Okay. I am an amateur mechanic and that is putting it in the best light possible.
I have a 1996, 850 Turbo Sedan. Here is what has happened in the last month or so and my hope is that someone can help me decipher what is going on.
I have had a vacuum leak problem for months. It is that line that comes out from right under the exhaust manifold. I've had it repaired twice at two different shops yet the line keeps "blowing" off. At least, that is what I think happens. The last one actually looked like it had melted. This is one of the two vacuum lines that are right around the injector rail. The one I am speaking of is NOT the one which is connected to the rail but the one that is between the extreme left cylinder (looking at the car from in front) and it's neighbor.
Although I've had this problem the car still ran pretty well. Now, here is what I have done to the car which may or may not be the reason it no longer runs in any reliable manner....if at all.
1) I pulled off the injector rail in order to see if I could get some idea where that vacuum line runs. The last replacement line installed by a shop literally fell off in my hand but I have no idea where/what it connects to.
2) I removed the injector rail previously when I replaced the injector gaskets.
3) Right after the last time I pulled off the rail and checked around the injectors, I accidentally left the door open which killed my battery.
4) Had auto service come out to jump the car at which time I was told that it "wasn't my battery....I needed a new alternator". Which I decided to attempt myself.
5) When I took a look at the alternator it looked almost new. So, took battery in for diagnostics. It was trashed. Got a new one, installed and car started right up.... then,
6) I cannot drive the car around the block without it stalling. Then, it wouldn't start so I decided to replace the spark plugs...which had not been replaced since I purchased the car almost two years ago. I thought that since the vacuum leak was kept happening perhaps the plugs were fouled. And, THEY WERE.
7) Replaced the plugs and the once again....it started right up. I could almost go a block before it would die. It started right up after the stall, but eventually I could not get it to start again.
Before all of this I had replaced the MAF sensor. I also ran into a SNAG when removing the injector rail the first time. That trouble was that little cap/seal at the end of the rail, the one used to release fuel pressure, fell into the car. I could never find it but I found that the cap that fits on the end of the tire refill stem fit. So I put that on.9) After the spark plug replacement, it started up several times but would not stay running which made me think "fuel". I removed the injector rail, once again, disconnected the fuel line, and that little make-shift cap I put on the end.
10) Put it all back together and it started up like a charm, and ran smoothly. Before leaving garage I started it up once or twice.
11) Did NOT get a block from my garage before it stalled out and would not restart.
12) Under the Spark Plug cover there was oil pooled. Is that normal?
13) Does this sound like a fuel pump to anyone? I had a PO120 error on my little OBD scanner but I cannot find out what that means. It seems to be a "bogus" code?
So, is it normal to have oil under the spark plug cover. Does this sound like a fuel pump problem or does ANYBODY have an idea as to what could be wrong?
I appreciate any help, comments or admonishments as required.
Thanks y'all,
kimberly
