Ok so I have a 2005 dodge neon throwing a p0300. I've been trying to figure it out for awhile now as the check engine light has came on and turned off a few times. The only symptom the car has is it starts really bad. It will chug and ping until it finally turns over then I have to rev it high for a sec and then all is well. Once started it runs fine and only seems to start bad on a cold start.

I've ruled out a few things such as compression, spark plugs, wires, distributor cap are all fine. I've even replaced the valve cover gasket. I've checked my fuel injectors for drip and they all seem fine. I've checked my exhaust for a burned exhaust valve and that seems fine too.

The last 2 things I think it could be would be the catalytic converter or the fuel injectors and fuel rail are clogged up. I think it may be the fuel injectors because once the car starts it runs like its flooded and smells heavily of gas. One last thing I have noticed is that my 3rd spark plug wire smells like gas where as none of the others do.

Any feedback or knowledge of a similar situation would be highly appreciated. Thank you

 

No thoughts??