M20B25 E30. Hard Start, Near stall, Flickering Lights

[Mr. EG]

I recently purchased an E30 with a Bone Stock motor (M20b25) and it does not like to start without some throttle. It also likes to almost stall when I get on it and place it in nuetral during decel. The lights randomly flicker like it is going to stall. Idle will also slightly surge on a cold start.

I do not believe the fuel filter was changed since the previous owner owned it along with the fuel pump. The "hard start" issues also may be related to the FPR not holding pressure. If anyone has experienced these problems i would appreciate some help.

[jlevie]

The first thing the comes to mind is intake leaks. Have a shop run a smoke test on the intake.

[Mr. EG]

I am a technician so I will be doing everything myself. I use the carb cleaner method and listen for pitch changes. The issue seems to be more fuel delivery related.

[Mr. EG]

There is also a new issue. At WOT in any gear near redline the CEL will briefly turn on for 1 split second, completely bog down and when the CEL goes away it will continue to drive normal as if nothing happened.

[Mr. EG]

Anyone?

[walktheboard]

My guess would be o2 sensor slowly dying, or intake leaks as jlevie said

[Mr. EG]

hm. That would cause a random bog at a hig RPM only?

[Gruelius]

check FPR/fuel pumps/system

i had similar symptoms

FWIW if you purchased it to keep you should do a bunch of checks on stuff like the inlet manifold gaskets, inspect air boot for leaks, put AFM onto new tracks (dont adjust trigger wheel), seafoam, new spark plugs check leads/dizz cap and TIMING BELT + WATERPUMP

[Mr. EG]

I have already replaced T-Belt, water pump, plugs and wires. I have a new fuel pump that I am going to try along with a fuel filter. I am going to check for manifold leaks on Monday.

[Gruelius]

put the afm on new tracks too
.
but yeah my similar symptoms were from the FPR being blocked. it also resulted in my fuel pump making a shitload of noise and dying.

[Mr. EG]

Sorry for the ignorance, but what exactly is a afm?

[Mr. EG]

Just realized it was an Air Fuel Meter. I will look up a DIY on how to adjust it.