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Only way to discover what is actually causing engine misfire and transmission malfunction is by *hands-on* professional scan testing..
Can guess at it from now on and never get it right!
Thank you. I have a sticking valve in my trans. I add SeaFoam and it shifts. Just figured that may be my misfire problem. Engine runs great revving up sitting still
Engine misfire is going to be ignition system related 95% of the time..
These distributors become worn allowing the shaft to develop lateral movement which will cause this problem - however the scan test will show WHICH cylinders are misfiring so more detailed testing can be performed.
It’s just the only way to go for accurate diagnosis.
The transmission problem is a separate issue - - yes, SeaFoam ‘Trans Tune’ is a very good product for transmission functionality concerns..
SeaFoam ‘MotorTune’ engine products work equally as well for engine performance problems - fuel system additive as well as decarbonization when added directly to intake vacuum source.
Thank you. I will check that. The scan says #3 is misfiring. My engine has 378k miles. No oil usage and plenty of power. Just misfires on the road. No dead skip just random. Thanks again.
Distributor cap - rotor - spark plug wires and spark plugs should be the first suspects as they can certainly cause this ‘under load’ misfire.
Beyond that - seek out the professional *hands-on* assistance.
Yes I did a full tune up. It misses under a no load situation. When you get your speed up and level out is when it starts popping and misfires. Your advice on the worn distributor sounds like the next step I will go for. Thank you
Remove cap - check for ANY lateral shaft movement by moving rotor side to side back & forth - not actually turning the rotor but checking lateral movement.
Considering the age and mileage this is likely to be present.
IF replacement is needed - be SURE to make reference marks on distributor AND rotor BEFORE removal so you’ll be able to install new one in the EXACT same position.
I just checked it. It has about 1/8" movement back and forth. Then another 1/8" when you turn it counterclockwise with it coming upward. So I'm pretty sure this is my problem. Lol. I've tinkered with cars and trucks my whole life and haven't run into this before. Thanks again
I did it for a living until I retired last year - 47 years in the business from the time I started.
This is just one of the things I have found with this particular distributor - I cannot guarantee this is going to fix your misfire but there should no distributor shaft lateral movement at all..
The truck has served you well - spending a few bucks on it at this point ain’t going to be too bad.
Back to an earlier comment, someone said that my trans problem could be my misfire problem because of the electronics. I was not sure. It's been a good truck. Just minor things. I'm retired too from truck driving. Enjoy your retirement
Thank you for the suggestion about the distributor. I replaced it and that almost solved the problem. I think the rest may be in fine tuning the timing
Closely follow the set ignition timing instructions that are on the *emissions label* under hood, you’ll need a timing light as well..
The single wire connector you need to disconnect before setting timing is likely hidden behind the plastic cover on passenger side firewall.
Although it says to set timing at 0 or top dead center - - a couple of degrees ‘before’ top dead center would be my choice..
Turn engine off before re-connecting the set timing connector.
Fuel pressure testing is also highly recommended. Good luck!
Thank you. I have a sticking valve in my trans. I add SeaFoam and it shifts. Just figured that may be my misfire problem. Engine runs great revving up sitting still
Engine misfire is going to be ignition system related 95% of the time.. These distributors become worn allowing the shaft to develop lateral movement which will cause this problem - however the scan test will show WHICH cylinders are misfiring so more detailed testing can be performed. It’s just the only way to go for accurate diagnosis. The transmission problem is a separate issue - - yes, SeaFoam ‘Trans Tune’ is a very good product for transmission functionality concerns.. SeaFoam ‘MotorTune’ engine products work equally as well for engine performance problems - fuel system additive as well as decarbonization when added directly to intake vacuum source.
Thank you. I will check that. The scan says #3 is misfiring. My engine has 378k miles. No oil usage and plenty of power. Just misfires on the road. No dead skip just random. Thanks again.
Distributor cap - rotor - spark plug wires and spark plugs should be the first suspects as they can certainly cause this ‘under load’ misfire. Beyond that - seek out the professional *hands-on* assistance.
Yes I did a full tune up. It misses under a no load situation. When you get your speed up and level out is when it starts popping and misfires. Your advice on the worn distributor sounds like the next step I will go for. Thank you
Remove cap - check for ANY lateral shaft movement by moving rotor side to side back & forth - not actually turning the rotor but checking lateral movement. Considering the age and mileage this is likely to be present. IF replacement is needed - be SURE to make reference marks on distributor AND rotor BEFORE removal so you’ll be able to install new one in the EXACT same position.
I just checked it. It has about 1/8" movement back and forth. Then another 1/8" when you turn it counterclockwise with it coming upward. So I'm pretty sure this is my problem. Lol. I've tinkered with cars and trucks my whole life and haven't run into this before. Thanks again
I did it for a living until I retired last year - 47 years in the business from the time I started. This is just one of the things I have found with this particular distributor - I cannot guarantee this is going to fix your misfire but there should no distributor shaft lateral movement at all.. The truck has served you well - spending a few bucks on it at this point ain’t going to be too bad.
Back to an earlier comment, someone said that my trans problem could be my misfire problem because of the electronics. I was not sure. It's been a good truck. Just minor things. I'm retired too from truck driving. Enjoy your retirement
Thank you for the suggestion about the distributor. I replaced it and that almost solved the problem. I think the rest may be in fine tuning the timing
Closely follow the set ignition timing instructions that are on the *emissions label* under hood, you’ll need a timing light as well.. The single wire connector you need to disconnect before setting timing is likely hidden behind the plastic cover on passenger side firewall. Although it says to set timing at 0 or top dead center - - a couple of degrees ‘before’ top dead center would be my choice.. Turn engine off before re-connecting the set timing connector.
Thank you very much. I don't have one but a friend does. It runs much better now. Only a slight random miss at highway speeds
Good luck to y’all !
And you too. Ty
Hello again. I'm having issues with my ABS . On my 96 chevy C1500. Is there a way to bypass it?