VX Starts ok, but runs terrible...

[l.ectric]

Awe, schucks... (No Pun Intended) I might tow it over there later today or tomorrow.

[nfpgasmask]

Exactly, if you got a CEL, you might be able to still read the code (the ECU stores it I think) even if it is not lit anymore. That would be a good start. If you have gas in the tank, you are probably ok, I just ran mine to low and I think there was some water in the fuel. Unless you are really low on gas like I was, I don't think that is the problem. I'm not sure how you intend to drain the fuel, but I would not recommend doing that unless you know you have to.

You could also try a jug of HEET fuel treatment, that should get rid of any water in the tank. A can of Sea Foam in the gas tank also can't hurt.

But anyway, get the code read, and bring the number back to the forum and we can tell you what it means.

Good luck,

Bart

[ScottinMA]

My bet...vacuum leak.

[VXorado]

My bet...vacuum leak.

+1 Thats what i was thinking since there is hissing from the engine. A vacuum leak can mess with the air/fuel mixture

[blacksambo]

Is the check engine light on? If so are you getting a 171--- OBD2 meter code? If yes, change the common chamber gaskets, top and bottom. It will run like dream. It's a very common problem and easily fixed.

[Riff Raff]

Welcome to the family and addiction fellow Washingtonian. VX Member "ROWHARD" also hails from Olympia with his Dragon VX and he is a wealth of VX information. I'll shoot him an E-Mail for him to be on the look-out for ya'.

By the way, follow all of the advice already provided. Lastly, always run Premium High-Octane fuel in the VX!!!

By chance, did you happen to buy your VX from the vicinity of Yelm, WA??? I know there was a Ironman VX 4-sale on Craigslist recently from Yelm, WA.

[l.ectric]

I purchased it from a kid who got it from his girlfriends mom, who took great care of it, as far as I can tell... but the kid, not so much. The interior looked as though a landfill and a bowling alley got together and threw-up in it... there was so much trash and debris in it, i debated if I really wanted to spend the money on it... But then again I did get a great deal! (at least I hope so!)