stumbles and stalls

[ken_w58]

My 1989 ford Festiva is stumbling and stalling it only has 65000 miles on it started about a month ago, have not been able to drive it more then 1 mile since! it is a automatic with fuel injection any assistance to curing problem would be help full
ken

[Lmcclure]

i would fill out your info first, that way if someones close by they can give you a hand

when was the last time the fuel filter was changed? tuned up etc?

[ken_w58]

I am in Bath Maine, Fuel filter was changed along with plugs wires and airfilter, This is first time i used site! Some have told me it could be fuel pump or Cat. converter! but I really don't want to play hit and miss game where i have been out of work for 2 years now the parts are expensive.

[WmWatt]

You can take out the PCV valve and give it a shake. If it doesn't rattle it's dirty or the spring is gone. It can be cleaned with solvent or replaced.

The Haynes manual has a troubleshooting section which may help. Mine is at home. I'm at the library. My '89 has a carburettor.

[ken_w58]

thanks for info but!

I have already replace pcv valve and plug wires plugs air and fuel filter. Maybe i am explaining wrong the car will get up to speed but then starts to stumble if i step on gas it will come out of it and in another mile or so do same thing all over. I was told by a mech either a fuel pump in tank or cat. converter? the car only has 64834 for mileage and has been a lemon for past 2 years with problems. When running it is a champ.

[Lmcclure]

full tank, half tank, doesnt matter?

[WmWatt]

A vacuum guage will show if the exhaust (converter) is clogged bit of you don't have a guage it will cost about $15. If you think it might be the fuel pump you can open up the top of the tank for free, check the wires and clean the filtre, then see if the problem goes away. Careful though, gas fumes are exsplosive.

[challe1]

My 91 did the same thing after I drove it for a while it started to stumble on take off. It turned out to be a dry rotted hose on the tank...