Engine Problem - Most Likely Serious

[mint567]

96 eclipse RS - Auto - Mileage 136,000
Okay, Well I thought my fuel injector were just dirty because my car felt like it would stutter going down the road at around 70 miles an hour.. So I used some injector cleaner and gas treatment. Which it seemed like that problem was fixed. Well it happened again a couple weeks later. So the problem came back. When this happens the car seems like it isn't gettin any gas etc, the rpms dont drop drastically or raise, then a second or so it will jerk or kick seeming like it is getting gas or power again. Also the other day I am sitting at a red light and my car just cuts off. Only light that is on is my oil light. I crank the car back up and the light goes away. This problem doesn't happen very often nor does the stuttering going down the highway. Only around 2-3 times this month. One other occasion i was coasting down the road at around 30mph and the car just cut off like it did at the red light and the oil light came on, so I coasted into a parking lot put the car in park and then it cranked right back up with no problem. Oil light is off and nothing "seems" wrong, but of course there is. Also my temperature gauge fluxuates, but it never stays hot or reaches HOT, it is always at the normal position temperature or raises to 3/4 HOT. I am guessing that the stuttering going down the highway at around 70mph etc. is related to the car just completely stalling out sitting at the redlight or coasting at 30mph. Possibly not gettin fuel causing the car to cut off? Oil pressure? Whenever my car is first cranked up it has a slight knocking or sounds of the lifters but after it sits for a minute or two warming up that sound goes away. I am not sure what is wrong and I know that many people are more knowledgeable in this area than me since i am learning. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or suggestions?

I know I need to go ahead and get a new Timing belt put on. Any other ideas of what I should have replaced or checked? A new timing belt will be put on soon. I would just like to have an idea of what is possibly wrong with my car so I can describe it to the mechanics at the mitsubishi place seeings they are probably the most knowledgeable about my car and putting a new timing belt etc on my car. Yet they are damned expensive... Thanks for the help in advance.

[spyderturbo007]

Fuel filter???

[ashah000]

Check your coolant lately?
But I second the fuel filter idea.

[mint567]

The fuel filter was recently changed. No more than a month ago. My coolant was changed also probably about 2 months ago. The reserve has coolant in it. The reserve is filled to normal position in between max and min. Hmmm Any other ideas?

[mint567]

bumpity bump bump. I think it is possibly my timing belt slipping. I am going to take my car to the mitsu dealership this coming monday. They gave me an estimate of 335$ to change the timing belt, tensioner and balancing belt.. That seems just a tad high to me.. I know I could get the parts cheaper off of the internet but I am not capable of replacing them myself. Should I order the parts off of the internet and bring them to the dealership or have them order them for a more expensive price? Would they put in the parts that I personally ordered or would they say that they have to install the ones that they order? Thanks

[ashah000]

Before you do that...
Did you try some injector cleaner again.
Better yet use Seafoam.
Edit>> Try cleaning the TB too. Clean it first then use the seafoam.

[mint567]

Yes I have used fuel injector cleaner. This is the second time. I tried some a couple fillups ago and there is some in there right now. I am pretty sure it is the timing belt etc. Not exactly sure though.

I will have to look into that seafoam, I dont know what that is.

[mint567]

Well my car stayed at the mitsubishi dealership all day yesterday. They couldnt find anything wrong with it. They drove it around did a diagnostic test etc. Nothing. So I told them to go ahead and put new timing belt tensioner and balancing belt on. I am going to ask them if it acts up again if I can bring it bck free of charge.. no luck in my sporadic car problem.

[GTPSPEED]

hey i know they already told you to try the injectors,but that over the counter stuff doesn't work that good ,cuz it only go's in your tank,try a jiffy lube ,cuz they do a 3 step injector cleaning,one in the tank and the other 2 through the engine,it works alot better,and you will notice the difference,try that,my only other guess would be what ashal said,the fuel filter which you said you changed so i dont know

[mint567]

Well I will whenever I get some more money.. My car is still at the mitsubishi place gettin a new timing belt, tensioner and balancing belt, plus a new water pump.. Those slow ass people are taking forever too.. just eating away at my money rackin up the labor. I know it doesnt take forever to do that replacement. Anyways, I havent had my car for two days now and I am pissed.. btw my water pump was leaking so that could possibly be the problem.. especially with the temperature fluxes.
Thanks for all of the help. I will definitely do that later on.

[Ddawn98]

I am having a similar problem....can you let me know what finally fixed yours?