Hello my fellow CHEVY BROTHERS & SISTERS. I'm new here. I have been reading forum postings for a while now. What I can tell you, is that I would rather ask a question here than taking my car to a mechanic. Here is my dilema, Rebuilt engine less than 1000 miles ago.When the car was returned in my posssesion, the RPM was idling pretty high.I cleaned out the Idle Air Control Valve. This dropped my Idle. I adjusted the idle manually with a screwdriver to get it at 800 RPM. I took out one cat(under passenger side). Engine light came on (I expected this). At times (more now than before) my service engine light is blinking on and off. A short time after I noticed a sound indicating a vacum leak. I could not find it ANYWERE. I was dusting off my MARO this morning and noticed the sound coming from the center firewall. What do you think this is. I also have a hard start when the car sits for a while. When the engine finally cranks over, It has a distinct smell like as if I unplugged the MAF. I have a bit of knowledge on this Z because I had one before (96 A4), It was stolen. I know have another Z but an M6 and I love it more than my A4! I know that this Z isn't stock because I'm right at the SS' quarter panel! Please help!

Thanks in advance.

 

I believe a blinking SES light means you are having a misfire, or maybe some plug wires turned around. I know it has something to do with the plugs firing.

 

But when the SES is blinking, the MARO still runs like a champ, without any noticeable differences. What about that vacum leak, as described earlier?

 

It is dif. a missfire, probly a burnt plug wire, or lose one.

The only other thing that i know of that would cause that is a bad fuel pump or really clogged filter.

take it to autozone and see if they will scan it for free.

 

my dads been a gm ase cert tech for 25 yrs. i've driven w/ my ses light on many times, he said when it blinks, it actually means that damage could be done if u continue to drive it. blinking ses lights are caused by ignition problems.

 

Thats why I feel comfortable asking you guys here. Camaro z28 are true CHEVY mechanics. Thanks for the help guys!

 

Blinking SES means the PCM sees a possible catalyst damaging condition, usually a misfire