rough running and backfiring in 92 with mitsu engine

[steve tulin]

My dad, who turned 82 yesterday, has a 92 TC with the Mitsu engine - he loves to take his dog for rides in the car. He asked me to drive the car - told me it runs rough when cold, then smooths out. The car has about 90,000 miles, and he has owned it for several years. I noticed that the car seemed to hesitate, but when accelerated harder, there was a popping noise under the hood. Checking it out with the hood up in Park, the noise starts at about 2600 rpm, a very loud popping towards the rear of the engine. Car seems to idle a bit roughly also.

I suspect that mixture is igniting while valves are open - but why? Could it be timing way off, jumped timing, crud under the valves keeping them from closing? Dad drives it REALLY easy, so the latter could be possible. He has not replaced the timing belt but I suspect (hope?) that the first owner did.

Any ideas? Also, right front CV joints clicking on turns - help me convince him this needs to be fixed!

Thanks so much for helping me to keep him happy.

Steve Tulin

sjtulin@aol.com

[blmay]

You must mean a '91. TC's were not built in '92.

FYI, Bill

[TCParts]

Actually, no TCs were built in 1991 either. All 1991's were leftover 1990 models. The last TC off the line in Italy was in the spring of 1990.

[steve tulin]

Okay, I guess I'm wrong on the year - but does anyone know what could be wrong with this car? The dog is waiting for his ride!

[Buzz Todt]

I suspect your dad's TC is a '91 model. I have had my '90 for 15 years and the fuel lines, since moving to Florida require injector cleaning every other year.

Maybe poor quality gas, but it was never a problem in Minnesota. I have 130,000 on my TC and the timing chain has never been a problem. The other less expensive area to check is the EGR valve ($100-120 plus install).