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    jchartrand's Avatar
    jchartrand Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Feb 28, 2008, 10:32 AM
    1996 4.3L chevy engine smokes and misfires
    It starts very good and runs fine, then the check engine light comes on and starts to flash on and off, then puffs of smoke start to come out of the muffler, then a big spark, it looses it's speed and power, it does it for a while, then it stopes smoking and takes of like a bat out of hell and all is fine ?
    this8384's Avatar
    this8384 Posts: 4,564, Reputation: 485
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    #2

    Feb 28, 2008, 11:17 AM
    What do you mean by "a big spark"? Are you seeing a flash of light somewhere? What color is the smoke?
    jchartrand's Avatar
    jchartrand Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Feb 28, 2008, 11:21 AM
    The spark, is a flame coming out of my exhaust, and the smoke is black
    this8384's Avatar
    this8384 Posts: 4,564, Reputation: 485
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    #4

    Feb 28, 2008, 11:37 AM
    Stop driving your vehicle before you damage something else. Have it towed to a garage where they can run the proper tests on it. There should not be flames coming out of your exhaust, ever.
    CaptainRich's Avatar
    CaptainRich Posts: 4,492, Reputation: 537
    Cars & Trucks Expert
    		  
    #5

    Feb 28, 2008, 12:29 PM
    It sound like the engine is dumping fuel in excess and it is igniting in the exhaust.
    A flashing check engine light means that damage is being done to the catalytic converter.
    Have the vehicle towed to where it can be diagnosed. Do not drive it.
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