Poor starting/running/backfire/stalling, etc

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Guest

Poor starting/running/backfire/stalling, etc

Post by Guest »

Hey everyone,
My moms 1988 Chevy Beretta (141,000 miles, 2.0 4cyl)is having some issues with starting/running/stalling/backfiring. When you first start it in the morning it's cranks A LOT then is sort of starts, but it will usually backfire (sounds like from under the hood) and shut right down. Then you have to crank it again, and it will usually start. I think this issue is what killed the starter. Also the check engine had come on from time to time but it always shut itself off.
Sometimes when you are driving it if you hit the gas hard, you will hear the backfire sound from under the hood. A lot of times when you are going from drive to reverse it will stall if you don't hit the gas quick enough.
All of the tune-up parts are good or new, as well as the fuel filter. When it was at the shop for the starter we complained about the above issues, and he claimed that the throttle body was VERY dirty and he cleaned it and said "it shoud be better" well it's not! Sometimes it starts without the backfire/stall thing but it always takes a lot of cranking to get it going. I have no clue where to go or look for the problem. I was thinking about an o2 sensor? The car has not dist, so no cap or rotor. Any ideas as to what I should look at? The car is not going to be in the family for that much longer but for the time being it is and i NEED it to run right.

Thanks,
Zack
1988GTU
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Posts: 2744
Joined: Sat Mar 23, 2002 1:06 pm
Location: A town up north

Poor starting/running/backfire/stalling, etc

Post by 1988GTU »

You've checked to make sure you coils/ignition module is operating normal?  That is what generates the spark.
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Guest

Poor starting/running/backfire/stalling, etc

Post by Guest »

(1988GTU @ May 22 2006,21:35)Q
U
O
T
EYou've checked to make sure you coils/ignition module is operating normal?  That is what generates the spark.
Can you give me the steps involved with checking the coil ign module? I am so lost with this car. Any help would be great!

Thanks,
Zack
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