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Changed the fuel filter under the car, and then replaced the Double Platinium plugs, but it still lacks power. Takes off stuttering from the curb, but when it warms up in 45 seconds it will shift, idle, and drive fine, until you wind it out and it reaches 3500 to 4000 rpm. Then it just bogs down, and says I can't go any higher.
I am thinking that the only thing I can do, is to either get the car checked out at this place for $70/hr. Which would probably direct me to the problem, so I could fix it, knowing what part it would be, if I could do it.
Maybe its the fuel pump in the tank, that has a clogged filter? Running out of time, going to Italy for 2.5 weeks shortly.
How hard is it to check the fuel pressure coming to the engine? Does Autozone loan any tools to do that one?
Thanks..
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Clogged Fuel Filter.
-OR-
Clogged Catalytic Convertor.
-OR-
ECU Bad.
BGnR
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Clogged fuel sock on the pickup in the tank, bad fuel pump or what BGnR mentioned.
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Is it that RPM in every gear, or just after you have a high constant load on the highway in top gear? Based on your smog test from August, it looks like the catalytic converter was okay but might be starting to go. What was done to fix the high HC reading?
Looking through your older threads (on this car that is becoming an albatross), I would check the fuel pump/pressure then the O2 sensor(s) next. A mechanic that is familiar with this era of cars that has an OBD I reader might be the way to go since one reference I found said there can be 3 or more combustion related sensors on this year, depending on the engine.
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I've had a couple cars that exhibit the same problem you're describing and it was the catalytic converter everytime. First time it ever happened my mechanic described it as "the old banana in the tailpipe trick". Since i was a poor college student he recommended carrying around a good size wrench. When it bogged down, I just got out, banged on the converter to shake loose whatever was clogging it and went on my way.
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Filliam, you're not getting the 89 Corolla mixed up with the 95 Contour, that I have been working? The Corolla had problems passing smog. The Contour did not.
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I thought the numbers looked a little off for the Contour, but I could have gotten the two smog tests mixed up.
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bazookaman wrote:
I've had a couple cars that exhibit the same problem you're describing and it was the catalytic converter everytime. First time it ever happened my mechanic described it as "the old banana in the tailpipe trick". Since i was a poor college student he recommended carrying around a good size wrench. When it bogged down, I just got out, banged on the converter to shake loose whatever was clogging it and went on my way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flIGAP-x2YY&NR=1
