Very strange problem

[Zfestiva]

Thanks for the suggestions. I talked to the previous owner today and he replaced the sock when he bought the car from the original owner because that was the problem at that time causing it to run poorly. He drove it until last summer when the current problem arose, so it is unlikely that the sock is a problem. Since he personally replaced the fuel pump himself and that did not solve the problem, it is also unlikely that is the problem, since the pump he bought from the local parts store is probably ok.

I will pickup the manual at my local NAPA store in a few days, and one of the members here in Canada has gotten me a very good looking VAF to send my way.

As soon as I get the VAF and put it on, we will see if that takes care of things.

Again, thanks to everyone for their help.

Again

[Dave G]

Have you checked the fusible links? My blue car did something sort of similar when I first got it, and it turned out to be a corroded link.

[Zfestiva]

Ok, got the VAF from Stefan and with the Haynes Manual I purchased, I replaced the VAF a few days ago. Also replaced the air filter at the same time.

I have driven the car for several days with the new VAF installed and while that did not entirely cure the problem, it certainly is doing a whole lot better. Now about every five miles or so, it will "misfire" when accelerating. Just like before, if I turn the key off and back on that will straighten it out for another five to seven miles. I am going to check out a few of the things theforum members suggested to trace down what should be the last "glitch" to getting the car running 100%.

Right now I am letting the fuel tank go down as I drive instead of topping it off every few days as before. Before, lower fuel levels made the problem worse, and I am interested in seeing if this still holds true.

Anymore suggestions of things to check will be appreciated, and I will keep everyone posted.

[Zfestiva]

PROBLEM SOLVED!!!

I was finally running out of options when I decided to ignore that the previous owner had replaced the fuel pump when the problem first started. Upon removing the fuel pump I discovered that the sock was badly clogged by a brown, rusty looking substance. The gas tank was full of a brown powdery substance that looked like rust. I cleaned out the tank, replaced both the fuel pump and sock to be on the safe side, and the car is running like brand new.

Congrats to b3 madness for diagnosing the problem early on. And thanks to everyone who helped.

Now if I can just find an ignition key lock cylinder in good shape (found someone who can key it for me, so a key is not necessary)....................

[Pocket_Rocket]

Hmm...I had the EXACT same problem on my 1992 Eagle Talon Turbo, right after I changed my fuel tank, underhood fuel filter and fuel pump for a Walbro 255 lbs/h. Like you said, the pump became really noisy ans the car would lose power, and pressing the gas pedal would make it bog, until the car would only go foward if I let it in first gear on idle. And yes, shutting it down for 5 minutes would give me another problem-free 5 minutes. Thinking the Walbro was the problem, I switched back to the stock pump and it solved the problem...The Walbro came with a new sock filter, and it wasn't even dirty when I took the pump out (my mechanic clean the fuel tank becore installing it), however the sock might have been the problem; it look more restrictive thant the stock one...It was a soft, flat sock whereas the stock one was like a hard, elliptic cage (kinda shaped like a muffler!), and consider that on a pump that has twice the flow...I think the flat sock might have been collapsing...

[fishgoddess]

Z, You give me hope. You have been battling a problem as long as I have and your perseverance prevailed. I commend you. I have dreams of cruzing down the freeways, speeds so fast felt like I was...six, being pushed in my red rider wagon!!! Perhaps this weekend will be my victory weekend.

[iceracerdude]

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