If my timing was off, could that cause my car to run lean? Here is the story. Last week, i replaced my distributor cap and rotor, fuel filter, ignition module, and spark plugs. I also tightened my exhaust to eliminate leaks because it was backfiring very bad when I let off the gas. Now it seems to not backfire as much but it has a loss of power when I step on the throttle. My air/fuel gauge says it gets really lean and it has a large power loss. When I step on the gas harder it gets less lean but still doesnt have the power it usualy has. Could my timing be off? I didnt think so at first because it runs fine sometimes but other times it sucks. Let me know what you think the problem is. Thanks

 

I doubt it...

Leave the buzzword culprits alone. Timing, EGR, etc. It's too easy to blame everything on those things, and then waste a bunch of time and money twiddling around with stuff that isn't broken, rather than apply some grey matter to the issue at hand.

Sounds to me like you have fuel pressure issues. After all, fuel delivery is more usually associated with a lean condition, as opposed to ignition timing. Have you changed the fuel filter lately, or checked the pressure while it's exhibiting its symptoms?

 

while i don't think timing affects the air/fuel ratio it never hurts to check the obvious. timing can cause those drivablity problems you mentioned though. my 2 cents later

 

I replaced the fuel filter last weekend. I might have my fuel pressure set to low but I dont think its that. I will check and get back to yah. What about the fuel pump...coyuld that be going too?