F*** they are doing....

Well, all i took it in for was a diagnostic because I didn't know how to figure it out and was in a crunch for time. I bought the coil pack and am going to replace it today. How would I have troubleshot it down to the coil pack on my own? (Not trying to be a smartass, just looking for info for future reference)
And... would have loved to see that post BEFORE I went there!

Something I was wondering about yesterday...
Since my 1/4 coil pack was dead, do I need to watch for the other 2 coil packs? Like, did the other 2 pick up the slack from the dead one, and if so, will that have degraded the other 2?

No, the each run two cylinders so since the 1/4 coil was bad those two cylinders were just not running right or at all. The other two coils are just in charge of their own two plugs.

Whew...
Cool, thanks man.