Got a P0300 code rough idle and runs horribly?

Tiny
TREVORDUHON
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 214,000 MILES
So, I was getting a cylinder 4 misfire code, changed spider injectors. Cylinder 4 misfire code went away. Then I got a p0300 code rough idle and runs horribly, went through all kind a different possibilities. Changed EGR valve, MAP Sensor, PCV valve, checked fuel pressure, checked fuel itself, checked rotor cap for corrosion, did smoke test, sprayed starter fluid to look for leaks after smoke test, has all new wires and spark plugs, tune up etc. But now today when I unplugged spark plug wires 2-4-6 from rotor cap, they all 3 have spark but idle does not change, runs no different. If I unplug 1-3-5, individually it runs even worse than it already is. So, it’s like the hole passenger side isn’t working right. Again, they all have spark, but 2-4-6 when I unplug wires from distributor cap nothing changes, I could unplug all 3 at same time and it runs off of only 1-3-5. Could this be an ECM problem? Or what? What do I look for next? If coil pack was bad, then they wouldn’t all have spark, right? I know it could be a vacuum leak somewhere but man I’ve checked brake booster, vacuum lines, intake, and smoke test etc, so, I’m pretty much eliminated that also I think. Please help, I’m ready to set this truck on fire. At this point I’ve been messing with it work almost a week now. These 4.3’s are junk man, truck has right at 214,000 miles. The backstory truck was driven from Louisiana to Arkansas. Ran fine the entire way got into Arkansas filled up truck again, got too plant for work worked a 12-hour shift, got in truck to leave and bam it had a cylinder 4 misfire, so my brother had me go pick it up with a U-Haul trailer and now we are here.
Monday, September 11th, 2023 AT 8:17 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
I know you said you checked the fuel pump, but they go out and can be intermittent. The code p0300 is a sign the pump is going out as well.

Here is a guide to help you recheck the fuel pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Key On Engine Off .................... 60-66 psi

Also, did you change the fuel filter? Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 AT 11:55 AM
Tiny
TREVORDUHON
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I changed spark plugs 2/4/6 just to make sure, now I have spark on 2/6 but 4 is still missing. And the exhaust is also sucking air I did the ole dollar bill trick and sure enough it sucks it in like described on other forums. Could this be caused by intake leak or is it for sure burnt exhaust valve?
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Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 AT 9:49 PM
Tiny
TREVORDUHON
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
And yes, also checked fuel pressure; at 60 with key on engine off. While running it’s at about 40/50 if I remember right and goes up to 60 when you give it throttle. Checked fuel trim at it sis at 17 at an idle goes down to about 4/5 when given gas was told that could be a result of burnt exhaust valve.
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Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 AT 9:51 PM
Tiny
TREVORDUHON
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Did not check fuel filter, it all started with cylinder 4 misfire code. Changed spider injector after doing compression test cause compression seemed good so we figured injector for cylinder 4 went out. After changing that, now I’m getting p0300 code. Messed with plugs and 2/4/6 would not react when I pulled spark plug wires, then today I changed all 3 spark plugs. 2/6 came back and now it runs worse after pulling plugs from 2/6 but nothing changes when pulling wire for 4.
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Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 AT 9:54 PM
Tiny
TREVORDUHON
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
You think fuel filter would affect only number 4? Seems like to me something is still affecting only cylinder 4.
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Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 AT 9:55 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Yep, did you use an AC Delco part? If not, this can be the problem. Also do a compression test on #4 to confirm the cylinders integrity.

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

If the exhaust valve leaks a little, I would not worry about it as long as the compression is good. Please let me know what you find.
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Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 AT 11:11 AM

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