328 Hesitation/Stumble

I've had this problem and it's been lots of things. I'd suggest checking the spark plug wires and/or extenders.



Disclaimer: I am NOT a mechanic in any way, shape, or form. I don't play a mechanic on TV. I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. I have to google the correct spelling of mechanic. I'm just a guy that's owned a 328 for 15 years and have spent many $$$ fixing it.

 

It is most likely the dingle bearings need to be lubricated.

 

Check the extenders for burn thru. Are all the plug wires secure in the distributor (I've had some that weren't) How do the brass tips for each cylinder look? Rotor ok? Check for cracks. Get a timing light and check that each cylinder is firing. Look for corrosion where the plug wires meets the extenders. Ohm test each sensor in the bell housing (one for tach and one for each bank) should pull 600 ohm or so. Check plugs...

 

I had a similar-sounding problem that turned out to be caused by poorly performing fuel injectors, but I'd suggest starting first with the easiest-to-check things that others have noted - plug wires, extenders, etc.

 

PM if you need the rare dingle bearing puller.


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Hi,

I had a similar problem a while back and finally found that the fuel injection pulse relay located on a relay panel in the right rear of the luggage area was loose. I re-seated it, secured it with a zip tie, and my problem was solved.

Bill

 

Yeah, I've had this one too.

 

Not that easy even with the rare puller; it's best if you yank them hard and fast like you're cranking a lawnmower.

 

Ouch!

 

not much of a secret vs. contortion. pull the plug top and extender... then place the extension in there then the ratchet.... there is room in there.... taking the deck lid off does open things way up, but its not really needed.

check the extenders for small pin holes ... the ignition can arc against the engine block... cause the stumble. the spark plug wires can get brittle as well.. and crack. does not take much. the heat cycle speeds that up...

also check the relay in the rear right - passengers side trunk. the protection relay is rather large and can wiggle lose. as one person noted you can secure with a zip tie - I used racer tape along the base... and large rubber band - have not had a problem in over 9 years. check the fuse in the relay as well.. likely NOT the culprit but it might be.

 

Sometimes just running a tank of good fuel cleaner resolves these kinds of problems. Crud just clogs up the fuel lines or plugs up injectors.

Not saying it's a cure-all, but it's worth a shot to start.

 

use the spark plug tool in your toolkit
it works remarkably well

 

I get in the car and reach over the rear windshield. Not too hard really. Put a towel over each seat of course.