Rough idle & dies, poor acceleration

[RazorWing]

Freebird needs help! She's suddenly idling really rough (sometimes not at all) before dying after the engine is turned. If I pump the gas, or keep my foot down on the gas with my right and break with my left, the engine won't die. She's not getting much speed when I accelerate, and either my alternator belt is on too tight or the RPMs are really high when I accelerate; it's making an awful high pitched whirring sound. I'm afraid to push the car past second gear into third.. I'm not sure if these two issues are separate or have something to do with each other.. My thought is that it's the O2 sensor, but it could also be a split or loose vacuum line... Any suggestions on troubleshooting the issue? Thanks in advance!

[FestYboy]

year? if it's an EFI car, first thing to look at is the tube between the filter and the throtle body, if theres a crack or hole, fix it. next would be look at the ignition system (all of it). then move on to the fuel system (filter, pick-up sock, line pressure).

[DriverOne]

Re: Rough idle & dies, poor acceleration

My thoughts: This happened almost directly after she fuelled up the last time. Is it possible bad fuel could play a part in this?

The car is an '89 auto.

[FestYboy]

bad fuel be a culprit? absolutely.

[RazorWing]

I'm guessing it's bad fuel, too. Just wish I'd had time to take a look at 'er before I had to send her to the shop. That's the misfortune of car trouble to a daily driver vehicle. I'll know by tomorrow's end what happened.

[RazorWing]

Bad gasket and hose on the intake. Also the timing needs to be adjusted. That's gonna happen tomorrow.

[jawbraeka]

SEAFOAM IT!