Down a cylinder or misfiring badly

Tiny
THEWHITETILE
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
  • 3.1L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 138,000 MILES
The car is down a cylinder or misfiring badly. I have replaced the coil packs, wires, plugs. What else should I look at?
Sunday, April 4th, 2021 AT 6:58 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Many different things can cause a misfire. By chance, have you scanned the computer to determine which cylinder is causing the issue? If you have and replaced ignition components, the next thing to do would be to check engine compression. That would tell you if you have a weak cylinder. Also, it could be a fuel injector not working as well.

First, here is a link that explains how to test engine compression. Take a look through it. If you don't have a compression gauge, most parts stores will lend one to you.

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

When checking, the lowest reading cylinder should not be less than 70% of the highest and no cylinder reading should be less than (100 psi). Perform compression test with the engine at normal operating temperature, spark plugs removed, and throttle wide open.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, April 5th, 2021 AT 6:53 PM

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