Cuts Out, Misses

DEFINITION:

Pulsation or jerking that follows engine speed, usually more pronounced as engine load increases. The exhaust may have a steady spitting sound at idle or low speed.

Visually Check:
- Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks and proper connections, as shown on vacuum hose routing diagram label.
- Ignition wires for cracking, hardness and proper connections at both distributor cap and spark plugs.
- Wiring for proper connections, pinches and cuts.

Check for spark at spark plugs:
1. Disconnect and plug air cleaner and EGR vacuum hoses.
2. Check spark at all plug wires.
- No spark at one or more cylinders:
Check resistance of spark plug wires by connecting ohmmeter to ends of each wire in question. If meter reads over 30,000 OHMS, replace wire(s).
- Spark at all cylinders. Visually check distributor cap inside and out for moisture, dust, cracks, burns and check for arcing to coil mounting screws. With engine running, spray cap and plug wires with fine water mist to check for arcing.
Check for poor ground on integral ignition coil.

Remove spark plugs and check for cracks, wear, improper gap, burned electrodes and heavy deposits.

Check distributor pickup coil resistance with ohmmeter, and check for proper connections at module. Pickup coil resistance should be 500-1500 Ohms and not grounded.

Remove rocker covers, check for bent pushrods, worn rocker arms, broken valve springs, or worn camshaft lobes. Repair as necessary.

Check for exhaust system restriction.