Noob question regarding engine miss

wolf76 · wolf76's Garage

Hello everyone. My car has developed a hesitation lately that I am thinking is an engine miss. These are the symptoms: When I'm in 1st or 2nd and step on the gas the car moves but it's hesitating, struggling for a few seconds, then it kicks back in. The problem is intermittent but is becoming more persistent lately. I did some searching here and it seems like maybe a bad plug wire or some kind of fuel issue? Can a miss only happen in certain gears? I replaced the fuel pump less than a year ago so I can rule that out. The car is an '84 Carrera. Any ideas are welcome.

Thanks,

Chris

Hugh R · 10-06-2009, 07:55 PM

I had that problem with my 84 when I bought it. I changed the fuel filter and ran a couple of cans of Techron trough it and it finally cleared up. I heard that some people have pulled out about a gallon or more of water in the bottom fuel tank. Pull the fuel sensor and clean out the bottom of the tank. A new fuel filter also is needed.

wolf76 · wolf76's Garage

Thanks Hugh. I will pick up the fuel filter and the Techron tonight. To take care of the water in the tank can I use one of the products that you pour into the tank and they disolve the water? If so should I do that before adding the Techron or does it matter? Is Seafoam a better alternative than Techron? And lastly do I need to do an oil change right after I use either the Techron or the Seafoam? Sorry for all the questions.

Thanks,

Chris

don gilbert · don gilbert's Garage

chris, the best thing ive found to get water out is this stuff called Heat, its in a yellow plastic bottle and was 1.09 a bottle at the zone.

wolf76 · wolf76's Garage

Thanks Don. I actually just picked a bottle up at Napa. The guy there said it's about the best they have. Does anyone have any opinion in regards to Techron vs Seafoam. Is either one better? I will be going the gas tank route not the intake (re Seafoam). And lastly I have about 3/4 tank of gas. Can I add either one now or do I have to wait until the tank is almost empty? The Techron bottle says it doesn't matter and the can of Seafoam doesn't mention it at all.

Thanks,

Chris

kidrock · 10-07-2009, 04:27 PM

it doesn't matter...add it with a full tank or whatever. FWIW, both SeaFoam and Techron are superior products. Use to your heart's content.

wolf76 · wolf76's Garage

Thanks again for the input everyone. Hopefully it will fix the problem.

Chris

docrodg · 10-08-2009, 08:30 AM

Used to have an old jeep wagoneer with steel tanks, lived in the desert and the temp drop at night would cause the tanks to "Sweat" and put water in the fuel. While I was in college and undergoing ASE classes a friend that was a great mechanic suggested rubbing alcohol as a solution. One bottle per tank (had 2 tanks on that beast) and it cleared up the problem for 25 cents. Heat works great, but rubbing alcohol is cheaper.