Car has stock plugs/wires and stock headers on for now.
55,000 miles

Here is the scoop. I've been driving the car all day. I park it at the store and go out top start it. Fires right up then idles like crap real choppy like a bad vac leak. Cheaked all the vac lines I think. Everything looks fine. If you step on the gas at all the car falls on its face. I get it started and then attempt to make it home, meanwhile its running horrible can barely give it gas. Then it stalls and I can't get it to stay running. I will start no problem but then idles like crap and eventually stalls again after a few seconds. I had it towed home $65 later. Replaced the fuel filter. After the car sets a bit it starts up and idles fine for about 30 seconds. Evena ble to rev it up, then starts idling like crap and dies. I can hear the fuel pump kicking on and running so what do I do now?

Forgot to mention NO SES light on.
Any help greatly appreciated.


Adam

 

TTT

 

I would start by checking the fuel pressure with a test gauge. Just because you can hear the pump run, does not mean the pressure is good.

 

I was hoping you might chime in. I was reading your fuel pressure article on your web page. If I'm not seeing 41-47 PSI the pump might be bad. The car can barely keep itself running, should the pressure still be there?

Lets say we have good fuel pressure what do I go after next. This is such a broad symptom I don't know where to start and don't want to play the replace every part game to chase this down.

 

Still looking for more ideas guys.

adam

 

If it is not fuel related, it's probably spark. I would be looking at coil/coil wire next.

 

Thanks SHOEBOX do you think it could be the Fuel pressure regulator? And for the coil if that seem sto be the problem would it benefit me any to go aftermarket coil?

Adam

 

UPDATE.....

Ok so I start the car this morning after its been sitting all night. Runs like a champ. However After hooking the Fuel pressure guage to it I'm only seeing a max of 37psi and 41 @ WOT ? I replace the coil just for ****s and giggles. Take the car for a drive and it runs great even after only seeing 37psi earlier. I get home and shut the car off. 5MIN later go out to start it and the same crap again, car can barely keep running. Then I notice on my Fuel pressure guage I'm at only 20 psi!!!! And the car just barely chugs. So without further explaination I'm thinking the fuel pump goes to hell when it gets hot and needs replaced. Question is where is the cheapest place for an OEM pump? OR should I go aftermarket? I'd rather spend the money on a better pump that will fit in the OEM location IF IT WILL HELP ME LATER WITH MODS AND WORK WITH CURRENT STOCK INJECTORS.


Adam

 

TTT Am I correct on my diagnosis of the PUMP being bad?

Adam

 

They can indeed conk out when they get hot and run again when cool. I would try to repeat the scenario if you could, just to make sure. I know it may not be a factor now, but if you have not changed your fuel filter in a while, you might want to. If it has significant restriction, it could perhaps make your pump work harder.

 

Changed fuel filter as well. Have tested it twice and it seems that the same outcome has happened. When the car WAS running ok @ 37psi doesn't that seem low?

Adam