I have a 87' 5-speed and lately my idles been jump as well as my voltage meter. When running I notice the car slightly jerks back and forth at lower RPMs. The previous battery died so I replaced it with an Interstate MTP-40R and still getting the same problems. I did a few searches and found it might be the alternator, ignition coils, and/or spark plugs. I just had the waterpump and timing belt replaced so Im not going to be able to afford to take it to my mechanic. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

Try some STP gas treatment with a can of fuel injector cleaner and about 5 gallons of gas. Its cheap. Look for vaccume leaks. Wiggle all electrical connectors with the engine running. Look at the inside of the distributor cap. Pray.

 

Thanks Ill try that when I get a chance. Strange thing is this doesnt happen everyday. Sometimes the car runs fine and sometimes like crap.

 

I would recommend Chevron Techron treatment rather than any of the alternatives for injector and chamber cleaning/conditioning.

Surging could be a lot of things. I further recommend PMing Jim Moorehouse - he can set you up with all the info you need so as to be able to bypass your mechanic and his bills. In particular though the LH/EZK test matrix is the place to start: LH/EZK Test Matrix

 

For what it's worth, on my 86.5 5spd. I just had the plugs, caps, rotors and wires all replaced and the air/fuel ratio checked and guess what... I've got a jumpy idle and a wiggly voltage (and oil pressure) meter. Oh, and it surges at low RPM too. Previous owner spent about $5k fixing various vacuum leaks, so I'm reluctant to think it's that. I may try to fuel injection cleaner route next too, but any other suggestions appreciated.