1999 EX w/ a 1992 z6 motor (don't ask).

This morning on the way to work the car suddenly started to shutter. Almost like a limp mode. I have no codes. There is a definite loss of power, but not really substantial. I popped the clutch and put it in neutral to rev it. It still shudders but with much much less magnitude. I get a burning smell too. I don't know the difference between burning clutch or burning brakes, but it almost smells like burning tires. My coolant temp is fine and radiator is not leaking. It seems to drive nearly normal except for slight loss of power and shuddering. No weird sounds while driving and none when it suddenly happened.

Any ideas?

 

sounds like a misfire, whats the condition of the ignition system

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sicones &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">sounds like a misfire, whats the condition of the ignition system</TD></TR></TABLE>

I just replaced the spark plugs and wires about 3 weeks ago. Unknown as far as the dizzy. Haven't touched it since I bought the motor. What do you think about the burning smell?

 

for the burning smell...are there ANY fluids leaking, head gasket, valve cover, coolent etc..

the shuttering and loss of power while driving but being able to rev fine in neutral is definite misfire symptoms

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sicones &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">for the burning smell...are there ANY fluids leaking, head gasket, valve cover, coolent etc..

the shuttering and loss of power while driving but being able to rev fine in neutral is definite misfire symptoms</TD></TR></TABLE>

Maybe, but it only happened after the shutter started happening, never before. It would be very weird for it to start at the same time.

I do still get the shudder in neutral, it's just very minimal by comparison.

Still think misfire?

 

I had a shudder problem. Turned out to be a broken valve. Check the compression in all cylinders. You may be running on only 3.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dpkelly &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I had a shudder problem. Turned out to be a broken valve. Check the compression in all cylinders. You may be running on only 3.</TD></TR></TABLE>

a slight shutter would not be from a dropped valve

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sicones &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

a slight shutter would not be from a dropped valve</TD></TR></TABLE>

I said a broken valve not a dropped valve. Valve stems typically shouldn't break. If part of the circular section of the valve that is in the combustion chamber breaks off (like mine did), you can get a slight shudder. Deposits build up on the exhaust valves due to extreme heat and running lean for too long. This causes parts of the valve to break off or crack.

 

Okay, well, I took a look after work and started pulling spark plug wires one by one to see if there was a change. I definitely dropped off cylinder #3. After that I got into the car to try to hobble it back to my house about 10 minutes in suddenly everything started working again and no more burning smell.

WTF?!

 

test the compression on cylinder 3

 

Also check if spark plug #3 is tight and not stripped.