1998 Chevy Malibu Misfires and idles low

RAY MALIBU

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU

Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Chevy Malibu 6 cyl Automatic

The intake manifold gasket was replaced. After the engine was put together the spark plugs started misfiring. It was #5 and #3, I believe. I would have to confirm with my mechanic.

The car was fine the day before the intake gasket went. Except the ECU needed to be replaced. It was causing the low idle, according to my mechanic. I was about the order it before the intake issues.

The spark plugs were replaced over the weekend along with the wires. There are no leaks from the gaskets. Camshaft position sensor is fine.

What else could it be?

3 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Those 2 cylinders are next to each other. Does it have compression in them? It is possible that the pushrods for those 2 got mixed up(there are 2 different lengths)on those cylinders. The injector plugs on? Firing order correct?

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Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 AT 10:05 PM

RAY MALIBU

MEMBER
10 POSTS

The compression is good. The push rods are not mixed up. The injector plugs are on. The firing order is correct.

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Sunday, April 11th, 2010 AT 4:50 PM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

If the compression is good and it has verified spark, the injectors are the only thing left. Missing at idle is a characteristic of a sticking injector. Sometimes the valves in the end of the injectors will stick after you open the system up and cause misfires. Check thos e2 plugs to see what color they are compared to some known good ones. Also if you can get to the injector plugs, get a "Noid" light and verify injector pulse. Sometimes the connectors will fail internally if the wires are pulled on during disassembly. You can get a noid light at most auto parts stores

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