94 Running like crap..where to start?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 14
From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
My 92 had this same issue. Here is the chronology of replacements:
Car ran like crap, died on the way home. Friend suggested replacing the coil.
Replaced the coil, car ran great for a couple months until the waterpump went and killed the opti.
Replaced the opti and waterpump.
Car would get to 210 and run like crap. all the water in the cooling system was winding up in the overflow tank (the one under the headlights). No obvious signs of a head gasket failure, couldn't find any other explaination though.
Pulled the heads, replaced the gaskets, replaced the radiator with a dewitts (I track my car so the extra cooling capacity will help)
Car runs right at 190 on the road now (190 thermostat). Has reached 240 (digital temp) and still runs great.
Mine was a problem after a problem after a problem. Nothing really related but maybe it will help you diagnose. I'd go after the cooling system as the first thing.
Car ran like crap, died on the way home. Friend suggested replacing the coil.
Replaced the coil, car ran great for a couple months until the waterpump went and killed the opti.
Replaced the opti and waterpump.
Car would get to 210 and run like crap. all the water in the cooling system was winding up in the overflow tank (the one under the headlights). No obvious signs of a head gasket failure, couldn't find any other explaination though.
Pulled the heads, replaced the gaskets, replaced the radiator with a dewitts (I track my car so the extra cooling capacity will help)
Car runs right at 190 on the road now (190 thermostat). Has reached 240 (digital temp) and still runs great.
Mine was a problem after a problem after a problem. Nothing really related but maybe it will help you diagnose. I'd go after the cooling system as the first thing.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: miami fl
hot
Mine had a similar problem at 67000 miles. 1st it was getting hot, so I took out the radiator from the car, clean it really good, change the radiator cap, new thermostat, added new 50/50 antifreeze and waterwetter. The over heating went away. Then, few month later it started to run rough just like yours. End up changing the optic, water pump, spark plugs, wires, fuel injectors, fuel filter and another round of 50/50 antifreeze and waterwetter. Car is perfect now
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Hernando FL
Just an update...I looked in where any debri might have clogged radiator..there was nothing but like two leaves in the corner. Since the car has been garage kept..the hoses an all are in really good shape. But the running rough has gotten a bit worse. Ive noticed after warming up say about 30 minutes..thats its starting to lose power when you try to accelerate even at 217-220 on the temp. If im sittin at a sto light..the car wants to lurch foward and cough a little. WHEN i shut off the a/c it makes a difference. The car idles more smoother..stops the lurching..and temp cools down some, since the fans are still running at the point you switch it off. But upon take off from light..if you dont give it any real gas..it goes. If you step on it..it coughs and jerks. Anybody have any idea why this might do this with the A/c on or off??
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 18,346
Likes: 1
From: D / FW
my mechanic buddy wants me to replace the radiator. he says for the 125 bucks it wont hurt, cause he thinks it could be partially clogged. while im at it..im going to put n a new front spoiler kit..so it will look better than the bent up , scratched peices there. I guess after that..i will see where im at.
I kinda want to go with double core HD anyone know where to get a good deal on one.
I hear just a new stock one will improve cooling even here in Texas .
Yep a good time to both clean in between the condenser and put in new radator ,hoses and water pump.
Be sure on that new water pump to thread the weep hole and put in a ninety degree fitting and a hose to take any liquids down past the opti and you will get a long life out of it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
Check for combustion by products in the coolant.
I would also do a pressure test on the coolant system.
I would also do a pressure test on the coolant system.
Just an update...I looked in where any debri might have clogged radiator..there was nothing but like two leaves in the corner. Since the car has been garage kept..the hoses an all are in really good shape. But the running rough has gotten a bit worse. Ive noticed after warming up say about 30 minutes..thats its starting to lose power when you try to accelerate even at 217-220 on the temp. If im sittin at a sto light..the car wants to lurch foward and cough a little. WHEN i shut off the a/c it makes a difference. The car idles more smoother..stops the lurching..and temp cools down some, since the fans are still running at the point you switch it off. But upon take off from light..if you dont give it any real gas..it goes. If you step on it..it coughs and jerks. Anybody have any idea why this might do this with the A/c on or off??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,087
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
$125.00 bucks I want one !
I kinda want to go with double core HD anyone know where to get a good deal on one.
I hear just a new stock one will improve cooling even here in Texas .
Yep a good time to both clean in between the condenser and put in new radator ,hoses and water pump.
Be sure on that new water pump to thread the weep hole and put in a ninety degree fitting and a hose to take any liquids down past the opti and you will get a long life out of it.
I kinda want to go with double core HD anyone know where to get a good deal on one.
I hear just a new stock one will improve cooling even here in Texas .
Yep a good time to both clean in between the condenser and put in new radator ,hoses and water pump.
Be sure on that new water pump to thread the weep hole and put in a ninety degree fitting and a hose to take any liquids down past the opti and you will get a long life out of it.
