[WanneBe]

The problem is, my cars runs like's only 3 cylinders are firing, and I can barely rev the engine above 2500 rpms. I check the plugs, only to fund that they were wet with gasoline and horribly carbon fouled. The strange that sets my problem apart from all the other threads with similar problems, is that the factory boost gauge show 7 psi at idle. When I rev the engine, it quickly rises to over 15 psi. My aftermarket gauge reads around 10 psi vacuum at idle, and 0 when I rev the engine(pretty much normal). It looks to me the engine thinks that there is boost, and responds by increasing fuel, which is pretty much tanking the engine. I don't know what the factory boost gauge is based on, so I can't really figure this out. I've played with the timing a but, which only smoothes the engine VERY slightly, and I've changed the plugs (which foul in like 30 secs, literally). I think the key here is the whole boost thing. Please give me some info, so I can get back to driving my fun car. Thanks

 

[WanneBe]

Damn guys, thanks for all the replies. My timing is right on so it definitely wasn't that. Low and behold, I noticed one hell of a leak from between the engine and the exhaust manifold. Of course, when I went to tighten the stud, it practically FELL right off. I'm serious, I put like zero pressure on the nut and the stud came right off. Anyways, does a leak at the exhaust manifold sound like it would cause the problem? Thanks for the help guys!

 

[WanneBe]

Alright, I can't hear/see any leaks. The only thing I can hear is the air going through my K/N, and air going through the throttle body and elbow. All the hoses look secure and they're all in good condition. The car has been sitting a while waiting for the new tranny. You don't think it's possible the last time I put gas in (in Sept) I happen to get bad gas and since then water has condensated in the tank. This is the only thing I can think. I'm going to try to siphon the tank and put some new gas in. Any thoughts. Thanks for the help so far guys.

 

[WanneBe]

Alright, I checked for leaks, found one at the UIC->intercooler, and one at the throttle body. My throttle body gasket had practically disintergrated. I fixed both, started the car, same problem. Let it idle for a few minutes as I double checked I tightened everything. Still 10 in/Hg, rev the engine a little (2500) and magically, it started to idle like it was supposed to. Vacuum went to 20 in/Hg, the factory boost controller stopped reading boost, and things were looking good. I gave the car some gas, but it won't go above 4000. It hits 4200 then starts sputtering and backs down to around 3000. I don't get this at all. I'm going to recheck the timing this weekend, and recheck for leaks, but I'm still confused. Thanks for helping me through my ignorance guys.

 

[WanneBe]

The car still starts just like before, and stays like that for a few minutes. I changed when I blipped the throttle. All this is at idle. If I try to drive it around, it starts to crap out on me like before. Under load, I can't go over more than 2500 RPM. My wires are pretty new Accels, so I really doubt they are bad.

 

[WanneBe]

At 2500 when driving the car hesitates REALLY bad, and doesn't calm down until I pretty much let it go back down to idle, at which point it will start idling again no prob. It still runs like crap when I first start it up though.