The car:
1990 Pontiac Sunbird, 2.0L normally aspirated Inline 4, 189,000mi
The symptoms:
Engine cuts out / bogs above (estimate) 3000rpm. Throttle input must be done in gingerly increments, otherwise, engine cuts out / bogs. Car will not exceed 40mph on flat pavement due to engine power issues, uphill is worse. Car has issues on initial startup if it is facing uphill / downhill, once transmission is engaged the engine often dies.
Ok, I think that pretty much outlines the issues i'm having with this car. That being said, here are the Items I know are wrong or are not right.
>> Transmission TCC solenoid has sticking issue. Plug has allready been disconnected from the transmission....
>>Radiator fan was hard wired by previous owner. I am unsure as to why. When I chose to connect the radiator fan to power I use the default hot location the previous owner used which is on the ignition module... Connected or not, the above stated main problem does not change....
>>The incoming air temp sensor located on the air breather assembly is missing the required clip to hold it in place. It has been rigged with copper wire around it's flange to hold it into the air breather.
I have replaced:
Cap, rotor, plugs, plug wires, ICM. One full tank of 93 octane with fuel injector cleaner has been run thru the engine, no real marked improvment in current situation..
I was told that the fuel filter(s) have recently been replaced...
Based on what i'v said, has anyone got a firm idea as to what they think the cause may be? I'v got some suspicions, but I'd appriciate some educated input so as to avoid chasing my tail further.
Thank you in advance for your input. If you have any questions, or need more detail, please ask.
-Nathan