Alfa Milano mystery ............need help

I need some help with this problem. I've been living with it for quite a while now and I'm at wits end trying to figure it out. This all started after I changed valve cover gaskets, plugs, cap and rotor.

Car starts and drives fine except up to 2500 rpm's. When letting out the clutch from idle if I try to accelerate much at all it feels like I'm running on 3 cylinders. Wants to rev but stutters (feels like it's being held back). When I get to about 2500 rpms it clears up and I'm back to 6 cylinders (or so it feels). From idle if I let the clutch out and only accelerate VERY slowly up to 2500 rpm's it runs fine. Idle is hit or miss. Sometimes it idles fine, sometimes not so much. It cycles from good to bad and back again (idle that is).

Things I've checked and swapped out (I have tons of spares).

Spark plugs Plug wires Coil and module Rotor Cap ECU Spark Box New injector seals Tightened all intake boots Swapped distributors Large intake tube AFM Checked for vacuum leaks Checked and rechecked timing

I have a thread on AlfaBB but it's been on there since the problem started and haven't found the answer there.

Any help is appreciated.

I don't know lots about Alfas, but if that was one of the older cars I owned I'd be checking for a vacuum leak.

In reply to Brett_Murphy:

Checked and double checked. No leaks anywhere.

Have you tried looking at L-Jetronic specific documentation?

One weird thing to me is that the 2500 rpm thing is like a light switch. Never varies and is always there.

isnt 2500ish about where the flow meter door goes fully open. Is it possible that the potentiometer in that is showing its age?

In reply to RossD:

Haven't read that but I will. Thanks.

I'm really leaning towards it being ignition though. The 2500 rpm switch and the way it feels when it's stuttering make me think there's something going on with the ignition.

In reply to stafford1500:

Yeah, except I swapped it out for a known good one. But heck, I'll open up the plastic lid and take another look.

I'd call in the experts. Both of these companies employ friendly people, and offer good advice:

www.centerlinealfa.com

www.vickauto.com

Calling the experts can't hurt.

My alfa memory is getting fuzzy but does this match symptoms of a leaking cold start injector? Super rich until it shuts off?

I was really optomistic for a second when I read the title as Alyssa Milano mystery...

RedGT wrote: Calling the experts can't hurt. My alfa memory is getting fuzzy but does this match symptoms of a leaking cold start injector? Super rich until it shuts off?

That is a very good call.

Every time I see this post title, I think of Alysa Milano (sp?)... not sure why.

At least I'm not the only one. Alfa Milano, Alyssa Milano. One is way more maintenance than the other.

ncjay wrote: At least I'm not the only one. Alfa Milano, Alyssa Milano. One is way more maintenance than the other.

Actually, THAT might be why... oooh mama.

ncjay wrote: At least I'm not the only one. Alfa Milano, Alyssa Milano. One is way more maintenance than the other.

That was my first thought, second was

Then I got to thinking of them both and the Alfa never crossed my mind.

Joe Gearin wrote: I'd call in the experts. Both of these companies employ friendly people, and offer good advice: www.centerlinealfa.com www.vickauto.com

Nope, I even pinched off the CSI line to be sure I had no leaking. Didn't change a thing.