Mechanic said it was a puzzler...... sputter, loss power, check engine light

[murpheys law]

I have a 92 civic that recently started sputtering. Seems to be getting worse the longer it takes to fix the car. I've been told it can be .... bad gas, fuel filter, fuel pump/regulator/injectors, distributor cap, timing, sensors, plugs & wires, catalytic converter etc. I've started with some. But I can't afford to just keep trying new parts. Running out of money. I'm looking for someone to do a fuel pressure check now. I couldn't find anyone locally to do a code check b/c of the age of my car. Don't seem to have any crank problems. I've already put alcohol in the tank to try & burn off any water. Tried fuel injector cleaner, but haven't done it thoroughly yet. Replaced fuel filter, plugs, and wires. Checked o2, throttle, and MAF sensors. Here are my symptoms in case there's anyone who thinks they can help me.

(adding all symptoms in case it helps)

• Check engine light
• Gas gauge hand is faulty (works sometimes, usually not)
• Fluid leak beside EGR valve
• Car interior smells of gas
• Idles low
• Popping sound when accelerating
• Jolts like its running out of gas.

When I fill up the tank it reads full, but car starts running out of gas at around 1/4 tank. Started like this..... Seemed low on gas so I filled it up. right after, it started jolting like it was running out of gas. Made it round 50 miles. Put alcohol in. Still jolting. Next started losing accel. Pedal to floor, no power. Fuel filter-no fix. Plugs & wires- gave back power but still jolting. Starting to lose power again. I'm trying to work on the most possible choices & cheapest. If theres anything I'm missing let me know. Or if you know a way for me to check any of this at home will help. Don't wanna drive it anywhere.

[CivicSpoon]

To check what code(s) you're throwing, all you need is a paper clip. Check out this link. Scroll past the engine swap info, and you'll see the how-to near the end of that first post.
http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=878010

Finding out what code you're throwing may tell you exactly what the problem is, without any more guessing. It should at least point you in the right direction.

[oxjam]

check codes first. sounds like MAF sensor find out what computer says. Could be bad O2 senson too.

[phat1]

Originally Posted by oxjam

check codes first. sounds like MAF sensor find out what computer says. Could be bad O2 senson too.

yeah , start with the cel code smelling gas in the car . check the charcoal canister .sounds like egr valve ,purge solenoid , pvc valve problems