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Question

I have a 1999 Malibu. It acts like its missing when you first start it but after 30 to 60 seconds it clears up and runs fine. What could be making it run rough when i first start it up?

Submitted: 390 days and 13 hours ago.
Category: Car
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

1999 Chevy Malibu 3100

Already Tried:
Its got new plugs. Can't afford to try much. The service engine lite is not on.

Accepted Answer

There are several common causes for the symptom you describe:

(1) A leaking fuel injector that is causing one cylinder to load up with fuel after the engine has been shut off.
(2) Carbon deposits on the intake valves.   Carbon deposits act like sponges, absorbing fuel untill they saturate when the engine is first started; this causes a lean misfire condition for the first minute or so after a cold start.
(3) Incorrect (too high) octane fuel.   A high octane fuel tends to condense on the cold internal engine surfaces, causing a lean misfire condition untill the engine runs for a couple of minutes and warms.   If you are using a high octane fuel, try the 87 octane fuel the engine was designed to use.   Often this restores normal operation if there are no other problems present.

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Expert: Steve7654
Pos. Feedback: 99.4 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/27/2008

Auto Service Technician

25+ yrs experience as a professional working technician; ASE L1 master technician

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