I'm Stumped! (very long) HELP

[vcruz2345]

Hey all,
Ok here is why I'm stumped. When I first got the Explorer I had a check engine light on and it would almost die at idle or fluctuate. I diagnosed the codes and turned up to be the MAF, but I changed that and the IAC, TPS and it ran fine except for the not working OD. I took it to a trans place to diagnose and they told me the Torque Converter was not plugged in and that it was on it's way out. Also, got a code for a faulty O2 sensor. After they plugged the Torque Converter back in it ran great for a few months. Now all of a sudden it rides like it did with the Torque Converter unplugged, except that I know OD works cause I try shifting out of it while on the highway and I can feel it disengage. Also, out of nowhere it started dying on me. I mean sometimes it would start fine other times I would have to crank it for a while and even leave it alone then come back and it would start right up. When it doesn't start it feels like the engine sparks and turns over but dies right away. Then when it does start it starts stalling until it dies, even if I hit the gas, if I hit the gas it dies even quicker and this is all while in Park. Then when it does start and idle without dying in order to go from a stop I have to granny push the pedal, which means ease it in or it will cause a sort of semi stall or feel like it's about to stall and the car won't move and start to jerk. So when I ease the gas in it will go at the slowest speed ever and then catch some air and begin to go better. I also noticed that while driving if I tap the gas ever some much more than easing it it will do the samething and feel like it's about to stall. Not sure if it's a clogged O2 and cat or bad fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator, or vacuum leaks or injectors?????????? I do know I had a mechanic take a look and he's as stumped as me. But he did find the fuel filter clogged and black, said my gas tank is filthy might need replacing. Could that cause all these issues? Sorry for the length but I need all your help.

 

[vcruz2345]

Almost forgot

By the way I also hear this humming noise coming from inside the center consule behind the radio or at least that's where it sounds like it's coming, but only whenever I hit or fall to 1,900 RPMs. I also smell weird smells but could begin to describe them. The latest is inside the car and it's almost a burning smell. Should I just put a bullet in it???????????

 

[97BlackX5.0]

okay sounds like you have a host of problems.... first of all.... if you can get it to start up and idle even roughly crawl under it and see if the cats are getting hot... you may have a plugged cat...... secondly ... tuneup... when you replaced all that other stuff did you do plugs, wires and all that stuff..... lastly try some midgrade fuel and a nice exensive bottle of fuel injector cleaner.... if you do a search for stuff called seafoam ive had good luck with that as well ... other than that i hope your luck changes.... the gas tank probably wouldnt be that dirty unless someone poured dirt in it.... could also be your in tank pump filter clogged too but in all likelyhood unless someone poured dirt in your tank i doubt it is that dirty....

 

[97BlackX5.0]

it sounds like your torque converter is on its way out also... i would seriously consider having that checked out and replaced.... if you get it now before it "blows up" or circulates metal throughout the tranny you might save yourself the cost of a full rebuild....

 

[sapogmxr]

were can i buy sea foam at. I was looking at pepboys and advanced auto and they had nothing..

 

[Gladi8r]

I have seen it sold at most NAPA stores.

 

[canada74]

how bout the egr valve any possibilities

 

[MrShorty]

'92 didn't have an EGR valve.
Sounds like there may be multiple problems. I'd start with the engine, because the EEC-IV engine management system uses input from how the engine is running to control the 3-4 shift and the torque converter lockup clutch.
I'd start with a few basic tests:
Fuel pressure
Do you have spark at all cylinders?
Run EEC diagnostic tests (see www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html for how-to) to see if the PCM has any trouble codes.
My gut reaction to your description is that it might be a fuel delivery issue, so I'd start with the fuel pressure test.
Good luck.