Why won't my car stay running? 1998 Chevy Cavalier 2.4L?

M

Michael

New member
My car had a coolant leak and i was constantly adding coolant to make sure it wouldnt overheat. Just a few days ago my car overheated and stalled out. I checked everything and my spark plugs wires were fried so i replaced those and the spark plugs. Now the car will run but slowly comes to a low idle and sputters when it dies. I have no clue what could be wrong with it. I saw that a couple of the vacuum hoses had been damaged during the overheating could bad vacuum hoses be the problem? I could smell a lean fuel/air mixture when the car was running. I have no coolant or anything coming out of my exhaust so i figure my head gaskets are still intact. Please help and keep all the "get a new car" comments to yourself. I am a cliche broke college student and have no money to finance a new car.
Thank You
 
If the car runs fine off-idle and just has problems idling, a vacuum leak, possibly at the intake manifold gasket, could be the cause. Don't discount the possibility of a head gasket just because you don't see anything out of the exhaust though. You could also try cleaning your throttle body and idle air control valve. Then disconnect the battery to clear memory. Throttle body cleaner is available at any auto parts store.
 
If the car runs fine off-idle and just has problems idling, a vacuum leak, possibly at the intake manifold gasket, could be the cause. Don't discount the possibility of a head gasket just because you don't see anything out of the exhaust though. You could also try cleaning your throttle body and idle air control valve. Then disconnect the battery to clear memory. Throttle body cleaner is available at any auto parts store.
 
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