Chugging, hard start, dies on acceleration... you tell me.

[NightFlyer]

Well gents, sometimes is the simple things in life that drive you crazy.

After hearing you guys discuss the vacuum solenoid and hearing about how easily the connector falls off - something clicked in my rusty old brain. I believe it was NightFlyer (again) that posted that picture of the solenoid (and fuel distributor adorned with rubber bullets) saying that the hoses and the power were disconnected.

I took a look this morning and confirmed my suspicions.

The power wasn't hooked up to the solenoid. And I don't think is has been since I did the tune up.
Go figure.

I drove her around a bit today and she runs, I would say, 90% better... there is still that lack of acceleration at wide open throttle - not that I'm driving it like a punk kid in a civic - but trying to go up steep hills still results in having to back off the gas just a tad bit to keep accelerating... I'm going to take a risk and drive her to work today, I'll let you guys know what, if anything, happens.

EDIT: Also thanks for everyone's help in trying to figure this out, you guys have been a great help so far.

Sounds promising so far

Yes, let us know how the drive today goes. And if possible, a video of any remaining issues would be great and could help us in narrowing it down for you.

[LoveThySpatula]

Well, after having another apparent breakthrough yesterday, she is still having issues. Went to start it up before work and she had the same problem, if not worse.

I have put together a video of the running issue - please be gentle, I have NEVER edited a video or posted one online. Let me know if this will point anyone in the right direction.

http://youtu.be/ReflDSH5Yc0

NOTE: I was not sure how to edit out half of the video so bear with me on that too, thanks.

[Flash66]

I'll bet you have the cleanest spark plug boots around! Honestly I'm thinking your fuel pump is on its way to the grave! A carbon copy of what mine did and a new fuel pump took care of it. Also one day it would run pretty good, and the next would run like crap like your video demo. 99.1% sure that this is your issue.

[Jonathan]

Well, after having another apparent breakthrough yesterday, she is still having issues. Went to start it up before work and she had the same problem, if not worse.

I have put together a video of the running issue - please be gentle, I have NEVER edited a video or posted one online. Let me know if this will point anyone in the right direction.

http://youtu.be/ReflDSH5Yc0

NOTE: I was not sure how to edit out half of the video so bear with me on that too, thanks.

Looking at your spray can usage and how things aren't improving, I'd start trying something else as that doesn't appear to be it.

To me it just looks like your car isn't being told to idle properly when there is no throttle being applied. I would bet on it being one or more of those components not electrically connected properly or for other reasons not getting the signals it needs.

So, check to see if your idle microswitch is working (and plugged in correctly as that white connector on the top of the intake on the left side has me wondering). Go over the electrical connections in that idle control system like the ones connected to the idle speed motor and the ones at the bulkhead connectors as well as behind the driver's seat on the ECU.

[Dracula]

At the behest of NightFlier, I have been asked to inform you that he was banned and therefore can't respond to inquiries any further unless you wish to come over to DMCToday.com

[LoveThySpatula]

I'll bet you have the cleanest spark plug boots around! Honestly I'm thinking your fuel pump is on its way to the grave! A carbon copy of what mine did and a new fuel pump took care of it. Also one day it would run pretty good, and the next would run like crap like your video demo. 99.1% sure that this is your issue.

Not the cleanest by choice, trust me. I've had a couple people tell me that the fuel pump is likely shot and I should just replace it now before it fails completely - I've been avoiding it mostly because of the price tag of the thing, but I may just have to bite the bullet and get it.

At the behest of NightFlier, I have been asked to inform you that he was banned and therefore can't respond to inquiries any further unless you wish to come over to DMCToday.com

Thanks for the heads up, do you happen to know his username over there? I could pop over if he has any advice - hate to bug the guy, he's been babysitting me for a week or two already.

[Ron]

$.02

The engine changes significantly when you spray the intake area by #2 and #3. This indicates a vacuum leak (intake 0-ring, or one of the lines in VOD...). The resulting lean mixture could explain the "backfire" while the engine is cold as well....

Edit: Same handle for NF

[Flash66]

Not the cleanest by choice, trust me. I've had a couple people tell me that the fuel pump is likely shot and I should just replace it now before it fails completely - I've been avoiding it mostly because of the price tag of the thing, but I may just have to bite the bullet and

If nothing else buy the old style on eBay for 125.00. I'm so confident 90% of your problem is fuel delivery. I've been EXACTLY where you are as seen in your video. Besides the apparent vacuum leak shown, your running super lean from starving fuel and there's your backlash from the intake. Your pump is shot.

[LoveThySpatula]

If nothing else buy the old style on eBay for 125.00. I'm so confident 90% of your problem is fuel delivery. I've been EXACTLY where you are as seen in your video. Besides the apparent vacuum leak shown, your running super lean from starving fuel and there's your backlash from the intake. Your pump is shot.

I've ordered a replacement pump (only the pump) to see if that fixes the problem. I tried running her a bit today and the issue was worse than it has ever been so I'm with you thinking the pump has decided to stop working.

I'll keep you guys updated.

Thanks again for all the help.

[LoveThySpatula]

Well put the new pump in and it runs worse than before, so I am at a bit of a loss. I did notice there is an inline check valve installed, and because the new pump has a check valve, I'll be removing the extra valve when I get the time (about two hours a week) to see if that helps.

With the new pump installed, I had to do the plug swap to even get it started - no biggie, I figured there was air in the lines. At first, it wouldn't run after swapping the plugs back. Finally started idling normal, but once again, no acceleration. Gave it gas and it died right away - worse than before. And it happened every time after I got it restarted as well.

Looks like I'm back to square one, any other ideas?
Maybe a trip to the repair shop?