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Author Topic: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?  (Read 17212 times)

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pgackerman

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Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« on: August 19, 2014, 07:15:37 pm »
My '88 GT feels like its restrained (5-speed).  Works well in city traffic, but does 0-60 in about a minute.

Could the fuel filter be the problem? 
Any other ideas?

Any tips on changing the fuel filter?

Thanks.
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Red '88 GT 5-Speed, 7730ECM, 1.6 Rockers, and KEYLESS Entry! 
Now with a trailer hitch for my bike rack.
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TopNotch

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2014, 08:46:05 pm »
Another possibility is a clogged catalytic converter.
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pgackerman

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2014, 08:50:33 pm »
Quote from: TopNotch on August 19, 2014, 08:46:05 pm
Another possibility is a clogged catalytic converter.

Any tricks to unclogging a clogged catalytic converter?
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Red '88 GT 5-Speed, 7730ECM, 1.6 Rockers, and KEYLESS Entry! 
Now with a trailer hitch for my bike rack.
Southland Jubilee 2019 Best in Class

TopNotch

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #3 on: August 19, 2014, 08:54:00 pm »
Replace it with another cat, a straight pipe, or a glass pack muffler.
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f85gtron

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #4 on: August 19, 2014, 10:23:01 pm »
Cats out nowadays are much higher flow than our originals.
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85 GT manual NOW powered by 7730
3.4 bored to 3.5, cammed out and DIS'd
F23 connecting power to ground
My wife won't ride in it. It's "the other woman" ;)

pgackerman

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #5 on: August 20, 2014, 04:06:43 pm »
Just visited Advanced Auto.  They said a cat needs to be welded on.
Sounds like this isn't a do-it-yourself job. 

Should I believe them?

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Red '88 GT 5-Speed, 7730ECM, 1.6 Rockers, and KEYLESS Entry! 
Now with a trailer hitch for my bike rack.
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Fierofool

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #6 on: August 20, 2014, 04:18:31 pm »
Federal requirements are that they be welded in, if they're installed on a car.  That's to keep someone from taking it off immediately after emissions inspections.  I believe vehicles over 25 years old are exempt of emissions standards in Georgia and under Federal guidelines.  An 'off-road' pipe can be put in place of it and clamped on in the event that you may went or need to install a cat in the future.  The stock GT exhaust without a cat isn't that noisy at cruising speeds.

I would go the easiest path first and replace the fuel filter.  Can only help the car, irregardless. 
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TopNotch

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #7 on: August 20, 2014, 08:58:48 pm »
I have Rodney Dickman cats clamped (not welded) on both my Fieros. Back when they had to be tested, they both passed.
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Raydar

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #8 on: August 20, 2014, 11:02:59 pm »
I've got a Rodney Dickman cat that came off my car when I had a custom system built. It probably only has a few hundred miles on it.
Make me an offer if you're interested, and if you decide that's what you need.
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pgackerman

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #9 on: August 21, 2014, 06:55:25 am »
Quote from: Fierofool on August 20, 2014, 04:18:31 pm

I would go the easiest path first and replace the fuel filter.  Can only help the car, irregardless.

Does the brand of fuel filter matter?  Is Purolator OK?
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Now with a trailer hitch for my bike rack.
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pgackerman

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #10 on: August 21, 2014, 06:58:03 am »
For an 88 GT manual is this all that's needed to relieve fuel pressure?  Just turn the valve?  What is a J 34730-1?

FUEL PRESSURE RELIEF PROCEDURE
1. Connect fuel gage J 34730-1 or equivalent to fuel
pressure valve. Wrap a shop towel around fitting
while connecting gage to avoid spillage.
2. Install bleed hose into an approved container and
open valve to bleed system pressure.
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Red '88 GT 5-Speed, 7730ECM, 1.6 Rockers, and KEYLESS Entry! 
Now with a trailer hitch for my bike rack.
Southland Jubilee 2019 Best in Class

f85gtron

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #11 on: August 21, 2014, 10:02:20 am »
A J-34730-1 is a Phillips head screwdriver, or anything you can find to stick into the Schrader valve (it's a valve, like on a bicycle tire). Cover your eyes and put out your cigarette  8) ....

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85 GT manual NOW powered by 7730
3.4 bored to 3.5, cammed out and DIS'd
F23 connecting power to ground
My wife won't ride in it. It's "the other woman" ;)

Fierofool

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #12 on: August 21, 2014, 10:12:35 am »
My Shade Tree Mechanic Field Manual lists J-34730 as the Phillips Head screwdriver.  The -1 is the shop towel used around the Schrader Valve to prevent temporary blinding from the fuel spray.  :D

Purolator should be a good one.  If they compare to the quality of the oil filters, they will be rated among the top.
« Last Edit: August 21, 2014, 10:14:15 am by Fierofool »
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1.    The ones that learn by reading.
2.    The few who learn by observation.
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pgackerman

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #13 on: August 22, 2014, 09:21:29 pm »
Turned out to be the cat. 

Acceleration is smooth, exhaust is a bit louder, and the occasional rattling sound has disappeared.

Oh, and the car has a new fuel filter too.

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Red '88 GT 5-Speed, 7730ECM, 1.6 Rockers, and KEYLESS Entry! 
Now with a trailer hitch for my bike rack.
Southland Jubilee 2019 Best in Class

f85gtron

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Re: Slow acceleration. Fuel Filter?
« Reply #14 on: August 23, 2014, 07:27:00 am »
Now you're going to have to hit the track again to see how much faster your times can be. I'll make the sacrifice and go with you.
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85 GT manual NOW powered by 7730
3.4 bored to 3.5, cammed out and DIS'd
F23 connecting power to ground
My wife won't ride in it. It's "the other woman" ;)
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