Poor running engine mystery solved...

[Forrest39]

My 914 ('73 1.7 - CA) was running well 5 years ago but progressively started running poorly after getting warmed up. It ran worse in hotter climates like Las Vegas and Dallas. The plugs were fouled on one side but fine on the other. After the car was warm, it would almost die at idle and sputter at high RPM. The car would not pass smog in Las Vegas a few years back.
I looked at everything from FI triggers to ignition harness and could not figure it out. I brought the car back home to CA and decided to upgrade it to a 2.0.
After the engine was removed, I found a kink in the plastic fuel line after the fuel pump as it passes through the engine compartment skirt before the hose connects to the injectors.
What was happening was the fuel was still getting through but with limited pressure.When it was hot, the fuel was vaporizing in the line causing all kinds of problems.
I don't think I woud have found it without pulling the engine, but if others have a engine problem they can't figure out, crawl under the car and sneek a peak at the fuel lines with a mirror.
Needless to say I replaced at the plastic fuel line with 5/16 and 3/8 stainless brake lines. Hope this helps! -Kevin