Intermittently engine starts to stall when accelerating

Tiny
METHODMAN01
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 81,000 MILES
I have the car listed above that has been running great but randomly it starts to want to stall. I can be driving with the pedal at a constant position and I will randomly feel loss of power as If I just let go of the gas pedal when I didn't. It will feel like it wants to stall or if there is no power at all but only does it randomly. A new symptom that recently appeared a week ago is that the car started running at higher RPMs or accelerated as I can feel it. It's automatic so no tachometer but I can feel the car running higher than normal. Another recent symptom is that the car will struggle to accelerate from stop, runs okay at 40 MPH, but won't go past 75 randomly sometimes. Things I've replaced: air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, spark plug cables, coil, distributor cap and rotor, air idle control valve, throttle position sensor, all sensor pertaining to temperature from radiator, new radiator, new head gasket, PVC valve, and MAF sensor. Possible ideas: I've been told include catalytic converter and fuel pump starting to fail. Any help is greatly appreciated as I keep changing parts and no solution just yet. I might end up with everything new on the car by the time I figure this, haha. Next thing that I plan to change is the fuel pump, but can someone help me determine if it could be the fuel pump. Thank you again and God Bless You.
Wednesday, August 18th, 2021 AT 9:32 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,310 POSTS
Hi,

You have done a lot. As I was reading, the first thought was low fuel pressure. But, before we jump to a pump or testing, I need you to check for diagnostic trouble codes.

This vehicle has an OBD1 computer system and doesn't require a scanner to retrieve codes. Follow the directions (simple) in the following link and let me know if you find codes and what they are.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/retrieve-trouble-codes-for-chrysler-dodge-plymouth-odb1-1995-and-earlier-car-mini-van-and-light-trucks

If there are no codes, what I need you to do is check fuel pressure. It isn't hard to do. You will need a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

Here is a link that shows in general how the procedure is done:

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

If you look at the attachments below, I included the directions specific to your vehicle. I assume this isn't turbocharged, so I highlighted the connector relevant to you in pic 1. Also, the manufacturer's pressure specifications are included in the directions.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Wednesday, August 18th, 2021 AT 10:02 PM
Tiny
METHODMAN01
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
  • 1991 PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 81,000 MILES
I originally had put a post before and I just wanted to share the solution to my problem in case anyone else has this problem. My original post said "have the car listed above that has been running great but randomly it starts to want to stall. I can be driving with the pedal at a constant position and I will randomly feel loss of power as If I just let go of the gas pedal when I didn't. It will feel like it wants to stall or if there is no power at all but only does it randomly. A new symptom that recently appeared a week ago is that the car started running at higher RPMs or accelerated as I can feel it. It's automatic so no tachometer but I can feel the car running higher than normal. Another recent symptom is that the car will struggle to accelerate from stop, runs okay at 40 MPH, but won't go past 75 randomly sometimes. Things I've replaced: air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, spark plug cables, coil, distributor cap and rotor, air idle control valve, throttle position sensor, all sensor pertaining to temperature from radiator, new radiator, new head gasket, PVC valve, and MAF sensor. Possible ideas: I've been told include catalytic converter and fuel pump starting to fail. Any help is greatly appreciated as I keep changing parts and no solution just yet. I might end up with everything new on the car by the time I figure this, haha. Next thing that I plan to change is the fuel pump, but can someone help me determine if it could be the fuel pump. Thank you again and God Bless You."

The solution after replacing the fuel pump and adjusting the timing with still no success was to put chevron high octane gas, I must have put 55 dollars to fill the tank, but I was glad to see that as I drove the car on the freeway a sudden bang or small explosion was felt on the car exhaust almost as if something came lose or opened up. I also felt it on the gas pedal as it just kicked into high gear and accelerated well. The car is now driving better than ever with no problems at all. It will accelerate like never before and reach speeds past 75mph easily. Hope this helps and God Bless You.
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Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Here is the information you requested. I would suggest performing a fuel pressure test. You might have a weak or failing fuel pump that is not providing proper fuel pressure. Here is a tutorial showing how to perform a fuel pressure test on an in-tank electric fuel pump:

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

If you don't have access to a fuel pressure tester most auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and can rent you one. After performing this pressure test get back to us with the results and we'll go from there. The fuel pressure specification on your Acclaim is 38-40 PSI with key on-engine off. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)

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