Rough engine idle

Tiny
WASHIJ11
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 DODGE CALIBER
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 209,000 MILES
Hello. I have the car listed above SXT model. I have recently replaced the spark plugs, coils, and the throttle body. Still having the same problem. I noticed oil in the second cylinder while replacing the spark plugs. Could a blown head gasket be the source of my problem? Or what else should I be looking at?
Thursday, January 16th, 2020 AT 3:26 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
It can but oil in the cylinder is more likely caused by the rings failing.

We need to start with the compression check to see what we have. More than likely you will find it low on the cylinders that you found oil. If that is the case then we need to do a cylinder leakage test.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Let's start with compression and go from there. Thanks
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Thursday, January 16th, 2020 AT 4:38 PM
Tiny
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Okay, so the compression test would be the first step in figuring out why it’s idling rough. It happens when accelerating intermittent.
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Thursday, January 16th, 2020 AT 4:48 PM
Tiny
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Since you covered the most common components and found oil, I would just check the base engine by checking compression because if that is not okay then nothing else really matters. However, if that is okay then we can dig deeper.

Think of it as checking the foundation on a house. No need to look to see if the kitchen is nice if the foundation is no good.

We may have a fuel issue but again, that will be the next thing after making sure compression is okay.
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Thursday, January 16th, 2020 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
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I have replaced the valve cover gasket. It ran for for about 20 minutes and shut off. Now the timing is off. I put a scan tool on the car p2088, p2090, p2017and p2004. I purchased both camshaft sensors, intake manifold runner control and a IAT sensor. Haven’t installed yet. I’m just unsure of the timing issue.
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Friday, February 21st, 2020 AT 6:50 PM
Tiny
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What makes you say the timing is off? Because you have 2 cam sensor codes? These are circuit codes and not actual timing issues. Let me know if there is something else and we can go from there. However, I bet these are all related.

Again, before we tackle these, just let me know why you say there is a timing issue. Thanks
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Saturday, February 22nd, 2020 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
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I replaced the valve cover gasket and seals. After that it ran for approximately 20 minutes then the car shut off and wouldn’t start. When I try to crank it there is rattling noise on the left side of the engine. You know where the chain would be. I plan on installing the two new cams and IAT sensor later this week.
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Sunday, February 23rd, 2020 AT 5:14 AM
Tiny
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Okay. Got it. Rattling is definitely a sign of a chain issue but it may not be out of time. It could just be a tensioner issue. Unfortunately there is no way of knowing without tearing it down. So for what it is worth, if it were me, I would probably do the same you are doing.

Keep us updated. Thanks
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Sunday, February 23rd, 2020 AT 8:49 AM
Tiny
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Ok will do.
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Sunday, February 23rd, 2020 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
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Thanks. We will wait to hear back.
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Monday, February 24th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM

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