Loses power and hesitates

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,968 POSTS
It sounds like the catalytic converter is getting plugged up or the fuel pump is weak, here is two guides that can help you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Let me know what you find

Best, Ken

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Monday, December 14th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
OPIE_
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1991 CHEVROLET S-10
Engine Performance problem
1991 Chevy S-10 Two Wheel Drive Manual 140000 miles

i have a 2.8L s10 5 speed. Has new plugs, wires and distributer cap. I recently changed the fuel filter and alternator. When idling it seeems to run fine (runs smooth n does not seem to miss at all) n seems 2 have a lot of power when revved, but when put in gear it does not seem 2 have the acceleration it should. When I make it to 60 (which sometimes takes a while) it loses power goin up hills n slows down. I usually have to drop it in 4th to speed back up then go back to 5th. Ive been told a few different things that could be wrong. What do u think? Thank you
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Monday, December 14th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Have you checked fuel pressure? Check spark is it blue/white spark?
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Monday, December 14th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
OPIE_
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No I havent ckecked those. How do I check fuel pressure n what will I need?
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Monday, December 14th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Need pressure guage should be 9-13 psi
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Monday, December 14th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
OPIE_
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Ok. Where on the vehicle do I check the fuel pressure at?
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Monday, December 14th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Just ahead of fuel filter seperate steel fuel line from flex line install gague
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Monday, December 14th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KRISTINGABRIELLINI
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My S-10 (5 speed extended cab 1997 is missing the wiring that runs from the alternator to the engine I need a diagram of how to rewire properly can anyone help me?
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Monday, December 14th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JERRY DAVIS FOX
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1989 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 200,000 MILES
My 1989 S10 2.8 pickup loses power after a few miles of running and will completely stop running. After a few minutes it starts up and runs but with little power. The fuel pump and filter have been replaced.

The battery and alternator are also new. It begins to lose power after a few miles and eventually winds down completely. After a few minutes it will start up and run for a while and quit again if power is called for.
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Monday, December 14th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
It sounds like the cat converter is bad, follow this link

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Let us know what you find :-)
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Monday, December 14th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CHEVYS-10
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1991 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 100,000 MILES
My truck starts up just fine and will come to a good idle after a couple minutes of warming up it can drive. But it seems like after 30 minutes of driving or so when I come to a complete stop and then I slowly release the clutch and press the gas the more I press the acceleration the more it seems like it wants to bog down and shut off. But if I take my foot off the gas it idles just fine and is even worse when sitting at a little hill I almost have to slip the clutch and slam on the gas just to get the truck to finally go and get it to where I need. Not really sure where to start looking. Could be multiple problems.
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Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 9:52 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
You are correct that this could be multiple issues. So let's start with the low power or hesitation on acceleration. Here is a guide that will get us started on possible causes:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-hesitates

I suggest we need to start with checking the fuel pressure when this is happening. Here is a guide that will show you how to do this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

If the fuel pressure is okay then we can move on but I suspect we are going to find an issue with this as it sounds like a fuel issue. I also attached below the process from the manual. Let's start with this and go from there.
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Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 9:52 AM (Merged)

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