well just started the car this morning, and the engine turns over and holds idle, but it sounded bad, like a lawnmower, and idle was very low. it was also backfireing like crazy. what could be the problem? i also just topped off the oil before i started it, it looked fine, but after i started it, oil went a lil low. sounded as if its runnin with one rotor.

the other day it was running fine, just that this morning, the problem began as i started it. car is a 1991 n/a. so, what should i start looking into?

 

Hey mate check the sparkplugs they could be fouled.. if they seem fine and relativley clean get a compression test done.
cheers
Liam.

 

ok, so i took out the plugs just now, and the rear housing plugs seem dry, but the front ones are a little wet, seems like oil.

here are pics of the front trailing and leading plugs.


so just get new plugs? dont think i blew a oil seal as i have no smoke what so ever.

 

well, got new plugs and it ran a little better, but on start up, it still idles pretty bad. it sputters, and its really low. what can i check on that?

 

run a compression test. my fc did the same kind of thing and it turns out one rotor was completely blown =(

 

checked compression recently, it was good. so i guess it was just fouled plugs, thanks for the help guys.

 

dude i bought my car running like that. i didn't know about them then it was smoking, idleing rough, and was blown. . running on one rotor. help me!!!