"system too lean"

[io8ihe]

I own a 2002 mazda protege that has a recently building problem. I am hoping someone might help me narrow down some possible sources.

Over the past six months I have noticed decreased response when I try to accelerate from a stopped position. I'll be at a stop light, hit the gas, and it lags for a second or two. There is no problem once I get going or when I try to start the car... just accelerating from a stopped position.

A couple days ago, my "check engine" light has come on. Apparently, my "system is too lean." About a month ago I gave my car a "gumout" fuel additive and have recently increased the octane level of the gasoline i'm using to no avail. Also, someone suggested it may be the MAF. The only way I have to test the MAF is to disconnect it and look for a change. When I disconnected it, the problems compounded x10 and returned to the previous state when i reconnected it.

Any ideas where to start figuring out what's wrong?

 

[mp3-79bronco]

look for exhaust leaks on the manifold

 

[io8ihe]

easiest way to do that???

 

[io8ihe]

just visual inspection?

 

[mp3-79bronco]

seafoam the engine and when you do itll smoke white out of the cracks....plus itll clean the engine up good

 

[BackRoadGTO]

Try cleaning the MAF. That was the problem I found on a friend's car throwing the 'too lean' code. If that doesn't work you may have to replace the MAF with a new one.

 

[rs39]

If there is an issue when you just start to get on the gas, check the air intake tube for cracks, which would get wider as it shifts on the mounts under initial throttle.

 

[niky]

Sounds like an intake leak or a MAF issue. (removing the MAF doesn't help check anything... the engine won't run without a MAF!).

Check your vacuum lines, too.

 

[speyton]

I am voting for intake leaks, as well. My 2001 2.0 has a huge split now, duh. Should have checked before, had a 1992 do the same thing. Any thoughts on Aftermarket versus OEM part, anyone? anything else that should be changed at the same time?