Strange yes as my topic is a bit similar to mrmint69's post. I have a loss of power as well in my 89 RS. I can start up my car as well, but power starts dying down after about 2-3 minutes. Stomping on the gas only draws down power quicker. I don't think this is exhaust as we were getting a good flow. What I think may be happening on mine is that the engine is getting flooded with fuel. For I can have the car run for 2-3 minutes, die down, and won't be able to start immediately. 15-20 minutes later starts right up. I don't think it's the fuel pump. If it is flooding, how can I check? What could cause this? How do I fix it? Any and all help please let me know, thanks!

 

You need to check the oil for fuel contamination. Plugs will tell you if it's running rich. The number of black ones tells another story as well. Black smoke would be an obvious give away.
Let's assume the 89's have the same "clear flood mode" that the 4th gens do. So have you tried holding the throttle to the floor when cranking it after it shuts down?

We need more information. 89's were available with either V6 or V8. Did the problem occur out of no where or did something change or was worked on first? Is there a reason you haven't checked the fuel pressure? Etc etc etc... the more information you can provide the better.

 

I tried holding down the throttle, it still won't start. It's a 305 V8 engine code "E" with a T5 Transmission. It's been slowly losing pick-up as of two weeks ago. Now it's to the point of not being driveable. I'll check the plugs first thing tomorrow but she's got normal smoke if that tells you the slightest thing. I'll have more info tomorrow but if this gives you any ideas let me know as I'm running low on them. Thanks!

 

It could be a fuel pump starting to die. It sounds more like this than its flooded. I fuel pressure test would be the easiest thing to start with. It doesn't sound like you have a plugged cat but it could slowly get worse to the point it would be undriveable. You shouldn't even need to drive it as it sounds like it will tell you at idle but you may need to.

 

Fuel filter would be my first guess, fuel pump second.

 

There is no such thing as NORMAL SMOKE. I hope you are not confusing steam with smoke. Smoke is white, blue or black. Steam is merely water vapor (obviously).

Fuel pressure???? How long has it been since a thorough tune up?

 

The smoke's bluish white, it's what I would consider normal but anyhow, it's been a while since a thorough tune-up has been done. Unfortunately I can't just take it to a local mechanic to look at it. I'm stationed here in Italy and most mechanics here would have no clue what they're looking at. I'll check the fuel filter out and see about a pressure test on the fuel pump. I do appreciate everyone's input, if anything, it's helped me become more knowledgeable on my car. I'll post my findings and go from there when I'm done.