My 1990 V6 3.1 that I just got back from my son has issues:

The engine light is not coming on so there is no code to detect but here is the problem:


The car starts up fine but when I hit the gas hard the car shuts off, it will start back up and it will run as long as I don't put to much presuure on the gas.

I have tested the gas while in park and have no problems hitting up the pedal pass 3000; but it is not carrying a load while in park. Again the issue is while driving.

So, I am not sure if it is the fuel pump, I don't think it would just be the filter or is it one of the sensors.

I need help fast the weather is getting nice hear in New York City and I want to take the tops off and ride (smile).

 

You're best bet would be to hook up a fuel pressure gauge and see what it is doing when you power brake it. Very simple to do, just find the test fitting on the fuel rail. Should hold in the 40's under idle, and near 50psi under acceleration. A fuel filter also can cause this problem, since the fuel is being restricted from flowing faster to the motor under hard accleration. If the fuel pressure test out good, then I'd check the timing of the engine. Start with the basics of simple testing first, rather than throwing parts at the car out of desperation. You will save yourself time and money in the long run.

 

Thanks! I will do the fuel test in the morning

 

Thank you very much

You were correct in my testing the fuel pressure. There lied the problem. So, I am having the fuel pump and filter replaced now and hope to be back on the road tonight. Again, thanks.

 

UPDATE:

Well Guys, the Mechanic states that my Water Pump is shot.

I'm wondering if it was just the thermostat> Would I not have more of an issue with the car if the water pump was shot?

 

Ok so you fixed the problem as far as the fuel delivery deal, but now the water pump is bad. Don't ya love cars If the pump is making noise, then the bearings are shot and it will start leaking coolant out of a weep hole on the underside of the water pump. Don't mess around with this. You don't want to loose a water pump out on the road. As far as your thermostat just needing changed, why do you say this? What exactly is the vehicles cooling system concern? Changing the thermostat will do nothing for a noisy water pump. The thermostat is closed until it reaches it's temperature rating, which is 195 degrees on a stock thermostat for most stock cars. Once it opens it then allows collant to pass through the entire cooling system, and back through the radiator to cool some, and so on. Unless you have already done some work on the car since you posted this on the 15th, let me know how it went, or i can give you more suggestions.