Car *putts*/*shakes* when it first starts

[Explodr94]

What would make the car randomly work as if there isn't a problem then start shaking again?

I had code PO303 on my Ex after I did a head gasket job on both sides. This was fixed with a new EGR tube gasket (vacuum leak) and - when I removed the fuel rail and injectors I broke one of the connectors to the injector, I installed a new one. When the code appeared, I checked ignition, because most misfires are electrical. While I had the coil pack off, I had easy access to the fuel injector that I replaced, I had to redo the connection, (must of been tired). Check your injector connector for voltage and injector. A bad injector will cause a misfire. I would also say sounds like your head gasket is bad, based on the loss of coolant.

 

[daizex]

I noticed while working on my front end that a wire was cut in half, I'm not sure what it's for exactly but it looks like it has something to do with the fuel system. I circled it in red, it was cut in half about 10 inches down.

 

[joe doe]

PO303

misfire cyl #3

if your losing coolant along with that misfire you could have a bad head gasket leaking coolant in that cyl or a cracked head at that cyl .

when you pull that plug look closely at the porcelain around the firing pin .if its cracked thats a tell tale sign of coolant getting in the cyl .

report back after you check that plug.

 

[daizex]

Car runs fine now

So I changed out all my spark plug wires and plugs and my car doesn’t shake violently anymore! I changed the 3rd cylinder plug first and the car ran fine then I changed the rest. I did notice that on the 3rd plug that there was oil on it, not thick or gunky but regular looking oil on it. Nothing looked cracked or anything it just had some oil on it. My mpg went from about 12 to 18 after changing it.