Chriskaw440 Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Lately my 1990 SE engine has started "motorboating" during its warm up and doesn't run smooth until FULLY warmed up.....it sounds like a steady motor boat rythym and is lacking power when trying to drive it. Kinda like only every other cylinder is firing or at least one is low on compression or something. Not smoking or leaking any fluids. All typical tune up items are up to date. runs better once warmed up because the engine parts have expanded to their operating temperature and possibly closed whatever leak there may be? it has 265,000+ miles and original engine. If its sounding like its on its last legs.....she will become a donor vehicle or sold for best offer. I have another newer vehicle now and can't afford to pump money into the pathy and be without a ride while its torn apart or rebuilt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Are you sure everything is tuned correctly?? No shot ignition parts, etc? B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chriskaw440 Posted August 1, 2012 Author Share Posted August 1, 2012 I havent torn into anything. Its not driven much anymore and was running great .... now lately its hobbling along until its warmed up and the gas is good. I'll pull spark plugs soon to inspect though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tungsten Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 You probably have a vacuum leak somewhere. That's one of the symptoms of an air intake leak. You could try wiggling MAF sensor wires too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 That's a lot of miles, but if something was leaking, I'd expect smoke of some kind. Codes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chriskaw440 Posted August 1, 2012 Author Share Posted August 1, 2012 Just fired it up today to check around while on lunch....still a steady "PULSATING" rythym / misfire throughout the range....vacuum lines seem normal, played around with maf harness...no different. Didn't have time to check codes since its old-school and couldnt find my tiny screwdriver to turn the knob on the ECU. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tungsten Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Is it getting enough fuel? The fuel filter or the fuel strainer could be plugged up causing this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nismothunder Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Or just about anything fuel related. It could be the pressure regulator or the pump dieing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trogdor636 Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Didn't have time to check codes since its old-school and couldnt find my tiny screwdriver to turn the knob on the ECU. I've turned my knob with my finger....and honestly it shouldn't take more than 5 minutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingman Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Doesn't really sound like an actual engine problem. Sounds like bad plugs or wires, pump, filter, etc. That kind of generally cheap stuff. Possibly the Coolant Temp Sensor since you say it's fine when fully warmed up. Pretty symptomatic of that. If you're not able to run a compression test, pull the fuel pump fuse or the main coil wire and crank it over for a while. You'll hear a solid miss in the cranking cycle if there is one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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