Check fuel pressure at the rail before throwing a fuel pump at it. It's a suspect, but not a slam dunk.

 

Will do. Didn't think to check the rail

 

I should add that I smelled fuel upon start-up.

 

Sounds like a fuel leak which results in the engine not getting an adequate column of fuel at the proper pressure (50psi).

 

Thanks, I was curious about the proper psi

 

Also the fuel filter could be a source of this type of problem. I was surprised by what I found?

 

Funny you should mention that. I tried turning the car on and I had to pump the gas JUST to start it. I can hear the pump whirring. I did a pressure test. It jumps right up around 50 and, after checking it 15 minutes later, found that it held pressure. Stumbles, misfires, and won't shift past 3rd gear. I can only assume that's a failsafe (?)

 

Going to start with the fuel filter since it's the cheapest culprit and probably easiest fix. Picking up the filter, vacuum line, and clamps in the morning.

 

With a stationary car, hot engine at idle, check your 4 fuel trims. Short term and long term for each bank. If any are greater than 8% then you likely have a vacuum leak. Rev the car to 3,000 rpm for 30 seconds. If the short term fuel trims reduce significantly, might even go negative, then its confirmed that you have vacuum leaks to find. If they don't reduce, then it's something else.

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Will do. I'm replacing the filter anyways, seeing as though it's a factory filter. I'll check the trims and report back

 

Here's what I got so far:

• Filter
• Vacuum line
• Injection line
• Clamps

Does anyone have any other ideas of what to do while I'm at it?

 

Installed the filter and so far, no stumbling, loping, rough idle, etc. I'll attach a picture of what came out of the old filter.