1997 Chevy Truck Engine Sputters and shakes

TOBRYAN

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET TRUCK
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
153,000 MILES

Engine sputters and shakes during accelleration and idles roughly. Noticed at first in wet weather. Had the distributor cap replaced. Didn't change anything. I changed the spark plug wires and it still didn't help. I tried to start it yesterday and it wouldn't start for me. It will try to turn over then it sounds like it is choking and then boggs down and stops. The next step I was going to take after the spark plug wires was to change the EGR valve, but I don't want to do this if it is something else. Any advice or help is greatly appreciated.

Friday, December 26th, 2008 AT 8:27 PM

3 Replies

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Ok have you cleaned the mass air flow sensor yet? I would get some mass air flow cleaner and clean it first then if that don't change anything then we test the coolant temp sensor. Thanks and get back to me have a great day.

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Friday, December 26th, 2008 AT 9:56 PM

TOBRYAN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I cleaned the MAF Sensor and I got it to start, but the sputtering during acceleration is still happening, and it almost cuts out during idle. I noticed a knocking noise when I turned it off and I opened the hood and noticed the top radiator hose jumping and hitting some engine parts causing the knocking noise. Also, the heat does not get very hot anymore.

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Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 AT 2:00 PM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

You are low on antifreeze and it was boiling over that is why the top hose was doing that. You need to get the radiator full and you will have heat too. It may be getting to hot so fix that and get the radiator full and let me know how it runs and we will do a test on the mass air flow meter then.

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Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 AT 9:54 PM