Severe 3.1 Hesitation

[TeeJay3800]

I searched and didn't really find anything directly related to this problem. My 3.1 has a problem where it hesitates very badly when I first push the gas. It has always done it, but recently it has gotten much worse. Its most noticeable when the motor is cold, and when starting from a dead stop. It also does it when I'm at light throttle, and then step on the gas hard to pass someone. It kind of hesitates for a second before the power comes. From a dead stop, its gotten to the point where its hard to get it moving smoothly off the line without being jerky. Sometimes I'll touch the gas, and nothing will happen for a second, then it will grab suddenly. The motor is in good tune and has new AC Delco plugs and wires. It does not miss at all, just hesitates. I've been told I may need to replace some sensors. What can I do to get rid of this hesitation? Thanks.

[bszopi]

RE: Severe 3.1 Hesitation

Fuel filter possibly... If its getting more and more clogged, it'll slow fuel initially.

[TeeJay3800]

Hmm the fuel filter was replaced after I bought it around 4 years ago. My fuel pump has been sounding a little different, but thats about it. (it says running sometimes after I turn the car off because of a bad oil pressure sending unit)

[GndPrxRcr]

i had the same exact problem while i was living in italy. there gas stations were low octane and ruined my fuel pump. it started as little hesitations like you say. then just got gradually worse. until the car died at a traffic light. i towed it home and spend days lost and trying to find out what was wrong. i got the car started again but if you touch the gas it just died. but when i tap the pedal it got short burst of power. So I sprayed some Fi and intake cleaner in to the throttle body while running the trottle. (kinda like starting fluid in a carb) and the engine raced up to the rev limiter like it used to. i then new that there was a lack of fuel. first i diagnosed all the sensors and maked sure they were working properly. then i bought the fuel filter. didn't do it. then i gave up and just replaced the fuel pump. it was easy installing it in the tank. just a pain to put the tank back on the car with no lift and just two people.

good luck.