when the car is first started the idle isnt steady. it typically idles at around 1000 rpm ... however this problem causes it to periodically drop for a second to 800 rpm a few times before returning to normal idle.
related problem. when accelerating the i have the same kind of hesitation ... press pedal down and it accelerates like this:
-_-_--_---_--------------- : where _ represents no acceleration and - represents acceleration.
plugs,plug wires and computer thing that emulates distributor cap ( cant think of name ) have just been replaced.
: my thoughts ... recently ive thought exhaust problems ( had the cat convertor checked and its in good shape , no exhaust leaks ), plugs arent gapped correctly ? fuel filter ( im not even sure if my car has one or not ).
sounds like a fuel supply problem, either partial fuel line blockage or carburetor problem.
try putting a hose on the exhaust with the other end going into the cabin, block off any
gaps where the hose goes in the window, get in the car and let 'er idle 4 an hr or so.
dirty radiator.. all the rad does is it brings coolant to a proper heat tempature. AS for plugs being not gapped properly, well that would not be an issue either. NEITHER would an exaut leak do this, unless your car is a TSI/ Turbo Talon. (WHICh would limit the problem to anything before the cat converter.
possible problems.
1. Faulty / Dirty Sensors
2. Your car is OBD 1 so the check engine light does not pop on as often as newer OBD 2 systems.. which COULD help diagnose this problem.
Try something called SEAFOAM ! It really does work wonders and only costs about 8 $.
Steps for using Seafoam.
1. FInd a Vacuum Line or use the throttle body* (where the air intake tube attach's to), SLowly and steadily while the car is running pour down 3/4 of the bottle into it slowly so that the car does not stall, and rev it slowly to keep it from stalling out. (In your case, I recommend 100 % using a vacuum line to do this, brake booster = best choice.) *US e a funnel as well *
2. Re attach vacuum line or air intake tube to the throttle body and Wait 5 minutes with the engine idling after pouring it in.
3. NOW ! GO FOR A Spirited drive / Rip. You will notice TONS AND TONS ! of white smoke coming out of the exaust, this is carbon buildup of sorts. Your engine is getting the clean of its life.
4. This should solve your problem and get yourslef an oil change asap !. (were talking right after if possible, all that crap that was un lodged is now in your oil pan.
Use a freind who is car savy, they should be able to help you with this with no problems. Napa and Car Quest sell Seafoam.
dont know what car you have, but if its not efi then...
i've had the exact same problem
turned out to be the fuel solenoid
its basically a switch/valve that is directly plugged into your carb
its duty is to supply the carb with fuel
sounds like its failing and is cutting the fuel off occasionally
its cheap as chips to replace. you could do it yourself if you wanted to. but i'd take it to a mechanic if i were you.
: whats really strange about it is that after these things i repaired ( plugs , wires , etc ) , it got better for a short while, like a couple of weeks. Then it just returns to the same ole shit after a while