Ford Repair: Fuel problems?, intake manifold gasket, vacuum leak

Question
My son in law has a 1990 Geo Storm with 1600 cc sohc engine that was running fine then sputtered and died.  We replaced the fuel filter and the car started fine...but when we put it in drive, it dies again.  After sitting for a while, it will start again, goes in reverse ok but as soon as you get in drive it died again.  We're stumped as to what is happening?  Any ideas?  Is there some relationship between the transmission and the fuel?  Is it the timing that could be off?  Maybe the vacuum advance?  If you could give us a starting point it would be helpful.

Answer
BYRON


it sounds like a vacuum leak.check all vac lines on the manifold and around the throttle body.it could also be in the fuel injection,plugged injecters,throttle body dirty,also check intake manifold gasket.take a can of carb cleaner or wd-40, start the car and spray at the base of the manifold.if the car revs up when you spray you have a leak.hope this helps.

ken