Running Very Rough

[Garry]

Hey folks, my car has been driving fine for a long time now, but this last week, when driving in the cold mornings, espesially if I hit a slight hill, it would have one or two stutters whilst accelerating. However about an hour ago I was driving along when it suddenly started running real bad. Very jerky, exausht note sounds lower than normal and it feels like it's about to die. It didn't have a new air filter or spark plugs/leads the last time I serviced it during the summer.

Any thoughts?

Bravo 1.2SX
65k miles

 

[Rich]

If i understand it correct it sounds like its missing on one cylinder.

My old fiesta started to do this.. turned out it was the HT leads (one was broken - therefore misfiring).

CHanged them and all was well, then it started again - this time it was the coil.

But it could also be the spark plugs.

Theres an easy way to see if it is missing on a cylinder by removing the spark plugs, the colour of them should be a browny/copper colour. If its black then thats the problem cylinder.


1997 Fiat Bravo 1.6 SX
RUNNING WELL
Needs some cosmetic work;
-Need to respray front wing (Colour doesnt match);
-Could also do with a clean;
-Need new bump strips;
-Want new wheels.

 

[Garry]

Spark plugs and leads would probably be the best/cheapest thing to try first then, as it's been a while and they could do with replacing anyway. I'll have to get a garage to do it unfortunatly as I'm away from home and have no tools (and I'm a bit noobish when it comes to under bonet activities!)

It's strange, the exaust system/full engine seem to be shaking a lot more than usual, I'm hoping it's nothing more sinister.

Cheers,

Garry

 

[Rich]

If it is misfiring the engine does tend to shake rather violently.. this would transfer ot the exhaust too as its all connected..

You may be able to get out of changing the leads by opening the bonnet late at night so its pitch black.. if its your leads chances are as soon as your engine starts shaking and spluttering then you may see white flashes along your leads. If you do then replace them - no tools required.

If not then the spark plugs are easy to replace - not sure what a garage would charge - they may check them for you for free? If not its a shame as its just a matter of unscrewing them.


1997 Fiat Bravo 1.6 SX
RUNNING WELL
Needs some cosmetic work;
-Need to respray front wing (Colour doesnt match);
-Could also do with a clean;
-Need new bump strips;
-Want new wheels.