Dead spot in RPM range

[FLG]

Pop the cover off your AFM and see how the resistace strip looks, if its worn through in a spot simply bend the metal piece that runs along the strip so it follows a new path.

http://www.the944.com/afm.htm

[jlevie]

The hesitation off idle could be intake leaks and/or a sticky ICV. Or if could be a worn spot in the resistance trace in the AFM. The dead spot at 2k under load sounds most like the AFM.

[mrgraphics]

I should give some background on repairs / service so far: 1986 325es

New plugs
New cap and rotor
Re-gaped points
Timing and all assorted belts / water pump
Transmission drain, pan drop, new filter - rechanged oil 3 times over two weeks
New differential oil with LSD additive
New CPS
New intake boot
New O2 sensor

Revs are fine in garage, but this happens under load were the fuel/air ratio are more taxed.

Car runs like a champ. I also notice about 50% of the time when starting out there is a slight hesitation and then it goes. So potentially two dead spots - one in the 800 to 1000 RPM, and the other at 2000-2500.

Pick n pull is having a 20% off sale - guess I'm picking up a new AFM or MAF, whichever. I'm terrible with acronyms. That Bosch thing that's at the airbox after the filter ;) with the timing belt change label on top.

[Quinthirty]

If you're in the garage, and you rev it to 2k, is the experience the same? If yes, I suppose your suspicion would be right.

[jlevie]

My first suspect in this case would be the AFM.

[jw 325ic]

How are your spark plugs?

[mrgraphics]

This is the last thing I need to get sorted on this car.

I originally thought it was a slipping auto transmission, but this recent test helped me rule it out.

On highway acceleration in D (drive), once I got to 50, it would bog, not accelerate, etc. But once I finally made it to 65 it would be fine. RPMs in the 2000 mark.

For giggles, I did some acceleration pulls in 1st, and wouldn't you know it, the same dead spot - accelerates great up to 2000 RPM, then stutters and shakes between 2000 and 2500, the back to normal acceleration all the way to redline.

Only thing I can think of is a bad MAF? Ideas?