Expert: Mike Evans - 10/12/2009

Question
i have a 1992 dodge spirit it has started sputtering, missing, and losing power. it acts like it is running out of fuel or that there is a block in the lines. it has a full tank, i changes the fuel filter, air filter, and had the fuel pressure checked, which was normal, had the carb cleaned and it still does it it seems to do it more at night than during the day any suggestions

Answer
    You don't mention the ignition system.  You cannot tune or diagnose any car unless you  first give it a thorough ignition tune-up.  Cap, rotor, plugs, and wires should be replaced with good quality new ones.  The pickup in the distributor should be tested or replaced.  If you have a four cylinder engine there is a mechanical problem which sometimes crops up on these Chryslers.  They have a tendency for the cam followers to fail.  This usually requires that the cam, followers, and hydraulic adjusters all be replaced.  This isn't super cheap but it might be the cheapest engine to which one could do this.  And no really special tools would be required.  Check the tune-up first, then pull the cam cover and see if any of the followers are damaged or loose.