at 121k having some issues

[bigdog72]

I have a 92 5 speed with the 24 valve DOHC engine and i just hit 121k the other day. Recently it's been giving my trouble starting some times and while driving feels like it's hesitating while accelerating. I have heard it sputtering but it doesn't always do it and for the most part it's fine. I did just replace the thermostat and coolant temp. gauge because it was shutting off on me and being hard to start. I know it has an oil leak but I'm not sure were it is coming from and also my coolant seems to be disappearing. Looking for ideas on what problems I might have and how to fix them. This is my first SHO and don't want to have to get rid of it.

 

[rubydist]

start by pulling the codes. if you don't know how, search for it on this forum. this is always the important first step, as the pcm may tell you exactly what is wrong.

many of these cars have small coolant leaks, and if small, they may be hard to find. after you drive it for a while, open the hood and search carefully under the hood for a small wet spot - if a small leak it may evaporate by the time the engine is cooled off.

the hesitation has many possible causes and I don't want to speculate until you have read the codes and posted them here.

 

[luigisho]

Well the obvious is you have to identify from/TO where the liquids are escaping. In what part of PA are you located? Could be some good semi technical folks nearby. Are there any codes stored in the computer?

 

[SeanMc]

First thing people are going to tell you here is: check codes. Even if the CEL light isn't on, there still may be a code. But it may also be as easy as cleaning your MAF. At 121k, have you done the 60k service?

I reread, and saw the coolant leak. Make sure the leak isn't above anything important, and causing a short. The worst one is when the waterpump is going, and it's leaking onto the CPS.

 

[bigdog72]

when i pulled codes last time it was for what i replaced and the mass air flow sensor, mainly because the clip is broken on the plug so it is most likely just loose. i believe most of the 60k was done, i got it from my brother and he got it from someone after 60k so i'm not 100% sure what was all done. i did fix one coolant leak and haven't seen any others, ill keep looking though. when it wont start just by turning the key i have to pump the gas and it's normally fine after that

 

[bigdog72]

Well the obvious is you have to identify from/TO where the liquids are escaping. In what part of PA are you located? Could be some good semi technical folks nearby. Are there any codes stored in the computer?

i am in honey brook which is about 2hrs outside of philly and just below reading

 

[luigisho]

pa sho shop might not be too far for big jobs. I would start by turning the key to the on position and not engage the starter. Listen for the fuel pump priming the system. It's loud in these cars.

 

[bigdog72]

fuel pump engages i hear it every time haha normally will do what it did when the oil or coolant is low but they were both fine, after it started it was fine

 

[rubydist]

when i pulled codes last time it was for what i replaced and the mass air flow sensor, mainly because the clip is broken on the plug so it is most likely just loose. i believe most of the 60k was done, i got it from my brother and he got it from someone after 60k so i'm not 100% sure what was all done. i did fix one coolant leak and haven't seen any others, ill keep looking though. when it wont start just by turning the key i have to pump the gas and it's normally fine after that

We're not asking about the last time you pulled codes, we are asking you to pull codes now.

If the mafs connector comes loose, that will cause driveability issues, so you should at the least put some rubber band or something on there to hold the connector together.

On the starting issue - does it do this randomly or in some pattern? (i.e. every morning, but not during the day) The fuel pressure can leak down (for any of several issues) and that will cause hard starting. When you turn the key to "on" it will prime the pump for a couple of seconds. If you turn the key "on" for a couple of seconds, then off again, then repeat this several times, you can re-build the fuel pressure. You might try doing this and see if that helps your hard-to-start issue. If so, you know where to look.

 

[bigdog72]

rubydist i haven't noticed any pattern, i never had any issue till just before new years when it shut off while i was driving then it just got worse i replaced a few things and it's been so so but ill be sure to try that next time and will be pulling codes again

 

[rubydist]

having the engine die while driving will set a code. we need to know what that is.

 

[bigdog72]

I'll run them again and let you know, I refer to the last time I ran them because it was just a week or two ago. only ones that came up then were for the mafs and the stuff I fixed however my dad said he thinks the fuel regulator might need changed

 

[zblackbeast]

And don't be alarmed, you will ALWAYS get a fuel circut code when the car stalls.

If its at 120k and the 60k may have been done at 60k, I would just go ahead and do another 60k?
Is there oil in the plug wells? Vacuum leaks? Is your waterpump leaking etc...?

 

[bigdog72]

i know it has an oil leak and possibly a coolant leak, lately i've noticed marks on the ground where i have turned left at speed not sure what it is though. thats all i've really noticed as far as leaks