Sluggish Acceleration; rough idle

CHEVROLET CAVALIER
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TRACEY0508
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1998 Chevy Cavalier, 117,000 miles, 2.2, My problem is this: When cold, the car works pretty good. It used to take awhile for engine temperature to reach normal heat (mid-range), but now it only takes about 5 minutes of running for it to reach the half-way point, and it doesn't get any higher. The hotter the car gets, the more sluggish it gets. When at a complete stop, if i push the pedal all the way down, it backfires. Once it reaches about 25-30, it runs okay, but you can still tell that it isn't running smoothly. When at idle, it is a rough idle. A friend's husband has been working on this car for about 6 years and he's checked everything. There is no error lights that are coming on. He's changed the spark plugs, wires, checked the air filters, fuel filters, compression is good, there are no clogs anywhere that he can find. He's suspecting the timing chain and will check it out this weekend, do you have any suggestions what the problem could be? Thanks for your website...it's great! :D
Jun 28, 2007 at 3:32 PM
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E40WATER12
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Sounds like u need youre coil packs either tested, Or replaced. Also I would replace youre thermostat and coolant temp sensor, See if that corrects anything.
Jun 29, 2007 at 4:27 AM
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TRACEY0508
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1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 117,000 miles; I forgot to indicate in my e-mail yesterday - the coils were replaced the week before. Also, the muffler sounds louder.
Jun 29, 2007 at 8:39 AM
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NICKN
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get your catalitic converter looked at.
Jul 2, 2007 at 6:43 PM
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TRACEY0508
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Got the car fixed - the timing chain skipped two chains, and it now works like a champ! Thanks!
Jul 3, 2007 at 8:04 AM
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NICKN
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has that fixed the loudness of your vehicle? and im glad that it makes ur car run and drive better
Jul 10, 2007 at 6:21 PM
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TRACEY0508
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Yes, the car works and sounds like a charm! No noise whatsoever...
Jul 11, 2007 at 9:05 AM
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NICKN
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good to hear!
Jul 12, 2007 at 1:55 PM
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ATOALVIS
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My car is doing the same thing... Was your main issue the timing chain? because mine does it off and on and in the same ways yours did as well.
May 11, 2016 at 12:58 PM