Another 3.4 with problems

[Pig General]

My car just started giving me problems about an hour ago. I was driving home from work, wanted to power up a hill, and my car downshifted but did not pull any harder. When I got to the top of the hill, the car was idling like garbage, felt like it wanted to stall out. The car has sounded a little different the last few days, its sounded alot deeper under throttle, but I dismissded it. There is no SES light. Any ideas where to start?

[Brett Garret]

Full tune-up. Spark plugs, wires, o2 sensors, pcv valve, air filter, oil change, Techron in the gas.

[viper98885]

Most of your 3.4L V6 engines that have power problems tend to end up being related to the ignition system in one way or another. I have seen a lot of people suggest things like O2 sensors and stuff, but they end up replacing plugs, wires and/or coils and it seems to clear things up. I am not saying the it is definitely not the O2 sensors, but more times than not, it is the ignition system needing a little tune up.

[Pig General]

Right-o, I kinda thought it could be ignition, but I figured it would throw the ses light, that was the only thing that tripped me up. Every time I have had the slightest problem, that damn light would come on.

[Pig General]

Well, I did a full tune up (pcv valve was shot, was melting through spark plug wires.) Fixed the rought idle. Car lacks any "umph" though. Under 3000 rpms, just like it should be, and after that, it just feels weak. 1st gear used to be a ball, now its just depressing. Other than that, car running fine. Anyone have any suggestions on what could cause the day/night lack of power. Does the pcv valve need broken in? I'm not beating on the car right after a tune up, I live in pittsburgh and hills are ruthless. I am an ametuer mechanic and I'm horrible at troubleshooting, tell me what to replace and I'm all over it though. Appriciate the help so far.

[Dan Vincent]

Catalytic converter would explain lack of top-end. When did you last replace it?

[L32Projekt]

^^ Agreed, check the cat, how many miles on it?

[Pig General]

:( Too many I belive. Oh well. I appriciate everyone's help on this.

[viper98885]

You stated that the PCV Valve was melting through spark plug wires. This is impossible. The PCV valve is located in the driver's side valve cover and transfers air through vacuum tubing to ventilate the crankcase. The vacuum tubes would melt before it would melt spark plug wires. Furthermore, the spark plug wires should not be routed anywhere in the vicinity of the PCV valve or the vacuum tubing associated with the PCV valve. It sounds like you have the components confused. Double check the parts that you are referring to.

[Pig General]

Thank you viper, I did have the component confused at the time of writing, it was the EGR valve.

[L32Projekt]

Anyone else notice that the EGR and cats seem to go out around the same time on our 3.4L's?