New project car

[l33tw00k133]

My grandparents gifted my their 1989 TC with the 2.2L Turbo with automatic transmission as they no longer have the time or money to work on it. They've owned it about 12 years and in the last 6 or so years it started to develop some quirks. Now I know all the issues I have with it so far and I need a direction to start looking at so that I can enjoy this car:

 

On start up, it won't crank without you putting down some pressure on the gas pedal. After startup and even after warming up, it won't stay running without you giving it some gas. You have to be very gentle with it while running otherwise it'll start to hiccup and stutter. After a bit of running it is capable of crawling up to 55mph but it will stutter beyond that.  It does throw a check engine light while operating.

 

Odometer currently says around 90,000 miles but my grandparents told me the odometer stopped working for a little while so it probably has closer to 120,000 on it. My chief concern is getting the car driveable and then I can start tackling the more minor concerns the car has. 

 

Any advice and input is very appreciated!

[Hemi Dude]

OK all you technical guys. I’ll hold my tongue and let you guys take a shot at this one. I’ll give you until Thanksgiving.  Let’s see what you got!

[l33tw00k133]

I will also add that my grandparents are convinced that it needs a new ECU as a mechanic they trust seems to think so. 

[marty14]

check engine codes

 

https://www.allpar.com/threads/the-1980s-1990s-chrysler-computer-codes.229009/

Edited November 8, 2022 by marty14 (see edit history)

[l33tw00k133]

9 hours ago, marty14 said:

check engine codes

 

https://www.allpar.com/threads/the-1980s-1990s-chrysler-computer-codes.229009/

I'll check them after work. 

[Nile]

I'm not a tech guy, but my guess is one or more vacuum leaks.   If you find one leak, don't congratulate yourself until you find the others.   Another candidate is the throttle position sensor.  If the speedo needle works intermittently or bounces around it might be a speed sensor.  Could also be a combination of of these.  It does NOT sound like an ECU problem.

 

Good luck and Welcome!

[Turbo Kane]

Hi! I’d inspect the basics first.

-*Did it have old bad gas in the tank*

-Should you replace the fuel filter

-What do your spark plugs look like

-What condition is the battery in

-Are harness grounding points corroded 

-Are your rubber vacuum hoses rotted

-Are your fuel hoses rotted and be replaced before an engine fire occurs 

-Is your ignition timing set correctly

-Is your timing belt in need of replacement

-CHECK FAULT CODES

 

Usually a good visual inspection on a car that hasn’t been driven in a long time is enough to get you pointed in the right direction. Let us know what you find

 

[l33tw00k133]

Unfortunately I haven't been able to walk around the car since I got it. Dealing with storm prep here in Florida. I'll be on it as soon as the storm passes!

[Art Dalby]

Where are you in Fla. I'm near Melbourne and have some tools and manuals, but difficulty find some one to do the work. Art Dalby                      dalbyart110@gmail.com