Engine Performance problem
1997 Chevy Monte Carlo 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 104000 miles
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Hello,

I've had the car for about 3 years now, have not run into this current problem.

The Problem: After I start the car, it stutters, like you can hear the air puttering every 2 seconds or so. During this time, the lights are all dim, and it sounds like it is going to stall, but it doesn't. I let it go, it rev's up to 3,000 RPM, without me touching anything, just starting it up. After sitting there for about 10 seconds, it slowly starts to lower down to 1,000 RPM, then back to the stuttering. It continues in this cycle, over and over.

I have not left it on for more than a minute, and am too afraid to drive it.

First thing you need to do is have the codes read, Autozone does it free, Post the results with the code number(s). Even if the service engine light is not on, there should be freeze frame data stored.
If it won't make it to Autozone, buy a cheap scanner, they can be had for 30-40 dollars, a good investment, since they cover all cars sold in the USA from 96 on...

Ok, decided to attempt to drive it, it drove fine to autozone (luckily for me, a block down the road)

There was no Check System message, so the scanner did not show any codes, the clerk told me.

Only thing I noticed when watching him scan it, was that there was no reading from the TPS? Could that be a factor?

I'm not sure about the scantool they use, I only know they do it free...a bad TPS will cause poor driveabilty, so wont other parts, let me look yous up and see if I can get voltage readings you can refer to...

Your symtoms seem more like either a vacuum leak...large one, or the idle air control, or worn throttlebody throttle plate or shaft. Try cleaning the throttle body, then get a can of spray gumout, spray the vac lines and maniflod area, when the idle changes, youve found the leak! You want the engine running and spray on the outside but do direct the stream onto the hoses, if it is a vacuum leak, the engine idle will change speed, then you have detected a leak, repair the vacuum leak and see how it runs!

Will try this, ty for the speedy responses, will get back to you when i get to the store to buy it.

After inspecting the engine with the hood up and car running, I found a cracked tube, and the sound of air rushing out of a balloon coming from that area, is there a temporary fix to the tube (certain tape i could use?) to seal it until i have the money to replace it?

It's a tube going to the main block connected to where my water pump is.

Can you post a digital camera picture? Is it a water or air line?

I can definitely take a photo, but it would have to be tomorrow, I have to work 4-9, i will def. keep this updated with a photo tomorrow morning, by the time i get home it will be dark, or id post it tonight.

After taping it, (its an air line), i listened in more closely, and it seems to be coming from more toward the back of my engine, like a spot where they would actually have to pull the engine out, seeing as the engine barely fits in there as it is.

I will take a photo and edit where i am hearing the sound from tomorrow morning.

See you then!