'92 Cavalier runs like crap post 'repair'

[sightminer]

Folks -- Got a '92 Cav. Had problems where it would start cold and run fine. Shut it off hot, come back 5 minutes later and it would only run on 3 cylinders. Took it to Mr. Mechanic who replaces #3 fuel injector. Now car starts and original problem is gone, but now when you push down on the gas quickly, it sputters, farts through the air cleaner and loses power. When you back off, it runs better. At idle it has choppy spots. All vacuum lines, filters, EGR, MAP OK. Compression check -- all cylinders at normal range, no deviations. Air cleaner off when testing -- open throttle body. No oil in radiator fluid, no radiator fluid in oil. No common sense item overlooked.

To me, it sounds like a timing issue and this motor cannot be timed -- so I'm told. What's your thoughts? Mr. Mechanic is now fired and I'm on my own.

Here's the new parts list of stuff I did before Mr. Mechanic -- new spark plugs, wires, coil, ignition module and crankcase position sensor. HELP! I don't have any more money to pump into this car, which has already cost me $$$ I don't have!

Thanks in advance for your help.

B

[04_CaV!!]

I had a sim. problem with my old 94 cav after installing a cat back system. After HOURS shoot more like MONTHS of searching it turned out to be a bad pintal valve. Dame thing wasn't opening and closing correctly. In my 94 cav it was located in the throle body.

[litt_willie]

It sounds like either a bad fuel filter or fuel pump. Check the pressure on the fuel rail, it should be around 35 to 42 psi.

[RABarrett]

Carefully check the plug wires. With DIS, two cylinders are always affected by an ignition wire or coil issue. It is likely that the problem was misdiagnosed, or the job was not finished. Ray

[loco_k0pykatz]

If you changed all those parts Crankshaft sensor, etc... I would be inclined to recheck the firing order to ensure that the wires are correct and make sure that no spark plugs are cracked by accident. It woudn't hurt to inspect the IAC valve located on top of the throttle. But if all else fails it could be the ECM.

[dean_z24_ca]

i had the same problem with my 90' z24...i ended up changing 2 things:1 was the knock sencer and the other was the computer...i'm not a mechanic so ii can't say for sure thats your fixes but they worked for me. good luck

[mikeybart]

I have a 90 z24 that would run like crap from time to time. During the repair did the mechanic have to drain any of the coolant? If he did then there might be an air pocket in the coolant lines. If this air pocket hits the water temperature sensor then it would read as -20 F this would confuse the computer into trying to warm up the engine by adding more fuel into the engine causing a rich condition. My $60 fix was to get a rad fluch at a 20 min oil change stop and it has not done it since.