warm engine problems???

Hi, I have a 94 Corolla (1.8 L) with 178,000 miles and it has been super reliable up until now. This weekend I was coming home from Vermont and it started right up. I stopped at a store about 4 miles away and ten minutes later it would not start. We towed it to a mechanic and we were both having a hard time diagnosing the problem. After it cools off, it starts and runs well. We let it idle for about 10 minutes and took it for a test drive. It died after driving about 3-4 miles. It ran very rough and white steam/smoke was noted coming out of the exhaust before it completely died. I did a tune-up which was over due anyways and there is no change. Now it starts right up and runs good, but after a few minutes it develops a hesitation and gets worse as time passes. I'm a decent mechanic and I'm baffled! There are no trouble codes. My two thoughts now are a clogged cat or a weak fuel pump. does this sound familiar to anyone?? Thanks!!

Either one of those is a good guess. Worn out fuel pumps will stop working after they heat up, and a plugged up converter will cause and increasing lack of power the longer you drive. I would let it run with a fuel pressure gauge and an inline spark tester on it to see what cuts out first, then go from there. If neither one cuts out then look at the converter. Or have it towed to a better mechanic. Sounds like the mech you took it to dosent really know what to look for.

Thanks! You're right about the mechanic. He was more of an equipment mechanic and tow buisness owner. He was trying to help get it running so we wouldn't have to tow it 100 miles to my house. He said it had spark, but I should check it as you said. It could be a coil. Right now I'm trying to locate a fuel pressure tester with a banjo bolt adaptor.

run it up, let it die then check your spark sometimes i believe the pickup coil in the distributor can act up and die with heat that will cause the ECU to loose the rpm and cam position. but it could be fuel too so look at that too.

Most likely ignition module failure

Yep, weak coil. Had that in my Celica. Start when its really cold, won't start when its hot.

I had that with mine (Carby Version) I found it was my Battery

Thanks for all the replies! I ran it last night until it was having problems and the spark looked ok. The battery is 100%. I had to mail order a 12mm banjo bolt adaptor so I can test the fuel pressure. If that's not it, then it sounds like I should pull the cat and have a look.

Where did you order the bolt from? I'd like one for 89-93's.

The adaptors are available seperately. http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16173