Hi all,

I've got a big problem, or may be small.  I just can't figure it out.   

Here are the specs:

-89 Tracker 1.6 8v
-260,000+ kms

Here's what's wrong:

It will start and run rough for about 1 minute, then it will die.  I can restart it right away and do the same thing.  When I rev it up fast/moderately fast it dies.  If I flutter the pedal rapidly it will go brappp!..brappp!...idle... for a little while then it will again die.

Observations:

I pulled the new plugs - its running super rich.  I didn't need to see it to smell it.  Wheew!
I ran it with one spark plug removed - Seems to spark right till the last rev.  Ignition coil is getting full voltage all the time.  It does run rough.  It ran better when the spark plugs were first put in.  (I'm sure that's from excessive fuel fouling them)  Fuel system is putting out constant pressure of about 30 psi.  I disconnected power to the vacuum valves on the front of the engine, and it seemed to rev a little higher/better, I don't know.

Conclusions:

It seems like something electrical.  Stalls like the ignition is turned off.  I have checked the TPS (seems fine) the EGR (seems fine) the ignition coil (seems fine).  I put new plugs and wires, the rotor and cap do not show signs of excessive wear or arcing.  I checked compression, all the same.  I think it dies as soon as it leaves the closed loop?  When you push the pedal to the floor it forces it to run in closed loop, correct?  Hence the reason I can keep it running.

The only other think I could hazard a guess at is the O2 sensor??

If you have any ideas I would love to hear them.

Thanks!

It will start and run rough for about 1 minute, then it will die.

Check your fuel pump and fuel filter.

I own a 1998 Ferrari, Yes it's true, Anyway I had a similar issue last year. It turned out to be the fuel pump. It would work fine for a minute or so and then just stop. Turn off the key and back on and it was fine for a minute or so, then same thing. 

replaced and no problems since.

Let's see pics of the Ferrari 

Let's see pics of the Ferrari 

Heres two, Thats it, lets not hijack a fellow Zuk thread

 Nice Ferrari(s)!

 I'd be suspect of the computer on the Trackick. It's actually a very common problem. Search it.

I think it dies as soon as it leaves the closed loop?  When you push the pedal to the floor it forces it to run in closed loop, correct?  Hence the reason I can keep it running.

The only other think I could hazard a guess at is the O2 sensor??

It only runs in closed loop under a medium load, if you floor it it will stay in open loop. The 89 is a bit of an odd one. Is the Check Engine Light on?

The check engine light is not on.  I've replaced the caps in the computer, so it should be fine as well.

I've also replaced the fuel filter and have a gauge on the pump showing a continuous 30 psi (within spec).

Thanks for the suggestions.

Any others?

I just checked the O2 sensor seems fine.  Could it be a cam issue?  Ignition issue?

I flutter the pedal and I can keep it running, but after quick warmup it doesn't want to idle.

 

Thakns for the Ferrari pics. Man I love those cars!!!!!!!

having the same problem with my sons engine, did you find anything?

Just a followup to "close" the thread.  I got it running good with new plugs and wires.  But after a few minutes of driving it ran right back into the same problem.  So I installed a pressure gauge under the hood before the TB.  What I found was that the fuel pressure dropped to 15 psi when it was running like garbage.  So I dropped the gas tank and found a thick layer of sludge:

That is what the remainder of the gas looked like.  I dumped it out.  Cleaned the prefilter, and tada! it runs great.  This was back in December.  I have since moved it out to the family farm and we have been hence forth thrashing it for a good time!

Thanks for the follow up. With flooding like that, it's commonly the FPR or the needle / float in the carb is off (or plugged).