Happy New Year everybody!

This is a follow-up to a post from a month or so ago (#20117861: Car loses power, bucks and lurches,...).

I was having strange bucking/hesitation whenever I decelerated, especially after a half-hour or so at highway speeds and then stopping at a stoplight.

I've had the in-tank fuel pump and fuel filter replaced (did make a BIG difference in drivability, but didn't cure the problem). I was thinking I had a fuel pump that was intermittent, but nobody could find anything wrong.

Halfway to Mom's for Christmas, the car completely stalled out at a stoplight and wouldn't start up again. Battery was fine, lights were on, turned over fine, but just wouldn't stay running. I thought the fuel pump had finally died. Took the car home and (yet another) mechanic had a look. He found that the rubber hoses around the flame trap were old and corroded. He replaced the flame trap and related hoses and everything seems better than ever. No more bucking, even in this snow and cold temps (I'm in NYC).

What I don't understand is why a lack of good vacuum seal to the flame trap and related tubing would cause the problem I was experiencing. I thought a clogged flame trap would cause excessive back pressure from blow-by gasses, causing oil leaks from that area and from head gasket. I have no visible oil leaks. Any ideas/theories?

And most of all, any suggestions on what else to look for would be greatly appreciated.

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Just FYI, here's what's I've had replaced/fixed on my '86 240 (250k miles):

- new engine wiring harness

- new alternator and battery, battery cables

- new FI fuel rail, one injector replaced

- new fuel filter

- rebuilt brakes

- new belts (not sure about timing belt -- maybe that should be next?)

- new in-tank fuel pre-pump (inc. sock, fuel gauge sensor assembly)

- new fuel pump relay

- new shocks (KYB)

- new flame trap and hoses

Once again, thanks to all you Brickboarders for helping and educating me and so many others. What a great resource this is!