93 chevy cavalier

[williecaudill]

hi i have an automatic 4 cylinder 93 chevy cavalier. Sometmes when I try to start it it the starter turns and turns and wont start until you hit the gas a little then it starts but sputters some. It also sputters alot when I am going slow or idleing (it just sounds like put put put put put). It has had a head gasket leak for about 5 years now but I never had trouble with that unless now it is just starting to cause probs not sure if that is it though, im clueless. Im pretty sure it has to do with the fuel system. Can anybody point me in the right direction? Thanks alot. If you need more info please ask...

[denisond3]

Head gasket leaks always get worse - they never just remain unchanged. It could be the head gasket leaking worse has lowered the compression, so one or two of the spark plugs are not getting hot, so is staring to foul out now and then.
If it runs a lot better with a new set of spark plugs, then one or two dirty or fould plugs was likely causing the problem.
You may have more than one problem too; how many miles on the spark plugs? (after 10,000 miles they should be replaced) how old are the spark plug wires? (they begin to deteriorate after 5 to 7 years, and the hard starting could be an Idle Air Control valve that is getting sticky (which is common after 10 years or more. There are other things that could be causing the symptoms. You might want to do a compression check - the results would indicate if you have low enough compression for it to be causing the misfiring.
Unfortunately there isnt any easy way to fix a head gasket going bad; a rebuilt head would be called for.

[williecaudill]

thanks i appreciate the help. im going to take it to a pro mechanic to diagnose. i am a complete amateur idiot....thanks for the help