Random Misfiring

[kr0nlx]

First off i have a 97 GASE 2.4 with 140k miles on it. Now When this bad boy starts up you can definitly feel it, the engine has the shakes REAL bad, it drives but has very little acceleration. And there was a nice amount of smoke coming out of the exhaust. So i Started on my Fix it myself stuff and i have replaced this much so far.

Spark Plugs,
Coil Packs,
Coil housing (i think that is what its called)

after that the problem still was there, so i asked a Family member his opinion, he said blown head gasket, so i go to autozone and order the 225$ headgasket/bolt set. We get that put on and now it still is really shaky and still has the check engine light on but the smoke is gone,

I guess my question is what should i replace next, im running out of ideas and really learning to dislike my car :(

[HeyDace]

You should have had the codes read first. It may have been something minor.

[ccacgrandam97]

well i am currently having a misfire problem on my 97 2.4l se but we hooked up a code tester and there were no codes stored and none displayed

have you tried changing the fuel filter? or the spark plugs?

i am going to try these things next because i have a feeling since none of these have been changed since 97 it is the problem

[dziukap]

In idle conversation with a mechanic, in which I hate to say he recommended that I stay away from the 2.4L engines from GM, he mentioned that these babies have problems with all their gaskets. He actually saw one blow INWARD instead of outward and dump all the coolant into the oil. So, yeah, I would find someone who can really take a look at that sucker for cheap and knows those engines well.

[RocketFast321]

BS :lol: now the 3x00 has a problem with lower intake gasket

[Brad97GS]

The 2.4L is actually not bad in terms of head gasket failures. They do have problems in other areas, especially the water pump, but head gasket-wise they are pretty good. Also, when the head gasket goes in any engine, it's fairly common that they blow inward (so that coolant mixes with oil), so I wouldn't say that the one that mechanic saw was all that rare.

Personally, I think you should have explored other options before tackling the head gasket, but it's too late for that! :) As was suggested, get the codes read. That may at least get you on the right path. Do other maintenance things, like changing the fuel filter, changing the spark plug boots (if you haven't already), running some fuel injector cleaner through, etc. If it's still acting up after all that, let us know, and I'll bet someone here comes up with the answer. Good luck!

[kr0nlx]

I have given up on do-it-yourself, and im taking it to a dealership.

[SFusionX]

my gasket appears to be leaking and its got 117,000 or so on it. like 11 bucks for the gasket set. i have the same prbolem on my 99se and i had a thread about this and I think it might be the gasket leaking or the catay covert. (so someone said). i'm getting it checked soon and ill tell you if the cat fixes it.

[kr0nlx]

well i took my baby to the shop, they ran the diagnostics and told me it was goign to cost a total of 2800$ or more to fix it, which is more than i paid for her, so i had to let her go.
and he was listing em off it took him forever to tell me everything
while she was in the shop i was lookin at used cars. so when he told me it was that much to fix i decided on buying a diff car. bought a 1997 acura CL 3.0. when i drove my grand am to the dealership it drove rough, but funny thing was when i sold em the car it never started again. so it was impecable timing.

[Factory_freak2k]

well look at simple things like igniton... check and see if one of your plug boots are pulled out or loose ... i was at the dragstrip running 15.3's all day (in a 15.0 N/A car) and i had no clue why i finally got mad and check out the engine back and found out my #3 spark plug wire was loose and my spark plug was only in about 1/2 the way so i was running on a huge compression loss

[TA^Guy]

If you read the thread he said he sold the car...

In hi sfirst post he also mentioned he replaced the Spark Plugs, Coil Packs, Coil housing.

For future reference for anyone that has simular problems and has already check the ignition system and varified that it is in proper working condition, I suggest scanning it to find which cylinder it is and then replace that fuel injector. A faulty or misfiring fuel injector can also lead to a 'engine misfire' and a rough idling, and running engine. It is also pretty common on the 3100 - 3400 motors.

[kr0nlx]

yes i had the fuel injectors checked. and yes i sold the car. that engine was just tired, 150,000 miles did her in, im guessing the owner before me didnt keep up on maintanance either.