Reply from grayhandyman via email:
The first thing I changed out was the fuel filter. Yesterday I ran out of gas while letting it warm up (runs 1000% better when it almost at operating temperature). It basically won't drive cold. When I put gas in it, it seemed to run at 90-95% of normal. It was the first time I had taken it on the freeway since changing the plugs, wires and distributor cap. It was the first time in several weeks that I was actually able to do the speed limit, and get back up to the speed limit when I had to slow down. It honestly ran great. However, I had forgotten that the check engine light keeps coming on periodically-which it never had previously- and when I was headed home last night I didn't really give it a chance to warm up and it just started jumping and jerking like crazy. But when I did let it warm up for a few minutes, it ran great once again. I am just wondering if there is something besides a fuel problem, like vacuum, EGR, etc. I was planning on changing the fuel pump, but if it isn't the problem, I can't really afford to. The only thing I haven't changed on the tank are those two strainers, and I don't know how important they are. There could have been debris or moisture in the new (used tank) that got sent through the lines, I suppose. Also, when it was running shoddily, pressing down on the accelerator seemed to make the car bog down and the only way to get going was to back off the accelerator, then get on it, then back off it, etc. The car failed emissions when I took it in a few months ago, and I have to get it to pass to renew the expired tags. I believe it has needed a new head gasket for the last couple of years (which I have already purchased), but it just seemed like a huge ordeal, although I really need to get it done. It doesn't blow smoke or any of those symptoms, but when it had overheated three years ago and I changed out the radiator, thermostat, etc, it was blowing smoke then. Every once in a while it still does blow a small amount of smoke early in the morning. It is an older car, but hasn't even reached 199,000 miles and runs great the majority of the time. Any feed back you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for your help. Marcus-the-frustrated-Camry-owner
Thursday, May 9th, 2013 AT 11:09 AM
