Hi all. I’ve recently run into a situation where I’m experiencing a severe power loss and lack of ability to rev with my ‘97 LX. Situation occurs both stationary and under load. I’ve replaced plugs, wires, and have troubleshot basic electrical culprits to no avail (excepting O2 sensors).
Here’s what’s happening: At idle and low revs (<1200 rpm) all runs smooth and fine. As I rev and hold to ~2000 rpm she’ll run smooth for 5-10 seconds, then stumbles, revs drop toward 1500 rpm (without throttle change) and she continues to stutter and shake. Adding throttle allows revs to increase (a bit) but the stumbling only worsens as revs increase.
This all sounds like plugged cats to me (engine being chocked for air) so I had initially removed the forward O2 sensor to gain some addt’l exhaust flow, but situation remains the same. And of course the cats themselves are crusty enough that I don’t stand a chance to remove and inspect without cutting things apart. So I haven’t eliminated plugged cats as being the culprit, but initial eval indicates maybe not.
So on to possible fueling issues. I’ve opened the fuel tank and inspected the in tank filter. Tank, pump, and sock are VERY clean. No sediment or other suspicious findings. Next stop is to replace the fuel filter although I fear it’ll be a vain effort given how clean the tank/sock are.
Any advice or suggestions before I start tearing into things further? I’ve done plenty of searching and have found folks with similar circumstances, but never a definitive solution. Any help is appreciated!
Now…..off to change a fuel filter.
Here’s what’s happening: At idle and low revs (<1200 rpm) all runs smooth and fine. As I rev and hold to ~2000 rpm she’ll run smooth for 5-10 seconds, then stumbles, revs drop toward 1500 rpm (without throttle change) and she continues to stutter and shake. Adding throttle allows revs to increase (a bit) but the stumbling only worsens as revs increase.
This all sounds like plugged cats to me (engine being chocked for air) so I had initially removed the forward O2 sensor to gain some addt’l exhaust flow, but situation remains the same. And of course the cats themselves are crusty enough that I don’t stand a chance to remove and inspect without cutting things apart. So I haven’t eliminated plugged cats as being the culprit, but initial eval indicates maybe not.
So on to possible fueling issues. I’ve opened the fuel tank and inspected the in tank filter. Tank, pump, and sock are VERY clean. No sediment or other suspicious findings. Next stop is to replace the fuel filter although I fear it’ll be a vain effort given how clean the tank/sock are.
Any advice or suggestions before I start tearing into things further? I’ve done plenty of searching and have found folks with similar circumstances, but never a definitive solution. Any help is appreciated!
Now…..off to change a fuel filter.
