Cuts Out, Misses

If exhaust has a steady spitting sound at idle or low speed. If a steady jerking exists as engine load increases and is not normally felt with engine speed greater than 1500 RPM or vehicle speed greater than 30 MPH, check the following items:

• Perform VISUAL/PHYSICAL INSPECTION  .
• With engine running and stabilized, using insulated pliers, remove spark plug wires one at a time. If there is about a 50 RPM drop on each cylinder, go to ROUGH, UNSTABLE OR INCORRECT IDLE. If there is no RPM drop or an excessive drop, check for spark at suspect cylinder(s).
• Check for defective spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap or rotor.
• Ensure spark plug wire resistance is 3000-6700 per foot.
• Check for defective ignition wiring or connections.
• Check fuel pressure and/or possible plugged fuel filter.
• Check fuel for water contamination.
• Ensure fuel injector driver circuit at each injector is operating.
• Check valve clearance adjustment.
• Check for low compression.
• Ensure valve timing is okay.
• Check for damaged basic engine parts (such as worn camshaft lobes, valves, valve springs, pistons, etc).
• Check intake and exhaust manifold passage for casting flash.