help with a 1984 B2000

Hi Folks,

I have a 1984 Mazda B2000 2.0L 4 cyl 5 speed. It has 120k miles.

Over all, it's in good shape and runs pretty well.

Lately, when I accelerate and press the gas down, in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears, it will start to diesel and chug and lose power if I press the gas to the floor to accerate. I have to back off the gas and hold my foot at 1/2 to 3/4 for it to regain it's composure and cruise at 55 - 60mph.

Any ideas what might cause this? bad wires? sparkplugs? gap? or, could this me more involved?

any ideas, comments or suggestions for troubleshooting this would be a great help.

thanks

It's the ole "could be fuel, could be ignition" syndrome. I'd pull a couple of plugs and see if they are fouled, worn out, gapped too wide, etc. Bad wires and plugs are more apt to give a misfire under the load you mentioned. The distributor cap might also show signs of arcing inside.

If the fuel pump is weak, or the fuel filter is plugged, the carb could be starving. However, this would be more apt to happen in the higher RPM range though, when the fuel delivery rate requirement is higher.