Starts but alot of chugging

mtrudel1978 · #1 01-12-2007, 11:13 AM

I've changed my spark plugs, wires and the ignition coil packs. The alternator is good the battery is fine. I flooded the engine so i know there's fuel getting to the engine. I started it it runs really rough then kicks out. Does anybody know what else i can check. Is there any sensors that could be the problem, can someone let me know please and thank you.

wrightz28 · #2 01-12-2007, 11:28 AM

Welcome to AF!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtrudel1978

I've changed my spark plugs, wires and the ignition coil packs.

Because of the problem or the problem started thereafter?

Year, engine, miles??

mtrudel1978 · #3 01-12-2007, 11:36 AM

It's a 1998 firebird, 3.8L. It has 192,000kms on it
The problem occurred first then i changed all the basic stuff. I ran the OBD reader on it and it said P0300. That means multiple misfiring of cylinders. That's all it said. So I'm lost right now.

wrightz28 · #4 01-12-2007, 11:57 AM

Well, mesfires are caused by either a spark or fuel defect, since the ignition system is pretty well covered, and this was my original thought is that it is fuel related.

mtrudel1978 · #5 01-12-2007, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrightz28

Well, mesfires are caused by either a spark or fuel defect, since the ignition system is pretty well covered, and this was my original thought is that it is fuel related.

Is there any sensors that i can change out that you know of?

wrightz28 · #6 01-12-2007, 12:05 PM

Keep it simple. A trouble code is set when a sensor detects a problem in the circuit it is monitoring All too often folks are quick to see a code and jump to replace the sensor itself.

Let's cover the basic automtive systems here. In this case, fuel. Do you have a fuel pressure gauge (not on the dash one that hooks up to the fuel rail)? If not, you need to get one, this is a must have tool now for diagnosing and repairing your own vehicle.

mtrudel1978 · #7 01-12-2007, 04:08 PM

No I don't have a fuel gauge. I broke down and took it to the garage. I'll let you know what the problem was. Thanks for all your help i appreciate it.

wrightz28 · #8 01-12-2007, 04:16 PM

Well, hopefully it ends up being simoething silly, fuel filter would be nice

Seriously tho, you (or those reading along) should get a f/p gauge, it will make future problems easier to eliminate possibilites.

mtrudel1978 · #9 01-12-2007, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrightz28

Well, hopefully it ends up being simoething silly, fuel filter would be nice

Seriously tho, you (or those reading along) should get a f/p gauge, it will make future problems easier to eliminate possibilites.

My mechanic phoned me and said that the intake manifold seal is gone. Also that there is a lot of coolant in my enigine so he said that the engine is pretty much shot. Do you think that is true? If it is does anyone want to buy a car???

wrightz28 · #10 01-15-2007, 10:31 AM

You didn't smell any coolant out the tailpipe? No tattle tale whit smoke either? Were the plugs extremely clean when you pulled them?

mtrudel1978 · #11 01-16-2007, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrightz28

You didn't smell any coolant out the tailpipe? No tattle tale whit smoke either? Were the plugs extremely clean when you pulled them?

I found out that my intake manifold gasket is shot. So i'm going to attempt to fix it. Because they said that alot of coolant ran throughout my engine so i'm guessing that is the problem. I'm going to take the engine apart and replace the gaskets. Is there any precautions i should be aware of???

97cavalier · #12 01-16-2007, 08:01 PM

just hope the head gaskets are ok.

wrightz28 · #13 01-17-2007, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97cavalier

just hope the head gaskets are ok.

Since you're 3/4 of the way there, I'd jsut replace em anyway

Who what, where, and why is making this determination? If it's just one shop, eh eh, get 2 more opinions.

mtrudel1978 · #14 01-17-2007, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrightz28

Since you're 3/4 of the way there, I'd jsut replace em anyway

Who what, where, and why is making this determination? If it's just one shop, eh eh, get 2 more opinions.

I asked like 10 people at work too what there opinion was, and there pretty much 50/50 about changing the engine. But they also said make sure that your headers aren't cracked and everything else looks good. I'm going to attempt the gasket change and hope for the best. Thanks for your help i'll let you know how it goes.
Marc

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