ej22Buggy

Well I may have stumbled across the root of the problem. After doing some more research, I learned a lot more about the throttle position sensor and how the computer responds to it. There are a set of contacts (pins 1 and 2 on the TPS) that should be closed at idle and open when throttled. Hooking up my multimeter, I realized that the contacts never closed. All this time the engine was actually at a fraction of throttle when it was "idling". The butterfly valve was being held slightly open by the top adjustment screw (which shouldn't be used at all). So, I followed the haynes instruction that details the TPS adjustment. Using a feeler gauge, I set the sensor so that the contacts were closed at .028" and open at .035" from the lower bump stop/screw. After the adjustment I started up the engine and it settled to 750 rpm after a few minutes. However, when I gave it gas and let off, the RPMs would dive to ~500 and work back up to 750. I proceeded to remove the idle air valve and give it a good cleaning with throttle body cleaner. I was amazed how much gunk was in there! After reassembling, I started her up and it idled better than ever. I blipped the throttle and the RPMs dropped to 1000 before working down to 750... perfect! Maybe this could have been causing my throttle cutting? I believe it might be the source of the problem since it was always initiated by the engine idling (or what I thought was idling) after it had been running a while. I also replaced the ignitor and ECU water temperature sensor (just in case). And to address the possibility of low fuel pressure, I hooked the fuel pump relay to ignition power so that it will always be running, eliminating the possibility of the ECU shutting it off while it is running. Now all I need to do is wait for a nice day to test it out!

Do you use any special gauge for measuring fuel pressure or will any gauge work? The only other sensor/electrical that could be an issue would be an ignitor i guess. Another trip to the junkyard is in order. Thanks again for the advice!

I have the same noise too. If you listen carefully to the video you can hear two different noises. Light ticking is the lifters and not a big deal. But the louder and slower tick/knock is what I have too. It almost sounds like a large check valve/ball shuttling back and forth. And it sounds like its coming from the center of the motor. I'd really like to know what it is. Until then, I'm going to be looking for a back-up ej22 to swap in when "the day" comes.

No I have not. But it seems unlikely to be a fuel issue as it does not sputter before it cuts. It is literally on-off. If the fuel pump just stopped I assume it would sputter a bit before it lost power. Here is the fuel pump I am using: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-2225?seid=srese1&gclid=CO_224Kf9sUCFcURHwodXK0Apw It is more than enough to run the ej22. Also, the problem tends to happen when it idles for a bit (the fuel pump will hum along just as it always does, no change). If it was low fuel pressure it would be erratic and have no correlation to what the engine is doing. It really seems like an ignition issue. But could just as likely be the computer cutting spark for some reason.

After sitting at idle for a while, it will sort-of hiccup a bit and sometimes get close to dying. When it starts doing this, the throttle will start cutting out under acceleration. Its almost like the a/f ratio gets out of whack. I've pulled the plugs after this happened and they were white (too lean?).

Oh now I see what you mean. (TB = Timing belt, not Throttle body). Alright, I will do that. Thanks for the advice!

If its any help, here is how my engine is currently set up, Maybe there is something obvious that I am missing.

But if it was the crank sensor, would that even be able to cause the throttle to completely cut out? Also it is not throwing a code. By "TB covers" do you mean the plastic vanity cover? -yes I do And what does CPS stand for? The throttle position sensor has been replaced (by one from a junkyard) but the problem still persists.

Hi again guys. After returning from my trip I have since replaced the MAF unit and fixed the knock sensor issue by improving the wiring (soldering instead of crimping). My throttle cut issue is still present. It seems to happen after the engine has been running for some time (maybe 30 min?) and likes to act up when it has been idling for some time (like putting down hill) and I tell you nothing is scarier than trying to climb a steep dirt/rocky hill with the throttle cutting at 1 sec. intervals. Usually I can get it to stop with some full-throttle acceleration. Fuel pump is not the issue as I hear it buzzing away the same as it always does (its right behind me). I checked the wiring to all the plugs, everything is good. Do ignitors go bad in these engines? Coil packs? ECUs? O2 sensor? Also, my idle has suddenly become VERY low and the engine will even stall. Am I looking at a ECU issue? Do they go bad? Or throttle POS? IACV? EDIT: I got the ignitor module from a junkyard (because my motor didn't come with one) and it was out of a manual car (my engine/ecu was from an auto). Would this matter? I see it listed as 2 different parts online.

*MSD

Fuel pump is an mad and runs constant so I don't think that fuel starvation could be the issue

Thanks for the advice! I ran it without the MAF plugged in and the problem still persists. It may be the ignitor module but I'm not sure how to test it other than getting a new one.

Also there is one code. 22 for knock sensor. I replaced the knock sensor but the code still persists.

Hi everyone! My rig is a rail frame dune buggy with an old legacy an ej22 motor. I built it last year and now I am in the Glamis sand dunes for a week on vacation. I've been having a reoccurring problem with my throttle cutting out under power. It seems to be happening when its hot and idling for a while. The idle will start to stumble and fluctuate. Then when I start to give it gas it hesitates and is like "on-off" when my pedal is down. Sometimes I can get it back to normal under heavy acceleration but other times it is so bad that the engine dies. The problem is only getting worse. Now it happens every time I ride and is really putting a kink in my vacation. I've lurked every thread and forum but have found nothing that matched what I had. If anything, I'm leaning toward a MAF problem. I don't think it could be an IACV problem as it happens with a lot of throttle. I have already replaced the throttle position sensor. I popped the cover off the MAF and re-soldered the 4 contacts to the plug. I don't have access to a new MAF where I am at so it was the best thing I could do. Still nothing. Any help is much appreciated! Thank you in advance!