Brought the engine to TDC and reinstalled the new dist. The engine starts fine but I still get the hesitation around 2000 RPM. My neighbor was over and said it smelled like it was running rich.

Maybe bad injectors or the PCM? I think the PCM was the next thing on my list.

Thanks again for any help!

 

I replaced the PCM and all the sensors. No joy on the problem but I removed the valve cover to start looking at possible engine problems. I started the engine with the valve cover removed and I got a fountain of oil from the either #5 or #6 rocker. It was shooting about 3-4 inches above the engine so I shut it down pretty quickly. The rockers in the front of the engine were fairly dry. What would be causing a pressure buildup in the back of the engine and not allowing the oil to flow to the front tappets. I fear that I have a flattened out cam which could possibly be the cause of my problem. Either way though there is an oiling issue with the engine for sure.

 

I checked the compression today and got the following:

1 - 90
2 - 95
3 - 100
4 - 90
5 - 110
6 - 100

Seems low. Could this be the issue?

 

According to my book, the compression should be between 120 & 150 with no more than 30lbs pressure variation.

 

Thats what mine says too. Would this cause the hesitation and stumble I am seeing at 2000 RPM?

 

Since it sounds from the video that it is doing it under a no load condition I am more inclined to think it is electrical.

 

ok thanks... yes it is under no load. I have been buying sensors and working on electrical possibilities. I have a MAP sensor on order but besides that I have replaced or tried everything else. Others have mentioned checking grounds which have all seemed secure but besides checking contact I dont know how to make sure each sensor and the computer is seeing a good ground or any additional ideas as to what the problem could be. There has also been mention of possibly the cam timing.

 

To check a ground you physically remove the wire from where it is bolted and clean it. Baking soda and water on the wire ends works as does Coke or Pepsi. If you use either one of the sodas reclean with baking soda. On the body a small piece of emory cloth to get rid of any rust/paint does well. When refastening use dielectric grease after you have tightened the connection to reduce the risk of corrosion.

 

Are there any critical grounding points that you know off the top of your head? I have checked the one on the engine behind the dist and the other on the coil. Maybe I have missed one.

 

The battery terminal wire, the ground from the rear of the engine to the firewall. I am not sure on yours, but the one on my 99 goes from negative post on the battery to fender well with the small wire and to the engine block with the bigger wire. Also the battery cable ends at the battery.

 

as for your compression test those numbers seem fine, even if they are a little lower than spec. probably because its a cooler engine. try dropping a little trans fluid into the cylinders via the spark plug hole and let it sit for a few minutes. the trans fluid will help the piston seal better and help simulate a warmer engine. I bet the numbers go up considerably.

 

Thanks to everyone who helped with a solution.

It turns out that I fixed my issue by adjusting the cam sprocket one tooth counterclockwise in relation to the crank at TDC.