I have a 1992 pickup with the 3vze. i just changed the valve cover gaskets because of bad leaks and now when i go to take off the rps climb like normal but the truck doesnt move until it gets so high and then it jerks and then takes off. idle is the same as it was and everything seems good it just hesitates now. thanks in advance for answers. automatic transmission btw.

 

Check the connection to the engine coolant temperature sensors at the back of the engine. The transmission will not go to lock-up when cold, and if you knocked a sensor connector loose (they're close to the valve cover) you might have the problem you (sort-of) described.

 

ok thanks i will check it. also once i get moving it shifts and accelerates like normal.

 

if the ect sensor was unplugged wouldnt my coolant gauge on the combo. meter stop working also?

 

No. There are four temperature sensors (CSI Timer, ECT, gauge, and transmission).

 

Sounds like it could also be the TPS if not the ECT. If that was bumped and moved, it would think that the engine is in "idle" until the throttle plate opens up a lot. If you stomp on the accelerator, does it still hesitate?

 

the ect is plugged in and the harder i accelerate the worse the hesitation is.

 

its like its not engaging into drive or reverse. you put it in drive and it doesnt engage then when it gets some rpms it engages.

 

check the tranny fluid level.

 

thats the first thing i did. its good. also seems like the warmer it gets the less it hesititates. its much much worse when the engine is cold.

 

bump.