Need Help....2nd Generation neon

[Jdaniels426]

I have a 2000 model and everytime i accelerate the engine seems to bog down....it only does it when i accelerate..it runs fine after acceleration.. I have taken it to a local garage and they believe that its my valve seals because my car is smoking a lil bit....my car has 165000 miles on it.....just needing some advice......I thought that it might be a fuel filter clogging up.

[denisond3]

Bad valve stem seals will contribute to oil consumption and produce some blue smoke, but I seriously doubt they would be the reason your engine lacks pep when accelerating.
I would start with things like checking the fuel pressure as you drive. This will be some trouble, but its not rocket science. You have to get a pressure gauge connected to the fuel manifold. I had a 6 ft hose on my gauge, so I could bring it out at the back of the hood and clamp it under a wiper arm. It read 49 psi all the time I am glad to say.
Then I would think about the throttle position sensor on the throttle body, possibly a fuel pressure regulator (on the fuel rail I believe). If you have not changed the plugs in the last 10,000 miles, this would be a good time to do it - and have a look at the color of the plugs you take out.
Might want to check that the PCV valve is okay, and that the hose from that valve into the intak manifold doesnt have a leak in it.
Im not smart enough to know if a clogged cat converter would cause your problem, nor how to check it out. At 165,000 miles I think the cat. conv. has paid for itself, and it would be on my list of things to possibly replace anyway.

[Jdaniels426]

Thank you....and Ive already replaced to TPS (throttle position sensor) and I've put a hi flo cat in too.....and the problem is still occurring.....any other suggestions would be helpful.....