97 Cav lacks power+idles rough

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97 Cav lacks power+idles rough

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Chevrolet Forum >> Past Vehicles >> Cavalier >> 97 Cav lacks power+idles rough

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97 Cav lacks power+idles rough - 3/18/2008 8:41:33 AM

Syris71

Posts: 4
Joined: 3/18/2008
Status: offline

My wifes 97 Cavalier is a 2.2l and has 180k on it. Out of the blue it started running very rough like its only running 2 or 3 cycl and stalls at stop signs. No check engine light. I replaced the fuel filter, plug wires, and plugs. Still the same. I aslo checked compression on all cycl and found them to be all ~160psi.
Sypmtoms seem very similar when her coil packs were bad 8 months ago and both coil packs were replaced. Can ignition coil packs go bad again that fast?

Post #: 1

RE: 97 Cav lacks power+idles rough - 3/18/2008 7:06:27 PM

shawnvw

Posts: 611
Joined: 1/18/2008
Status: offline

Sound like 1 of the coiils have gone bad.....usually have a 1 year parts warranty on it, you may have to pay for labour. Could also be the ign module, only giving power to one of the coils.

(in reply to Syris71)

Post #: 2

RE: 97 Cav lacks power+idles rough - 3/22/2008 3:57:55 PM

Syris71

Posts: 4
Joined: 3/18/2008
Status: offline

Ok, I replaced both ignition coils and same problem. I also confirmed I am getting good spark to all 4 plugs. I noticed the brand new plugs are already black and soaty what does this indicate?
I also broke down and bought a good OBDII scanner. I am getting a P0300 code which is Multiple Cycl. Misfire. I checked for vacuum line leaks found none but not sure how to check for intake manifold or throttle bottle vacuum leaks. Could it maybe be a fuel pump or fuel reg or fuel injecter problem also?
I'm usually pretty good with engines but this one got me chasing my tail.

(in reply to shawnvw)

Post #: 3

RE: 97 Cav lacks power+idles rough - 3/22/2008 8:15:29 PM

Dougleo

Posts: 15
Joined: 3/13/2008
Status: offline

Take the EGR valve off and check to see if the pintle is stuck open with carbon. Very common with high mileage 2.2L's if it is, spray it out with carb cleaner and see if it helps.

They usually throw codes though, so check for vacuum leaks too.

(in reply to Syris71)

Post #: 4

RE: 97 Cav lacks power+idles rough - 3/23/2008 4:18:49 PM

Syris71

Posts: 4
Joined: 3/18/2008
Status: offline

Took EGR valve off and pintle? not stuck open, but it felt a little sticky when I pushed open/close with a screwdriver. So I cleaned it out with carb spray and seems smooth now.
Engines still runs same though