I recently had my (up until now) very reliable 91 hyundai excel die on me. I took it to a shop and they took a week to fix it-- and end result was it just needed a tuneup. The original problem was that it would start up, but then die out when i gave it any gas. They fixed that fine-- that was a week ago.

I tried to start it up this morning and the engine just turned about 10 times. I let off, gave it a minute, then tried again. After about 10-15 attempts and waiting, it kicks in. I figured it was probably a fuel injector problem , or maybe that water got in the gasoline mix somehow and was causing the gas/air ratio to be offset, so I went to the local gas station and got some "fuel enhancer" (STP, like Heat) to clean it out. I tried mixing it in, but it didn't start for a little bit-- then eventually after 10 times it started up (so i ran it around the block, and on the highway, etc.) It was a very very rough ride-- and when I go to let off the gas at all, it jerks and sputters, sputters but doesn't die, so I pretty much have to have the clutch disengaged or the gas fully on (partially and it goes berserk).

The car place took a week to fix the original problem (tune-up only? dunno), where they replaced all spark plugs, wires, and fuel injector. What is my current problem? I'm out of ideas.

thanks,

-Geoff

So i take it that the car is still playing up?

When was the timing belt last replaced???

Yes the car is still giving me a lot of trouble. I'm not sure when the timing belt was replaced last.. what makes you ask about the timing belt? Just curious,

-Geoff

Its possible a weak timing belt could have slipped a few notches and the engine would definately run rough. On the other hand you said they replaced plugs and wires but what about the cap and rotor? Did car run rough after wet conditions like wet snow or rain. It could be several causes .It doesn't cost much for a cap and rotor so try replacing those and see if it helps. If that doesn't work then a computer diagnosis may be in order. Problems like these can sometimes very difficult to diagnose. Good luck!!

Thanks for all the help, i really appreciate it.

One thing it's doing which i can't put my finger on-- it randomly pulsates. The engine will rev up, then almost die, then rev up and repeat. It only does this when I'm stopped at a light or stop sign.. I'm not sure if there is any 1 thing broken that will cover all the things not working atm.

It's been pretty wet and cold the past few weeks, I'm pretty sure that's what caused the breakdown-- just can't pinpoint on which part (or which part(s)).

thanks,

-Geoff

Aww shoot. Now it won't start up-- it just turns and turns. It sounds so much like a STARTER problem but they said they checked that all in the tuneup. hrmmm

-Geoff

If the engine was running rough, then began to hunt (idle up & down), now it doesn't start, I would be removing the timing cover and check your cam timing!