My 98 Blazer 2wd started misfiring all of a sudden, I am due for a cat converter and I have checked the wires,the cap for cracks but no signs of wear and tear. The engine is just over 30k miles with iridium plugs in it. Will a cat converter or MAF sensor cause this?

 

Let's not start guessing and throwing parts at the problem. If you have a misfire the SES light should be on and there should be misfire codes stored. What are they, and do you have a scanner? If you want to work on this yourself, better get one. For a 1998 Blazer I recommend Car Gauge Pro for Android ($8.95) and a BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 adapter (Amazon, $22). Everyone should be able to afford that if you already have a phone.

If the problem is the cat converter or the MAF sensor, codes should point to that conclusion - but only after performing the proper testing will we be able to say if they are bad or not. I suspect not.

 

Thanks for your suggestions, I'll be considering the scan tool to find a solution to this problem

 

Ditto on doing a proper diagnosis first.

 

Scan tool read misfire on #6 cylinder the other morning, ran like crap especially in idle mode. I filled my tank and I noticed that my blazer smoothed out a little bit, now I'm thinking that it might be trash in the tank or an emission component. What and where are they and what are their functions? Anyone please?

 

You have been given good advice by two members that proper diagnosis is the best way to solve these issues. Most of the best resources on this site will be willing to help you but your going to need to be willing to follow a series of steps to get to the bottom of this. Any one of us can start guessing and helping you throw parts at the problem but that's not the right way to approach this. On the assumption that you are ready to get to work:

Does your scan tool have live data capability? Misfire counter by cylinder?

How old are the plugs, wires, distr cap and rotor?

Has there been any recent work on the truck?

Do you have a fuel system pressure gauge to perform the pressure tests in the sticky?

Others will chime in but you need to be willing to follow a plan.

George

 

The plugs and wires are about 30k miles or so and I haven't had any work done in a while, don't have a fuel pressure gauge but I can work on that. Thanks

 

I forgot to add - any codes?

George

 

I forgot the code but it listed misfire on cylinder number 6. I replaced the cap & rotor and the misfire stopped. Number three plug wire was not snapped on tight on the old cap but is now. We'll see how she ride tomorrow.