I'm driving a 87 T/A 5spd with 110k miles.

Here's my problem(s): The most noticeable problem I am having is that with normal acceleration, once I get above 2200 RPMs in any gear my car loses a lot of power. The higher I rev it, the worse it gets. It will start to hesitate, or stop accelerating completely. BUT if I floor it, it will go (although it certainly doesn't like it - for at least 5 minutes after there is some kind of fluid burning). I haven't got it above 3500 RPMs.

Now, I have limited mechanical knowledge but have thought a lot about it, and there are a couple other symptoms that lead me to believe it is the fuel pump. While the car is running, there is almost always a whistling/squealing sound coming from the back of the car. It is really bad when I start the car, better when it warms up, but worsens as I accelerate.

Another thing suggested by someone is that it could be the transmission. I know mine isn't too great; when I shift into second there is a decent hesitation, and less of a hesitation shifting into third.

[edit] Forgot to mention what I have already tried. At first I thought it could be a cylinder or two misfiring, or the fuel filter, so I gave it a tune up - plugs, wires, dist. cap, fuel filter. No noticeable difference.

Do you think the fuel pump is the source of the problem?
With the noise it is making, should I replace it anyway?
If you don't think it's the fuel pump, what else should I check?

Help is very much appreciated. This is an aggravating situation

 

What engine/fuel system setup are we dealing with here? That info helps alot

Could be the fuel pump, especially if its making noise. Check the fuel pressure under the driving conditions the problem happens with.

If it checks out ok, then you might want to check ignition.. sound like an ignition advance problem.

 

Knew I was leaving something out

Its a 305 5.0 TPI. Another (probably obvious) possibility is that the injectors are clogged.

I don't think I have a fuel pressure gauge unless its what I think is the oil pressure gauge (please don't laugh if I'm wrong). In that case, it is 40-45 when I start and makes its way down to 30 by the time I warm up, usually about 15 minutes of driving.

If there are a couple of things to check, which do you think I should try first?

Thanks in advance for the input.

 

Really sounds like your fuel pump. My explorer had the same problem. I had to put it in the shop for a couple of days to fix it. Turns out my fuel pump was working but couldn't provide enough pressure under accelaration. They said most die slowly.
Anything after 2200 rpm my car lost power could floor it but won't pick up speed if anything i lost speed.

I would replace the pump. Or get a tool to check fuel pressure.

Good luck

 

Sounds like you need an oil change. Maybe a diffrent kind of oil better stuff rather than cheap. An a new oil filter too would help. Put mid grade gas in it or go to a shell or a gas station that doesnt use water in there gas. May sound like an old fart but in winter i let mine warm up for a good 5-10 min b4 i go out.

If not then might be ignition/alternator/timing/trans

Idk just trying to help

 

Take it to a good auto shop and have the fuel pressure tested. If it comes back low, which it probably will by what you are hearing from the fuel pump (you hear the noise from inside the gas tank, right?), then you have a fuel pump problem.