I have an 88 se non-turbo that is running very erratic. It starts hard but starts like it takes awhile for the fuel to get there but fuel pump sounds ok,. was starting up, idle ok, drove good for about 15 miles then started to cut out and wont run over 1500rpms . now hot or cold it idles rough. Replaced fuel filter just before the 15 mile drive, almost had to be towed home. Have sprayed starting fluid over running engine to find vac leaks but no idle diff. any ideals??? Help trying to fix up for daughter thanks

 

You should check the compression.

Pull the trailing plugs, disconnect the crank angle sensor, screw in the compression tester into one of the spark plug holes, hold the throttle fully open, hold the pressure release button on the compression gauge, crank the car. You should get 3 even puffs over 85 psi each. If you get solid bump and 2 not so good, you've got a bad apex seal. If you get 2 good bumps and 1 bad, then you have a bad side seal. If you can't get any good readings on one particular rotor, the apex seal has wiped out the rotor and housing. If everything's good, we'll troubleshoot engine management from there.


On a lighter note, it could be a clogged catalytic converter, or a coil that's gone bad.

 

Thanks will try this and get back to you again thanks

 

Also, starting fluid is really not recommended to find vacuum leaks. Yes, it works great, but it's highly explosive. Brake cleaner or carb/throttle body cleaner is flammable, but nowhere near as volatile as starting fluid. The preferred method is an unlit propane torch. You should still have a fire extinquisher nearby when doing this, just in case.