Hello, long time lurker here. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing to fix my car...

My car was stalling and hard to keep running after the initial start. It would start then I could rev it and maybe keep it going, or it would stall and even if I was flooring the gas it would stall. When restarting it would turn over for like a minute before starting. When I got the snow tires taken off, they told me it was the air mass meter. Eventually it got so bad that it would run for 2 minutes then stall and I'd have to leave it off for 5 minutes before it would run again.

Being a tightwad I bought some cleaner and an airbox temperature sensor. Well not knowing what I was doing I broke the flapper installing the temp sensor. So I cleaned the AMF and ran it without the flapper (airbox wide open). It ran pretty well for a day or two then the problems started showing up again.

I assume I drove it too much while the temp sensor was broken and now I need to buy a new AMF. Is that correct?

Thanks for being such a great resource that I've never had to ask a question before!

Well after replacing the AMF it runs much better. It was able to idle without standing on the gas etc. However it still seemed weak at first.

I drove it for a day a little around town (this was with the flapper wide open). Then I noticed the next day it lacking power. For instance after coming to a stop it will idle fine then when I need to go again (light turns green etc) it will barely move, lurch a little then pick up after 15 seconds or so.

I plugged the airflow today and still got the same symptoms. Please let me know if there's anything easy I can check.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to have someone take a look at it this week hopefully.

Your '89 has On Board Diagnostics. What codes are flashed out by the box on the back of the driver's side strut hump.

It sounds like a lean condition. You may have a tear in the hose from the AMM to the intake, allowing additional air to be sucked in. Try wrapping it with Saran wrap to rule that out.
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb but electronic ignition and M46 trans in Brampton, Ont.

It does sound like an AMM issue, but I would forget (deposit in trash) the thermostat, its air box flap and its role in all this. Deal with the AMM harness connector and try another AMM.

Thanks rhaire, I figured that was the case. Will order an AMM today

The air box flap will be an issue, if you replace the AMM. With the flap open hot air will fry the AMM. Better to seal the flap closed or plug the hot air intake.
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb but electronic ignition and M46 trans in Brampton, Ont.

Hmm thanks, I actually replaced the AMF yesterday. It starts right up but does run a little funny. I've only driven it around town a little. I guess I'll plug it up before I go looking for the replacement flapper at the yard.

The thermostat and flapper serve no usefull purpose except to very slightly reduce emission during the brief warm up period and to fry the AMM when the thermostat fails and allows the flap to stay open. Most Brickers lock the flap closed allowing only ambiant air in.
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David Hunter

TRY A JUNQUEYARD FIRST...........

I'VE FOUND SPARE'S FOR $20 AT MY LOCAL PICK-N-PULL........

TRUE, YOU'RE ROLLING THE DICE WITH A USED ONE, BUT $20 VS $350??????

"COME-ON SEVEN!!!!!!"
--CARLOS