Losing power help

[Yldred]

Hi we have a 1990 that we have owned nearly 20yrs, great car last night coming home we started losing power as if it was missing a cylinder fired it up this morning she appears to be firing on all cylinders at idle put soon as you try to pull away there's nothing there for want of better word she farts and spits but does not stall,any help greatly recived

[Snapfrozen]

Is it actually missing? Unfortunately there are 132945832843 things it could be.

I'd start here.

-Check the spark plugs, post up a pic - if they're oily or discoloured might be an issue
-Check leads are all fine
-Check leads are all plugged in properly
-Have you got fuel? Is it old?
-Is it the original engine?
-Do you maintain it properly? Regular services etc?

[Yldred]

Yep it's original engine 367k she's done last thing we did dec 12 was oil air filters and oil,will pull plugs out and check them only had them out 3wks ago and all apperead to be good have check leads again all seemed ok the wife did say she ran low on fuel is there inline fuel filter that I have not found and can it be bleed

[Keith Jones]

If the fuel level did get down in the tank it could have picked up some dirt and blocked the filter.
Instructions on changing the filter in here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQKUgqB_jaQ

[Yldred]

Sweet will check fuel filter,having said that what looks the same as the fuel filter appears to be under the bonet but will check many thanks guys

[Yldred]

Where is the diagnostic plug can't seem to find it

[Keith Jones]

The black thing in the engine compartment by the inlet manifold is the evaporative canister. The diagnostic plug is on the passenger side front shock tower (small black rectangular box with flip up lid)

[SLYDIT]

The fuel filter is up in front of the drivers side rear wheel. You should just change your plugs, I had some that looked fine but they weren't. Could also be a failing coil pack or leads. I'd do plugs and leads before filter. Also there are some earthen on to the chassis just under the washer bottle that you should remove and clean so they are making good contact. Also if the car has been sitting for a bit, the airflow meter vane can stick causing stalling

[broomfish]

If you are going to do leads, i have ngk leads in stock at he best price around

http://www.broomfish.co.nz/products_ymm ... =All+Years

[ross]

Also check theres no water down the plug lead hole in the head.

[authentic]

Do a quick check of the intake system. Listen for any leaks, and give it a bit of a wiggle.

It probably won't be the cause, as the car would want to die if it was an intake leak..but I had trouble with mine one day out of the blue so you never know. A bit of percussive maintenance should do the trick.

[SLYDIT]

will it rev up to 4-5000 rpm while not moving or does it struggle?

[Yldred]

Thanks all solved it,was the leads thanks for the offer of leads but need to get them today as wife needs car for work,so new fuel filter,plugs and leads and there you go so thanks to you all cheers happy mx 5 owner

[MrGrey]

glad you have it sorted and are back on the road Yldred

also, thank you very much for linking that video Mr Jones, I was not aware of that web series and now I have some entertaining videos to watch tonight.

[Keith Jones]

You're welcome MrGrey. Enjoy.