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Still have not found what is causing this problem - it has been about three weeks. Very frustrated at this point, so if anyone has seen this before or has an old punching bag that I can beat the stuffing out of....
Here is the story:
Car stalls at idle and runs terrible at constant speed, but a little better at high RPM. Runs very rich, 14.6 MPG at last fill. It normally only does this after it is warmed up, but it has also happened when cold. It has also happened that it ran fine, then crappy, then ran fine again during the same 15 minute trip. When I stomp on it, it runs fine, expect for the black smoke. Replaced FPR, dist. cap, rotor, wires, AMM sensor (had DTC 1-2-1 that recurred), I did not find any vacuum leaks, but did replace a couple of the little rubber elbows that were suspect, tested ECT (passed) O2 sensor has been eliminated I think, since when unplugged it did not impact performance whether car was running OK or running poorly (ie it was still as before). Took car to indy mechanic who diagnosed as loose connection at top of oil trap (and who also broke the hood latch cable and flame trap pipe for me arghh!!!). I did not understand how this could be the cause, but off came the intake mfd. and in went a new oil tank. I also replumbed the line using copper tube instead of plastic. The oil trap/flame trap system and piping is now leak tight and clean. Lo and behold the symptoms are the same. What is going on? What else is there to check? Could the ECM be going bad and fading in and out? Would this cause the engine to run full rich intermittently?
Funds are rapidly depleting and patience wearing very thin. Wife is wanting new car. Appreciate any help or words of encouragement.
DG
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