1) how can i tell if my engine is missing
2) how can i tell if my car is running rich
3) what all does the ignition system affect

these are just some questions that popped into my head so i decided to ask because i couldnt tell you the first thing about this stuff

 

1. Open the hood and look. Pretty easy to spot.
2. Check its wallet.
3. Everything.

OK, seriously...

A "miss" usually means that one or more cylinders aren't firing. That makes the engine run very rough and uneven, so when you take off it goes blub-blub-blub-blub and shakes the car. It's usually caused by a fouled spark plug, failing to ignite that cyl.

"Rich" means it's getting too much fuel for the amount of air it's taking in. It will get poor gas mileage, run lind of lazy, smell like too much fuel in the exhaust, maybe even blow out black smoke.

The ignition system's job is to make sparks to ignite the fuel/air mixture in the cylinders. Without it, the engine would not run.

 

would an aging ignition system cause the car to be harder to start as opposed to firing up the first try? and if i upgraded the ignition system would it be noticable and if so then in what ways?

about the missing thing should i just check all of the plugs and if so then what am i looking for?

i know these are stupid questions but im very unfamiliar with any type of car mechanics

thanks

 

Ya got new plugs and wires? Thats a good place to start..if so, check youre connections.

 

V-6 in Pitt,

There should be no reason to try to "upgrade" the ignition system. Just return it to godd stock condition. This will include replacing spark plugs, testing or replacing the spark plug wires, replacing the distributor cap and rotor on a 3.1L engine (not used on a 3.4L engine), and checking the base timing. If you are relatively sure the timing has not been altered at any time since the engine was running well, you can probably skip that step.

This would also be a good time to check the air filter, fuel filter, clean the throttle body, clean or replace the PCV valve, inspect all vacuum hoses, and perform any other scheduled maintenance for a vehicle with the age and mileage yours may have.

 

a fouled spark plug or bad spark plug wire would cause the engine to miss, yes?

well if so then would the miss be the reason that my engine kinda pulses and the rpms move slightly when idling?

ps. its not a vac leak