93 sputtering, hesitation, loss of acceleration

[onezero1]

Hi all.

First post in the forum. My 93 has 260k on it and recently developed this problem. It wants to chug out up hills (and well now anytime really, specially with people in the car). Instinctively I pump the gas when this occurs and will recieve an occasional backfire. When in reverse the car bucks and idles funny. I replaced the fuel filter hoping that would solve the problem. But no, it didn't. I did searches and found that the fuel pump may be dying. But also I read that it could be a sensor or spark plug issue. Idk. Any advice or links would be of great help. Car was only 1200 when I got it 3 years ago. Not looking to take it into the shop as of yet. If this is a diy then, I am all for it.

[bonnevillain]

Does the Check Engine Light come on?

[J Wikoff]

Does it matter if the car is warmed up?

I'd start by getting a loaner fuel pressure gauge from Autozone (or similar store). Start the engine with the gauge installed on the fuel rail. At idle, note the pressure. Pull the vacuum line off the fuel pressure regulator and note the pressure again. Put the line back on and shut the car down. Does the pressure hold steady, does it fall a certain amount after a while?

I forget what the numbers should be, hopefully someone that remembers will chime in.

I'd also get a spray bottle (set on mist, not squirt), and in a dark area, underhood light off (turn off the headlights), with the engine idling, mist the area around the plug wires and look for sparks or arcing.

You can test the resistance of the ignition coils. The procedure is in our Techinfo:

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... =48&t=1683

[onezero1]

No CEL. Hmm, when I have been driving for a while it occurs with much greater frequency, passing on the highway requires a higher level of caution and distance. She doesn't like to get up and go like she would before. Just goin to the gas station and back it will still do it though, but not as intense. Uphills it happens no matter how warm she is.

I will test the fuel pressure and ignition coils as you have advised. Spray bottle trick too.

This all started about a month ago and has just progressively gotten worse.

[swiles]

your fel pressure should be at about 41 psi

[00Beast]

I'm gonna state the obvious. How old are the plugs, wires, etc? If they're old, they could be misfiring. I'd pull the front plugs, and if they are carboned or gunked up, replace them, and the wires. I would recommend Beldin Premium wires from NAPA. They're about $40 and have a lifetime warranty.

[bobfather99]

Ive had the same problems twice, once was a dying fuel pump(it tested 17psi!) other time was worn out wires/plugs when I bought the car.

If that doesnt solve your problem, you might want to look for a weak coil or a vacuum leak.