Hey all,
New to the group....Been driving the Catera quite hard lately, and the next thing I know, the CEL pops on and she starts shakin like crazy. Took her to the shop (not dealer) and they ran the codes saying that she is misfiring in cylinders 1 and 6. He suggested getting new spark plugs and wires all the way around. Does anyone have any idea how much this would cost, or if there is any chance I could do it myself. I've heard that Catera's have Coil On Plug (COP) ignition systems....would this make the task more difficult/what exactly is COP? Also, I refilled the slowly leaking coolant the other day, now the coolant looks a dark brown? P.S. Here are some links to pictures I took today....I'm not quite sure what it is im looking at, anyone know?
Thanks all

http://www.uploadimages.net/images/897510almost_out.JPG

http://www.uploadimages.net/images/507221all_out.JPG

Well, the misfiring would be due to oil soaked spark plugs... and the 97 doesnt have COP.

I think you broke a headgasket(s) and possibly valve cover(s)... and i wouldnt drive the car with oil in the coolant.

When you get it repaired, have them check the oil cooler just for kicks and giggles to make sure thats not leaking.

So then I was looking at the spark plugs in the picture...even though they were only secured in by a popping like action? The word blown in front of gasket is never good....with all the problems I've had so far with this car this just tears it, I think it's bye bye Catera by the end of the summer.
Thanks for the reply nonetheless

Im sorry, but yeah, the 97's are total shi*... :bonkers:

My 98 had the brown color issue, it looked like it was leaking from the transmission lines, but it was the heater control valve, which they said (the dealer) is in the back of the engine