Sputters and dies while idling sometimes

[darkdan]

Sometimes my 94 aspire will sputter while idling. Sometimes when it sputters it will die.

Cap/rotor/plugs/wires have all been replaced within the past 15k miles.

I just replaced the IAC thinking it might be that.

I haven't found any vacuum leaks.

Timing belt isn't all that old (under 15k I'm sure).

Ignition timing was set about 5k miles ago.

The problem started about a month ago.

[festivaWES]

try your maf...maybe its got a bad connection or the part is failing sometimes

[darkdan]

MAF voltage tested right

TPS voltage tested .51 volts at idle. 4.8 v at WOT

Replaced spark plugs (hey, for $4 I'll try it)

I'm beginning to think maybe a fuel injector is staying open too long.

[darkdan]

Is 30 psi too low for fuel pressure at idle?

I'm thinking it's now the fuel pressure regulator.

[festivaWES]

thats normal.....

try cleaning the maf and throttle body with carb cleaner...

just because the maf reads the right voltage doesn't mean its not faulty

[darkdan]

MAF gets cleaned every 6 months with ELECTRICAL CONTACT CLEANER. And it was cleaned last weekend since I had the intake off while I was changing plugs.

I can't stress that enough. Unless people are absolutely sure what they're spraying onto their MAF doesn't leave a residue then they should use ELECTRICAL CONTACT CLEANER.

Fuel Pressure Regulator is on it's way. I think I'm just going to part till it starts sadly. =(

[festivaWES]

how about the fuel filter/injectors.....clogged maybe

[darkdan]

Fuel filter isn't very old. 10k to 15k range

I doubt clogged injectors because the spark plugs looked so nice. You'd think if it was running lean and/or staying open too long the plug would say something about it.

But anything is possible.

[festivaWES]

What about the EGR.....try and make a block of plate

That's the only other thing that could possibly be doing it i think..

[darkdan]

EGR was cleaned about 20k miles ago.

However, it's testing good.

The fuel pressure regulator should be here thursday. I guess we'll find out then!

[69shelby]

Have you thought about water in the gas? run some water seperator, used to happen to the old carb one once in awhile.

[darkdan]

In the People's Republik of Minnesota we have 10% ethanol in our gas all year long.

Ethanol carries water.

[darkdan]

Replaced the fuel pressure regulator and life is good now.

Man, that thing wasn't just bad it was FUBAR. When I pulled off the vacuum hose this time gas shot out of it! Um, I don't think the gas is supposed to be running that direction.

[Trjones1690]

My 1990 Ford Festiva was doing the same thing a few weeks ago, however sadly before i could fix that i got a much bigger problem when the clutch went out . I'll have to check my fuel pressure regulator to see if that solves that problem while i wait for the clutch to ship in from ebay.