engine hesitation?

[roland]

I found an ATX (170k miles) for sale in the area and the owner said there was a problem with it:

"IT WILL START BACK UP IT JUST ACTS FUNNY, YOU GIVE THE CAR GAS AND IT IS HESITANT,YOU DRIVE THE CAR AND IT IS KINDA ROUGH AT A IDLE HAVE TO KEEP FOOT ON GAS"

I'm going to head up tomorrow afternoon to check it out, but does anyone have any idea what it could be? The car is selling really cheap and if this is an easy or cheap fix it'd make a great daily beater, but if this might be something expensive or very difficult to fix I'm not sure it'd be worth it.

 

[SHOZ123]

Sounds like a stripped cam. Be sure to get the VIN and report it to V8SHO

 

[roland]

it's a 2nd gen - i'm wondering if maybe it's a bad fuel pump or maybe even something as simple as the fuel filter being clogged? Maybe wishful thinking but if it's something that shouldnt be too hard to fix i'm gonna be all over this.

 

[93rev2sev]

Disconnect the MAF and see if it smooths out?

 

[92inPA]

Check the most basic items first. It could be as simple as needing a new set of plugs and wires. Check for CE codes and run the cylinder balance test.

Better yet, stay away from the atx and look for an mtx.