Hi all, i have a 94 2.3 liter. the engine starts fine when it is cold but after driving for a short wile it has a slight hesitation at low RPMs and when starting from a stop but once I am driving everything is fine. I installed new plugs and wires and it did not get any better. One thing i noticed is that the coolant temp gauge barely gets into the normal range no matter how long i drive. At first i was thinking it could be the thermostat but the heat works great and gets worm fast even in our Wisconsin winter even though the coolant temp gauge barley moves. I also notice a very rich smelling exhaust smell at all times. I'm thinking that maybe the coolant sensor is bad and the engine is running rich all the time because the computer is thinking that the engine is still cold even though it is not. Has anyone had this happen and would this make sense? Help appreciated Thanks.

 

Yes, could be ECT sensor issue but dash temp gauge uses a different sender, sensor is just used by the computer.

Since gauge is showing lower temp then it could be engine simply can't warm up fully when temps get to low.
Many with the 4cyl Lima engines put cardboard in front of radiator to lower air circulation in engine bay when driving, this gets engine temp back up to normal and Leaner mix.

After warm up of say 10minutes, feel upper rad hose and then heater hose
Rad hose is for "extra heat" when air temps are warm, so it should NOT be hot, should in fact be fairly cool to the touch, heater hose should be hot.

If upper rad hose is hot then thermostat may be the wrong one or is opening too much
You should have 192 or 195degF thermostat, some used 180degF thinking running cooler is better, it is in fact not better, lol.