So I fired my car up this morning, drove 1/4 mile, and it died at a stop sign. Then it restarted, i put it in gear, and it died again. Now, i try to start it, it seems as if it's getting no fuel because it's not even close to starting, and it backfires LOUDLY. every attempt afterward: no start, backfires..

In the last week, however, my car has been acting funny. I have noticed some valve clatter at moderate accel, but goes away at harder accel. and when I start my car, hot or cold, it has been settleing at a lower rpm than usual and idling poorer than it used too..

new plugs, wires, dist cap, rotor, fuel pump

wha happen???

I just researched the LH 2.0 in my Bentley manual. It's close enough to the LH 2.2 system so that everything that I said is something that you should try. If you need to check specific resistance values, let me know, and I will type the values and the different wires at the harness connector to check.

Bill

First, don't fool with the timing.

Second, Unplug the AMM connector and see if the car starts. If it does it won't run for crap, but it should idle.

If it does start, remove the AMM and get the number from the housing, and call FCP Groton. For about 154 bucks plus 50 bucks core charge (refundable) they will send you a rebuilt unit.

The valve rattle last week was the engine telling you that it was going extremely lean, and now you have had a failure of the unit. You may get lucky and be able to clean the element using throttle body cleaner, but I seriously doubt it.

Third, Disconnect the hot air hose from the stove on the exhaust manifold, since this is the single leading cause of AMM failure. There are many threads on how to fix this problem, and I would reccomend you doing so.

Let us know how you come out on this one.

Bill

Sounds like a jumped timing belt. How long since the TB was replaced?
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Thank goodness we don't get all the government we pay for. -- Will Rogers

33k ago, I'm pretty sure the timing is fine.

went back to my car just a few minutes ago after it sat since 10AM, and VOILA! it cranked right up...

I have no explaniation

it was damp out this morning, now it's not

When you get a chance, pop the distributor cap and look inside for traces of codensation, and any carbon traces. This time of year with the big temp swings, condensation can be a problem.
--
Thank goodness we don't get all the government we pay for. -- Will Rogers

either way, have you looked at you air box thermostat in the past 6 months. Everyone who has a 240 should check that thing every so ofter especially once the weather starts warming up. Saves having to find an AMM. 15 minute job, costs less than $10 and you save a breakdown.

The other thing I wonder, can a car run lean if the intake manifold is full of fuel from a faulty Fuel Pressure Regulator?

"can a car run lean if the intake manifold is full of fuel "

Short answer is NO!
--
Thank goodness we don't get all the government we pay for. -- Will Rogers