☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: 1992 S10 pickup 4.3ltr V6 misfires bad and continues to destroy distributor caps

asked by on February 16, 2018

The truck in question misfires horribly and seems to do it moreso when under load. I’ve replaced everything I can think of that is part of this ignition system. Cap, rotor, coil, plugs, wires, and even the distributor itself. When I replace the cap & rotor, the misfire seems to go away. But there no telling for how long. Last time I did it I didn’t even make it 5 miles! When I pull the cap, I find that the center pin/stud on the inside of the distributor cap is broken and/or sheared off and last time all 6 of the contacts inside the cap had turned green. I can’t find anything online that talks about an issue like this and I am getting so damn frustrated I could scream 郎. Please help if you have any ideas. It is an awesome truck in excellent condition otherwise. I am only just the second owner and when I bought it in 2017 it only had 86,000 miles on it.

Thank You,

Marc Stickney Owner/Operator Take A Break! Lawncare & Landscape takeabreak253@gmail.com

My car has 126500 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

Recommended Services

Engine is misfiring Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

Misfiring can be ignition or fuel related, not to mention the mechanical (engine condition) causes. If the air fuel ratio is off due to lean operation for example (vacuum leak, fuel pump failing, etc.) the engine may misfire. To distinguish between fuel and ignition related causes of misfiring, the secondary firing patterns of each cylinder can be viewed on an oscilloscope. With regard to the distributor, a center electrode fracture is caused by mechanical damage and is not a ignition system issue. To get this situation resolved once and for all, a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, can perform the required diagnostic if you request a misfiring diagnostic. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Chevrolet
V6-4.3L
1992
S10
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Sometimes my key gets stuck in the ignition
You have one of two different problems. Your key is worn too much and will not engage the tumblers enough to unlock the ignition lock cylinder. If the key is not worn out then your ignition lock cylinder is binding...
Read more
Noisy bearings in the water pump that has no leaks
The bearings inside of the water pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-water-pump) are sealed from the outside air by a rubber seal. They are also sealed from the inside water by a rubber seal. If they weren't, the water would get on the bearing...
Read more
Car won't turn over and brake and gear shifter won't move
The most likely cause is in the shifter. Possibly a broken shifter bushing or shifter cable. Possible causes are the ignition switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-switch-replacement) or shifter interlock (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/shifter-interlock-solenoid-replacement). Your vehicle is a Chevy Trailblazer badged as an Isuzu. For these vehicles...
Read more
When my car is idling at a stop sign, I have a rattle coming from the front right.
Hi there, thanks for writing in. If the noise is there even when the engine is running, then the balancer needs to be checked as well as the engine mounts. Either one of these will cause this to occur. I...
Read more
My Speed Sensor is not working-
Sensors are made of plastic and plastic doesn't like to be warmed and cooled. Which is exactly what is happening you your car everyday. Normally, plastics will last a 100,000 miles or so. With a new sensor, it is not...
Read more
strut is leaking on one side of the car.
Hi there. If a strut is leaking, then the strut tower that contains the oil for the shock absorber has a seal that split or got damaged. When replacing the shocks or struts, it is recommend to replace them in...
Read more
Yaw rate sensor problem? 2009 Chevy Impala SS
Hello - "yaw" means the amount of rotation or twist from a vertical axis, or how much your car "leans" to the outside of a curve when cornering. The yaw rate sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-yaw-rate-sensor) provides input to stability control and anti-skid...
Read more
Hello
Hi there. Smoke coming from the exhaust pipe is due to several different mechanical issues; ranging from damaged piston rings and valve guides in the cylinder head (blue smoke), blown head gaskets or coolant inside the oil galley's (typically white...
Read more
Rebuilt 350 engine rebuilt Quadrajet carburetor with new computer. Nothing will connect to the computer, which is effecting my transmission.
Hi there. Check the wiring to the carburetor and see if the choke is coming on or staying off. The computer controlled carburetors are designed to meter the choke and fuel jets. If the wiring to the carburetor has power...
Read more

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
The The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban offers large amounts of space to carry around a growing family or to transport supplies to your favorite camping spot. It is available in heavy duty and half ton models. Key Features The 1500 Suburban...
Read more
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
Few Few vehicles are as distinctive as the Chevrolet Avalanche. Part SUV, part truck, the Avalanche is actually surprisingly practical. On the inside, it feels more like a Chevy Tahoe, except when you look out your rearview mirror, you’ll notice...
Read more
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re an Athletic Coach
If If you are an athletic coach, you need a used vehicle with tons of room to transport gear. Once in awhile, you may have to take a player or two along with you as well. What this means is...
Read more

Browse other content

Maintenance
Services
Cars
Cities