91 camry 4cyl won't run right

[ashley]

what's up everyone, I'm new to the forum & just bought a 91 & need some help please.The car idles like a locomotive & runs like it to(kind of chugs) & doesn't clear up at any speed.so far I've checked the plugs,replaced the cap & rotor,fuel filter,egr & it's vacuum modulator,oxygen sensor,MAF meter/sensor.About 5% of the time it will clear itself out for approx 30 seconds of driving then back to it's usual nonsense.arrgh

[chronoti]

do a compression check on the engine, also make sure the core of the plugs are broken, also check and make sure the fuel injectors are sticking, you can use a screw drive to lissen and hear them make the little click noise when they activate.

[500KCamry]

Originally Posted by chronoti

do a compression check on the engine, also make sure the core of the plugs are broken, also check and make sure the fuel injectors are sticking, you can use a screw drive to lissen and hear them make the little click noise when they activate.

Also fuel pressure check - if low it might be the fuel pump or the pressure regulator at the end of the fuel rail.

Since it rus okay imtermittently, the timing should be okay.

Another to check for is a weak spark.

[Mike Gerber]

First, do what 500KCamry suggested and have the fuel pressure checked out. If this checks out OK, then the next thing I would do is check the coil inside the distributor. This generation Camry 4 cylinder (3SFE engine) is notorious for developing a hairline crack in the coil inside the distributor. It then shorts itself to any metal part inside the distributor. This problem is usually worse in wet/damp weather but can act up at any time. The cure is to replace just the coil with an aftermarket one. They run about $50. The dealers all want to replace the whole distributor at around $600 but it is usually just the coil that is defective. This procedure requires removing the distributor from the car to work on it, but it's not really that hard.

Good luck with the problem.

Mike

[ashley]

thanks everyone on the advise, I bought a stethescope (best &8 spent on the car)& the problem ended up being a malfunctioning injector. car runs awsome now. When I get a digital cam, I'll have to post some pics.Just bought it locally for a g note

[Mike Gerber]

Glad to hear you solved the problem. Great job of tracking it down!

Mike