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levijohnson9

Barchetta uneven running exhaust leak

Hi, I've got a 2000 Fiat Barchetta, gasoline engine, with only 30365 km on the clock. Recently, the engine's been running really unevenly. The check engine light comes on, and the error memory stores a fault. It also feels like the car is jerking when I try to accelerate. I've changed the air filter, but no change. Could it be something like the ignition coil or crankshaft sensor? Maybe even the timing belt or oxygen sensor? Any ideas?

Summary of the thread

A 2000 Fiat Barchetta was experiencing uneven engine performance, a check engine light, and jerking during acceleration. Initial thoughts included potential issues with the ignition coil, crankshaft sensor, timing belt, or oxygen sensor. However, it was suggested that an exhaust leak before the oxygen sensor could be the cause. Upon inspection at a workshop, a small crack in the exhaust manifold was found and repaired, resolving the issue.

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4 comment(s)

patrickphoenix5

Uneven running, check engine light, and jerking... could be a few things. Have you noticed any changes in exhaust sound or fuel consumption? A leak in the exhaust system before the oxygen sensor could cause those symptoms. It's worth a look before diving into more complex components.

levijohnson9 (community.author)

Thanks for the quick reply! I haven't really paid close attention to the exhaust sound, but I'll definitely check. Where exactly should I be looking for this leak? I'm not super mechanically inclined, but I can usually spot something obvious if I know where to look.

patrickphoenix5

Look for any signs of damage - rust, cracks, or loose connections - along the exhaust manifold and downpipe, especially before the catalytic converter. However, without proper equipment, pinpointing the exact location of a small leak can be tricky. Given the symptoms, I'd suggest taking it to a workshop. They can perform a smoke test to find any leaks in the system.

levijohnson9 (community.author)

Thanks so much for the advice! You were spot on. Took it to the shop, and they found a small crack in the exhaust manifold. Cost me 265€ to get it welded. Runs like a dream now. I appreciate the help!

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FIAT

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BARCHETTA