Massive back fire, hesitation, and sputter.

I don't have the ability to drop the tank. I've tried stp and a few other "boosters" and "cleaners" to no avail.

I'd like to hear any suggestions on how to remedy this externally. Or, what other thing may cause this besides gunk in the tank.

92 bird. 3.1

 

1 possibility may be the sock filter is getting some sediment // crud
pulled onto it.
So this only happens with a quarter tank & less?

 

Need more info...... Did you recently change your exhaust? How much additives are you adding? when was your last tune up (plugs/wires/cap/rotor) New fuel filter? The reason I ask about exhaust is that backfire (1 of many symptoms) air flow is wrong (choke/exhaust)..... My old work tanker with a manual choke would backfire if not adjusted correct. Adjust the choke and I.A.C. A GUESS by me is that the choke isn't opening all the way and not allowing proper air to gas flow, thus causing backfire........ Hope this helps

 

Sounds like you have a leak in the plumbing on the suction side of the pump, such that when the fuel is low, it sucks air.

I'm not aware of any way to fix a thing like that from outside the tank. I could be wrong though.

i'm fairly sure however, pouring "magic in a bottle" into the tank won't have any effect on it; none of that stuff seals up leaks. So that part is no surprise.

"Don't have the ability" may convince other people on here to feel sorry for you, but I'm afraid the parts won't care. They're quite callous and unloving in that way, they just go on living (or not) their miserable little lives no matter how much it upsets their owners. So basically it comes down to, you need to make a decision; do you want to fix it, or not. If so, I suggest you generate the ability.

 

Or just keep the tank at least half full at all times?

I never let mine go below 1/4 of a tank.

 

Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and fuel filter were all changed over the last week. The backfire could be in the cat. It's gutted. the power problems are the main concern.


There is no one is this tiny town, or the surrounding big ones that will work on a car that was made before 98...

I cant have it towed more that 100 miles. the tow companies here wont go farther than that. I'm not upset at this point. I've never had the car run for more than 6 days without becoming disabled in a way for me to have to o something dramatic. New(used) transmission. was the longest clocking in at 1.5 months to locate and install. Don't have the ability means i dont have the ability.

 

Does that include YOU?

If so, sell that car, and get one made after 98; because you're going to be spending ALOT on tow bills if you don't.

Or, acquire the ability. If you can type on your computer, you can get that ability. Trust me: I've known some SERIOUSLY STUPID people (including myself, as well as others) that have plenty enough "ability" to handle a job of that nature. The only thing preventing you from having it, is your belief that you can't. Like the football coach said, if you think you can't, you're right; if you think you can, you're also right. It's all in your head. YOU control it.

It's not the cat. Nothing about the cat changes when the fuel gets below a quarter tank. You have a fuel delivery problem resulting from the fuel pump sucking air when the level gets low.

See my signature for a helpful troubleshooting hint.

 

ive never heard of the town where they only work on new cars.... have seen garages not wanna touch new cars... but never seen one refuse to touch an older one.... maybe you should move out of hollywood and buy some wrenches and a jack.

 

kudos to you sofa for trying to encourage the OP. There is nothing magical to mechanical repairs. Some things take longer than they should because of all the stuff that must be removed to access the afflicted component.

But, with each success you have you will gain more confidence.

I won't get into the cutting a hatch vs drop the tank debate but you can get the repair done yourself. It's a mindset. Allow yourself 3 days and when you have it done quicker than that you can be proud.

 

This could also be the problem. My car had a problem like yours, it would only have a problem under 1/4 of a tank. I changed alot of parts, lines, filters that type of thing, but what I found after alot of testing was my fuel pump was the problem. When the car was over 1/4 of a tank of gas the pump was still submerged in fuel so it would stay cooler and it would pump fine. When the fuel level dropped the pump would heat up, it would still run, but it wouldn't pump the right amount of fuel and it would have the same symptoms as you are saying.The only fix any way you slice it is in the tank. You can do it, just check with people on this site and you will get all the info you need. One tip is to take alot of pics. at each stage as you take it apart this will help you put it back together. hope this helps.

 

Where exactly are you? Many people on this website are willing to help or do the job for a little money, you just need to ask in your local area thread.

And yes, the above description is tried and true to the pump heating up and failing, thats why many people will tell you to never let your tank get below 1/4 because even if the pump is working perfectly, the fuel returning in the return lines is already heated from the engine not using the fuel and goes into the tank, heating the rest of the existing fuel along with the pump up. That is one of the few ways to harm the longevity of life of a fuel pump. Not going to say it's inevitable, I've let many of my cars get to the dummy light before filling up, but the science behind the thinking is there. I see a fuel pump in your future, but for now you can keep it around 1/2 a tank or more. And just for the heads up, the V6/TPI fuel pump you'll need will be around $100 unless you go ebay or something like that.

 

I live in a small apartment, with minimal parking. I found a guy at work that let me use his shop. I got the car to temporarily act better with gumout 2x. I've washed my tank since then. I've been under my hood every day.

 

I took your advice and found a shop that lets me work on the 'bird there after hours. Got my own tools now and have done work to the car nearly every day. No more issues I can find anywhere. Thanks!