For several days now, my car has been starting hard and running like crap. I replaced the fuel filter 'cuz it's cheap, probably needed to be changed anyways, and I was hoping it was just clogged and the cause of my problems. No luck there, but when I started it back up with the new filter, I heard some strange sucking noises under the hood. Sure enough, there was a vacuum leak. The elbow had torn and came loose off the TB. I was able to get it clamped back on well enough that the car ran a lot better, and that will hopefull work until I can get a 1LE elbow ordered. However, it still started a little hard. In fact, once tonight, it coughed and sputtered for a good 4-5 secs and backfired really bad before finally starting. And it would hesitate every once in a while when I was driving. I realize there is probably still a small leak around my jury-rigged elbow connection, but is a small vacuum leak enough to make the car run like complete ***? Can it account for REALLY hard starting? Please help....

 

I don't think a torn elbow would result in back fires and hard starts but it could cause hesitation and the car to just kind of run like crap.

 

if the tear is between the MAF and the TB then yes, you're getting unmetered air into your intake. Which would make it run pretty poorly.

 

I know it should be running bad, but this seems really, really bad. I just can't believe that it could start that hard becuase of some unmetered air. Thanks for your input guys, and I hope that's all that's wrong. <crosses fingers>

 

hard starting is a good sign of fuel pressur edrop as well. I know you've said you checked your fuel filter, but hook a gauge up to the shrader valve and make sure you're getting pressure @ KOEOFF then at engine running. Make sure with KOEOFF the pressure stays put and doesnt slowly go down.

 

I agree with Bawls. I think its fuel related. If you want to find out how much your torn elbow is hurting you, just unplug it. The car will go into speed density mode and the intake leak won't matter.

 

Hmmm... Good idea. I'll try that. And I'll see if I can track down a pressure gauge. Do any parts stores lend them out?

 

My local parts stores didn't, so i had to buy one at about $40.