surging on '96 sport

[Bud]

I have a '96 sport 4X4 with 160K miles and it started surging a while back. My question is where to start. Strangely, I first thought it was bad gas as a gas station I had used closed to clean water from their holding tanks. No deal. It's something else. It's getting worse. Will an over the counter scanner work or will I need to take it in? The only thing that has been done to it is having the slave cylinder replaced twice (besides regular oil, etc.). Any recommendations off the top? Thanks in advance.

 

[checkedout]

Bud

We need more details. Does it idle ok?

 

[Bud]

It idles ok. I've noticed a pretty good drop in my mpg. It has times that it's better than others. I first thought about O2 sensors, but it could be anything. It cranks a little slower, but not much. It does worse if you try to run it hard.

 

[checkedout]

You're right, it could be lots of things. I'd try the plugs first then clean the injectors. The check engine light hasn't come on yet has it?

 

[checkedout]

A couple more cheap things to look at would be cleaning the MAS and checking the fuel pressure regulator.

 

[Bud2]

The engine light came on once, but only stayed lit briefly and went out. It's been out every since. When I thought I had water, I treated the heck out of my gas hoping that part stayed clean, but age is a different story I guess. Yes it's true, I haven't payed attention to the plugs (shame on me) but that'll change. Thanks for the info so far.

 

[IAmTodd]

Did someone forget their password?

I would start with Plugs and wires. Not to bad to replace. Pretty cheap too.

Clean MAS, IAC. Bottle of fuel injector cleaner threw.

 

[checkedout]

Bud, even though the check engine light went out, the code that caused it is still in the computer. Go to Autozone and they will hook up a scanner and retrieve the code for you for free.

 

[Bud]

Thanks for the info guys. IAmTodd you are correct. I use my office computer 95% of the time. When I checked in from home...blank, couldn't remember a thing!