89 chevy cavalier won't start

[kristin_longlegs]

Hello, I have an 89 cavalier. I had gone with my daughter to nasa, the car was fine going there. When we came out it started fine then it wouldn't accelerate over 35 miles an hour. I checked water levels and oil that morning before I left. They were fine. I was told I needed to replace the oxygen sensor and the EGR valve, so I did. It seemed to help some not much I could feel the power there but still acceleration was min. If I pushed down on the gas pedal it would go slower, if I let up a little then it would accelerate (a little bit more). Then a few days later I was coming home from a restaurant went about 8 blocks came to a stop sign and it died. Would not start back up. It turns over but won't start.
I have checked and there is fuel getting to the throttle body, there is fire from spark plugs and I have checked air filter. I know more about wiring then I do engines. It is the only car I have and I really need help, PLEASE.
i apologize it is a 4 cylendar, 5 speed.

[OverAllComa]

Disconnect your exhaust in front of the cat, see if you can drive it that way. If it works this way, obviously you shouldn't just leave the exhaust disconnected, but go out and by yourself a catalytic converter and replace the one you got. The problem sounds like its a clogged cat. This would explain why when you put the motor under load it screws up, the exhaust isn't exiting as it should.

Just my guess, of course.

[OverAllComa]

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. If this is the problem, then make sure you got to some place like advanced auto parts and ask for a universal 4 cylinder cat, they'll screw you hard if you try to go with a direct OEM replacement. It'll be cheaper and work just as well if not better than stock.

[kristin_longlegs]

Originally Posted by OverAllComa

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. If this is the problem, then make sure you got to some place like advanced auto parts and ask for a universal 4 cylinder cat, they'll screw you hard if you try to go with a direct OEM replacement. It'll be cheaper and work just as well if not better than stock.

thank you I will try that and see what happens. also thank you for the tip about the cat

[kristin_longlegs]

ARGGGGGGGGG
so frustrating, I jacked the car up and crawled under it. There isn't a cat on it. It is straight pipe from the manifold. Any other ideas before I replace timing chain?

[OverAllComa]

Originally Posted by kristin_longlegs

ARGGGGGGGGG
so frustrating, I jacked the car up and crawled under it. There isn't a cat on it. It is straight pipe from the manifold. Any other ideas before I replace timing chain?

Whoa...straight piped...that's not right. You're not looking for the cat anywhere near the engine bay, are you, b/c that's where I've seen them put the cat on some goofy cars nowadays. Its about midway down whole car, between the manifold and the muffler.

Anyways, you'll have to go through and check all your sensors associated with Air, Exhaust, TPS, and I don't know if your year of cavvy came with an EGR or not, but make sure that's working as well if so equipped. Beyond that, see if its throwing a code.

[kristin_longlegs]

Thank you. where do I find the sensors and how do I check codes. I have no clue on a cavalier. there isn't a muffler,

[Griffdaddy13]

No muffler either? Don't the neighbors complain? Anyway, I'm wondering if you've figured out your problem yet. In order to check the sensors, you'll need to shell out about $40 for a manual & a multitester, although, if you know more about wiring, you probably have the tester. The codes can be read with a paperclip. That car has a diag connector under the dash very near drivers door. only 2 adjacent holes will have metal leads inside. With car off, insert ends of clip into these & turn ignition to on - Do not Start! Computer will run engine diagnostic. 2-digit codes will flash in check engine light. Code 12 will flash 3 times if diag is working, then trouble codes will flash. Code 12 will flash again when finished & codes will repeat until ignition off. Remove clip & check code chart in manual.Many part stores also have racks of pamphlets near door. Look for "Accessing GM Trouble Codes" or similar. I also noticed you replaced air filter, but didn't mention fuel filter. Just a thought. Please let me know what you found out.