I have a 2001 MC SS 3.8 ltr.(151k) I don't have any special modifications or anything. I recently had the intake manifold replaced, I also replaced the pvc valve which had a broken bracket.
The problem is that it starts a little hard, (Wires and Plugs recently replaced.)
The mechanic at the shop told me that the one coil pack (I believe 1/3) the one at the bottom of the coil pack Was not putting out full power, not enough to throw a code however can possibly cause the hard starting? I have not had a chance to check it myself yet, I was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience? Thank you, Marcus

 

Hi Marcus and welcome to the forum!!

 

If you had a coil pack causing a hard start you would also have idling and performance problems.
What diagnostics did your mechanic do to come to this conclusion?

 

In response to The_Maniac, It does seem like it is going to start normal, kicks over and then dies. Also after it does start on occasion, often a rough idle, and it will on occasion die while idling also while driving at low speed/rpm, as in entry to freeway on ramp, thank you.. Another thing I failed to mention is that when it is stone cold it will fire right up, and sometimes, (Hasn't done it in awhile) It will surge or stutter a second on the freeway at speed (65) you will feel it and see the rpm's drop slightly for just a second, then normal..

 

Welcome to the forum

my guess would be something with your fuel system, ie, fuel pump, gas lines, bad injector. Sometimes these are tricky to track down to say the least. It could also be something as simple as water in the gas. My first step would be to run a can of seafoam through the tank to clean out everything, as this is a cheap start.

 

Thank you. I am more inclined to believe either spark or fuel, (Injector) than water in the gas as it has been a recurrent problem for several months. I did have one mechanic that did some work for me replacing the plugs say that there was an injector leaking, however the mechanic that fixed the intake plenum did not mention it. He did tell me to check the middle front plug for carbon if the one coil is not working properly. Guess I should finally do that..

 

strange I had my gasket changed and my car came back on a wrecker. The mechanic burnt the starter up had it rebuilt and I replace the battery before I got mine started. It runs really rough and will die if Im not feeding it fuel. What the heck makes me think it maybe the characteristics of this model. What might I do so I can drive my car again and feel safe it wont leave me stranded?