Now, I have already searched, but all the threads I found were about modded cars.

I recently went to look at a 2000 Sunfire GT w/180,000kms (112000miles) and it looked pretty good. Although when I started it, it had what I think is a misfiring problem at idle. It sounded ok, but then it would make a kind of popping sound or something like that every like 5 seconds or so. The guy said that the plugs have never been changed (original owner w/ all records), so my brother and I are thinking that the plugs (do the 2.4Ls have wires too, like the 2.2L?) need to be changed badly and that would rectify the problem.

The other thing is that there appears to be some 'sweating' by the timing chain cover on the left side of the motor. My bro. also said that he say a bit of sweating on the right side near the top, but nothing major. We saw no fluids leaking on the guy's driveway or anything either. We drove it around the guy's block and it sounded ok. I had my bro. rev it to like 3 or 4-ish and there was no blue smoke or anything or any bad smells.

My big question is are the @!#$ty plugs the most probable cause of this little misfire? Like it sounded ok when we drove it. Because if it is something bigger (and more expensive) I don't want to buy it. I am trying to keep my costs as low as possible. I also don't plan on driving the car hard or modding it. Just need something to get too and from school and work.

Any help is greatly appreciated, especially since I'm going back Sunday to buy it (if he goes down to $2,000 CDN).

Plugs could very well be, but it's just a start. 2.4l's do not have wires, however they do have rubber boots with springs that connect them to the coil pack. Those going bad, possible, never truly had that happen though. If you're familiar with the plugs, I recommend volunteering the $8-$10 and doing them for the guy as a test and scanning any CEL lights that may be present if you're truly interested.

I purchased a '97 Sunfire with a 2.4l with identical symptons expecting an easy fix. Hell I drove the car an hour and a half home from the owner's house, redlined it multiple times, but it still had a constant rough idle, only at idle could you notice. I tossed a few parts at it off the top of my head before we randomly decided to do a compression test. That told all, 60-65 in cyl. 2&3. Motor time! We predicted split head gasket but it ended up being a few smashed valves.

Hilarious part is I drove the car that distance, I drove the car hard, and I did that for a month+ and all was good when the new 2.4l went in. No need to risk it, because I donated the block and well it didn't last long in it's new home. Buying the car may have been a poor choice, but putting a new engine in wasn't .

So I have no real way to tell what the problem is? I don't want to give the guy new plugs. Are the 2.4Ls good motors? Like I always see people replacing them and blowing them. Would actual engine damage be caused from abusive driving? Cause this car was driven by his wife (90% highway) to and from work. I highly doubt she was beating it.

How much was it for the new motor, all said and done? Cause that is something that worries me A LOT.

basically 2.4s can be a pain in the ass, but some run forever. if you dont want to do the plugs your not going to know if thats it. if you know a mechanic have him go check it out.

and yes abusive driving causes actual engine damage lmao