metalgod415

Hey, guys and gals. This is my first post so please bear with me. Here's my problem:
I have a 91 SE. It recently started running poorly (i.e. idle low and rough, lack of power while accelerating, and finally dieing). I checked the main 3 things-- cleaned the air filter, changed plugs, wires cap/rotor, and ignition coil. I've checked for spark-good to go. There is fuel getting to the cylinders, but that's the only thing I'm unsure as to whether it's getting there at the right pressure. From my research, it appears that there is no fuel pressure regulator on my car. Is that a valid assumption?? If so, how do I go about testing the fuel pressure? I have a manual (Haynes) but it doen't really tell me anything about my year of car. I'm pretty sure it's the fuel system. I recently had to replace one of the fuel system hoses after I used a can of "Sea-Foam" in the tank. Is it possible that loosened up something in the lines or tank causing the fuel pump to clog or the lines themselves to clog? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I have to get this thing fixed by Sunday at the latest and there's no way to get it to a mechanic. I'd rather do it myself anyway, if possible. Thanks guys.

Cory

El Barto

did you pull the fuel injectors to check/clean them?

metalgod415

No, but I'll try that tonight. No sleep for me. Thanks for the advice.

white90se

iTrader: (1)

how many miles are on the engine

metalgod415

about 275k. but it hasn't given me any problems until now.

alpicone

It is very possibly your injectors since the injector on our engines arent so good. But before you and take out the injectors make sure that is what the problem is. It is a lot of work just to get to the injectors so do some troubleshooting before you take things apart.

Try pulling the the wires from the plugs one at a time and see which cylinders are bad. When you pull the plug if the injector is good you will notice a change in the engine. If it is bad there will be no change. See if and how many are bad. Make sure you are getting spark to the plugs.

Is it missing or is there just a lack of power?

metalgod415

the engine will start, but sputters and dies once i put it in gear and try to drive it. the plugs are getting spark, i have checked that. I'll give it a shot, but do you mean pull the spark plug wire or the plug from the injector??

alpicone

the wires from the spark plugs. Does it also die at idle in park?

metalgod415

it's a 5-speed, but in neutral it sputters and eventually dies.

alpicone

is there a miss?

metalgod415

nope. it sounds like all the cylinders are firing steadily. just idles really rough

alpicone

What rpm is it idling at?

metalgod415

500 rpm, by the way, AIM might be easier to do this instead of posting every 5 min. also, after driving it down the street and coming to a stop sign it idles lower than that and almost dies if i don't give it any gas.

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

sounds like dead injectors to me, assuming you've checked to make sure you have compression in all cylinders

white90se

iTrader: (1)

thats what my max was doin...i had to keep my foot on the throttle whenever i stopped so it wouldnt stall...now my max doesnt run...the idler or tensioner pulley broke off...i had like 230000 miles on my max though

metalgod415

My car seems to be fixing itself. I started it this afternoon and was letting it warm up and was listening to the injectors (all of which sound like they're working properly, i used a metal rod since i don't have a stethoscope) and all of a sudden it started idling normally at 700 rpm. It was almost normal it was still kind of rough but I was wondering if it's possible the gas that's in my tank is bad. The car has been sitting for a few weeks and all the problems originated after I filled up and put a can of "Sea-Foam" in the tank to help clean the injectors. The result of the injector cleaner was me having to replace the fill line between the tank and the fill tube. Any more advice would be appreciated.

yelowd

I've got the same problem and have had it. I'm willing to guess that it's an injector or two (especially with 275k!!!). Last winter my #1 injector kicked off and the car drove horribly. Well I still drove it for about a week and a half before I had a chance to even consider fixing it. Well, started it up the next morning and it ran fine. It's been running fine up until about a month ago. and then it has the off and on stumbling and jerky idle. Check the injectors with an ohm meter. Someone here can probably tell you what the safe range is for an injector.

ntjoe

Same problem, I had the #2 injector go south on me. I put some Shell V-Power and a bottle of Gunk concentrated injector cleaner in it, and the next day after some driving, it just cleared up. That has been about 1-2 months ago. I've stuck with the V-power and it now runs great.

What type of gas are you running?

metalgod415

unfortunately i'm really only able to afford the cheap crap. I know it's not good for the car, but I don't really think it matters anymore. the car has very little life left. I'm currently getting ready to remove the injectors. one i know is bad. by the way, does anyone know where the block coolant drain **** is on a 91 SE???? the Haynes manual says its on the right front corner behind the alternator. not sure which "right front" they mean (looking forward or from back) my alternator is on the left front when looking from the front of the car to the back. i looked and couldn't find the drain ****. thanks for the info so far guys and gals. it's been helping quite a bit.