4A-GZE stutter/hesitation.

[derekc23]

Hi, I'm new here and recently acquired a clean '89 GTS with a 4A-GZE swap.

I was told by the previous owner about an intermittent stutter/hesitation that has now become more frequent. Once so far, it has produced a backfire but that hasn't proven to be consistent with the problem.

I've been advised to check the plug wires. If this is the problem, where can I pick up a new set? Go to NAPA and pick up a set for a supercharged MR2?

Thanks!

Derek

[derekc23]

The problem is now intermittent at idle, dropping from ~ 950 rpms down to ~700 rpms and back up. So far the engine hasn't died but the issue is annoying.


In addition to the plug wires (NAPA was no help), could these possibly be sources of trouble:
IAC?
Vacuum lines?

[Donald]

I would suspect the plug/coil wires or distributor cap first for a stutter.

If that is not it, I would next check the fuel pressure. Make sure it is consistent. If it drops off, I would check the pump and wiring.

[derekc23]

Hey Donald,

Apparently I have a 4agze dli - so no distributor - but I've ordered some new plug wires from Schuck's.

As for fuel pressure, I'll do some researching to figure out how to go about checking it.

I've also bought a new fuel filter since the one on the car might very well be the original one.

[Donald]

How I have checked fuel pressure before was to get a fuel line from the junk yard (section from fuel filter to the injector manifold).
Get a pressure gage of the correct range and plastic "T" that will fit into the line from a tool shop.
Cut the junk yard line and assemble it with the "T" and gage in it.
Remove the good fuel line and install your new test tool.

[TwinCamGuy]

Originally Posted by derekc23

Hi, I'm new here and recently acquired a clean '89 GTS with a 4A-GZE swap.

I was told by the previous owner about an intermittent stutter/hesitation that has now become more frequent. Once so far, it has produced a backfire but that hasn't proven to be consistent with the problem.

I've been advised to check the plug wires. If this is the problem, where can I pick up a new set? Go to NAPA and pick up a set for a supercharged MR2?

Thanks!

Derek

Thats why I would never buy a car that has a swap or other performance parts.
Its a clean GTS with a swap and why did he sell,Its because he cant figure out whats making it stutter.

Good luck.

[derekc23]

Originally Posted by TwinCamGuy

Thats why I would never buy a car that has a swap or other performance parts.
Its a clean GTS with a swap and why did he sell,Its because he cant figure out whats making it stutter.

Good luck.

I don't need luck but some ideas on where to troubleshoot.

As for your assumption about why the guy was selling it - you're dead wrong. He fully disclosed everything he knew about the car including the stutter.