looks good!

 

In two weeks everything should have dried out. Even if it rained, it's still summer and that, combined with engine heat, should have been enough. There's something else going on but I'm a little stumped. Have you confirmed that there is no moisture in your distributor cap (2000 shouldn't have one but you said it's got a '98 motor). I know you said you covered it but it's worth checking, anyway.

 

Agreed, I like it.

 

I thought about the wires and distributor cap at the beginning, but, in addition to dry it all, I guess the engine would run poorly at all RPM and throttle position, right?
I will double check it anyway.

And yes, the engine is just like the '98, with distributor and the old intake manifold...

Thanks!

 

Updating...

Today I've tested a bunch of things:

- replaced the TBI (with all 3 sensors) - The problem remains;
- replaced the rotor and the cap - the same;
- replaced the ignition pickup - nothing has changed;
- replaced the plug wires - no improvement.
- checked all spark plugs - seem to be ok;

I've also installed my TBI in my friend's XJ, and his truck worked like a charm...
I've disconnected the O2 sensor, and the problem still there (no check engine light, though).
I'm begining to suspect of the fuel pump, although its presumed malfunction has aparently nothing to do with the engine bay's cleaning...

What else can I do now? any thoughts?

Thank to everybody!

 

Still the same coil?

I had a problem several years ago; when under acceleration, from a light gas pedal/cruise to a heavy pedal application, my engine would stumble. Replaced the ignition coil and that fixed it.

 

Yes, still the same. How about the fuel pump? I guess I will have to buy a few things to check, including a new coil. I will do some shop at Rockauto...

 

Don't buy a new fuel pump until you've checked your fuel pressure, and pump volume output.

Coils are relatively cheap.

 

Ok, got it! Initially, I'll buy a tune up kit (cap, rotor and plug wires) and a coil. After that, if it not work, I will go for the fuel pump...

 

Any more ideas about what else can I try until the new coil I've bought from Rockauto arrive?
BTW, I've tested the plug wires with a multimeter, and got as results between 1.8 and 2.5k ohms. Is that normal?

Thank you all for support!

 

Test data:

Use an ohmmeter to test for open circuits, excessive resistance or loose terminals. Remove the distributor cap from the distributor. Do not remove cables from cap. Remove cable from spark plug.

Connect ohmmeter to spark plug terminal end of cable and to corresponding electrode in distributor cap. Resistance should be 250 to 1000 Ohms per inch of cable. If not, remove cable from distributor cap tower and connect ohmmeter to the terminal ends of cable. If resistance is not within specifications replace the cable. Test all spark plug cables in this manner.

 

Updating...

Today I finally had solved the problem!
First of all, it was only a huge coincidence the fact that the problem began just after I've cleaned the engine bay...
The culprit was the fuel pump. Replaced it today (Bosch) and the car is perfect again! It took so long because I was waiting for an complete assembly that I've bought from US, but, unfortunatelly, the item was lost by the post office. So, I had to buy one here in Brazil... just the pump, but I had the strainers and a spare fuel pressure regulator. Anyway, I will replace the whole pump again when the complete assembly finally arrive here.
Well guys, thank you all for the support!