Backyard Mechanic

Backyard Mechanic <pettyfog@yaywho.com> wrote:

> "Gerry Pierce" <gpierce123@msn.com> wrote:
>
>> Put new plugs in the day before yesterday. Got done, car ran good for
>> about 15-20 miles. Stopped for a minute to wait on my son, when I
>> restarted, the idle was very rough. When you step on the gas, it is
>> very sluggish and rough, then smooths out as the rpms climb above
>> 1500. I went back, replaced all plug wires (the ones that were in
>> there looked original (had a date on them of 1993) and put all new
>> plugs in again. I still get the same indications. I checked for loose
>> vacuum lines and connections, only one was vacuum on the EGR valve. I
>> trimmed the end, it is now tight and I can see the egr valve diaphram
>> moving open and closed through the little openings in it. It idles in
>> park ok (not as smooth as before) but once in drive, it is rough.
>>
>> Also, maybe related, maybe not. Auto tranny seems sluggish to down
>> shift beyond the first time (step on the gas, it does down 1 gear, but
>> WOT doesn't get any more down shifts.
>>
>> I am at a loss on where to go now. Car ran good up to the point that I
>> shut it off that time. I am a little short on funds, so I would rather
>> not take it into the dealer yet. Any ideas on what to try?
>>
>>
>> Second question, what are the indications of a bad/going bad catalytic
>> convertor?
>>
>
> First get the codes read out.
>
> Is Check engine on?
>
> Second.... the age of car and symptoms point to possible bad Throttle
> Position Sensor...that's a stab at it, of course
>
>

Also.. smell for gas in exhaust... also indications of leaky Fuel press
regulator

--
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you pay..DEAL with it!