89 cavalier...Ignition problem?

89 Cavalier 2.0 4cyl ohv distributerless

Last fall, I pulled off the crimped on metal piece off of the spark plug wire and I re ghetto crimped it back on with some pliers. It worked for a long time until, I got stuck in the storage unit lot in a snow storm with bald tires. I had to get it in my storage space so I flored it to try to gain some traction and I melted my wire off of the metal piece. I was then running on 3 cyl. Later on I replaced the wires and plugs and now it feels like I'm running on 3 1/2 cylinders. No power what so ever. Wires are in the correct order. Otherwise, it would back fire. Maybe a bad coil pack? Any ideas? :confused2:

Usuially when those coil packs go, they go completely. Pull the spark plug wire and see if you have spark. Double check the firing order. How high did you rev the engine?

You can check the resistance across the towers. They should read 10K-12K ohms when good. If they are over that, replace it. Sometimes they only have enough to fire the waste spark and not the cylinder that is in compression. #1 will fire on the exhaust stroke, then #4 will fire on the exhaust stroke. This is assuming you didn't do something internal to the engine.
Edit: Some coils only read 6K-8K ohms, but I can't remember which ones. The thing to do is to test both of them and see what you are getting.

Thanks guys. I reved it pretty high. I don't have a tach neither a rev limiter. There are no sounds of engine knocking pinging or anything. It sounds like a good running engine. Just powerless.

try codes and see if there is any
http://www.extreme-check-engine-ligh...%20Decoder.htm
just need a paper clip

Awesome, I'll have to try that.

I doubt you'll find anything. OBD-1 GMs didn't throw codes often even when something was faulty, but it can't hurt...lol.

If its got the 2.2 they have been known to jump time as well. Even though they have a timing chain it is possible. I've had to replace one on a couple. But a failing ignition module or crank sensor can do that too. If you know where the ignition module is you can take that off and autozone will test them for free. Not always the most reliable test, but its something.

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Originally Posted by menace2society

89 Cavalier 2.0 4cyl ohv distributerless

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by WickedShelby88

If its got the 2.2 they have been known to jump time as well. Even though they have a timing chain it is possible. I've had to replace one on a couple. But a failing ignition module or crank sensor can do that too. If you know where the ignition module is you can take that off and autozone will test them for free. Not always the most reliable test, but its something.

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wrong motor...

Well isn't the 2.0 the same or is this the iron duke?

Iron Duke is 2.5 OHV. The non eco 2.2 is OHV as well.

Talking about timing. Isnt this an OHC engine with a timing belt?

No. 1.8, 2.0, 2.2 prior to 2003, are OHV pushrod engines. Timing jump is possible, but need to rule stuff out before hopping on a new band wagon.

Yup, a very relieable 2.0 5 spd ohv pushrod 4 banger rated at 90 crank hp. Weighs around 2400-2500 lbs. It actually moves pretty good for what it is. Wish I could just stick a p.o.s 3.4 dohc in there. They were rated around 212 hp back in the early 90's. It would be damn quick. I havn't messed with it yet for, it is my beater car. I'll start ruling out things this weekend. I never thought about the timing. Good idea.

Yea i will say my 92 2.0 cavy i had back in the day was pretty decent for NA 4 banger, had a milled head which prob helped a tad too, i could roast 1st gear and spin 2nd too lol. Pulled decently well for what it is haha.