barely runs

[cokebeetle]

Need advice. I have a 93 Grand Am with 210,000 on it. I put on 99% of those miles and take care of the car well (for it is the only one I have). The car recently died when I took off from a stoplight, but than ran fine. About two weeks later, the engine would stumble badly under load. It would idle just fine. I checked the plugs and they were light tan (just like there supposed to be). One day later, the engine barley runs at idle and dies the instant it is put into gear (it will rev in neutral but it still misses badly).
No codes to start with but later pulled a code for the IAC (more than 50 rpm out of range).

2.3L SOHC:
Replaced fuel filter: No effect
Checked fuel pump press (at pump): 70psi
Replaced fuel pressure regulator: No effect
Slaved in two different MAP sensors: No effect
Cleaned IAC solenoid: Idles a tiny bit better (but still barely runs)
Checked connections to:
Crankshaft timing sensor
Ignition module
Vacuum test: 16" to 18" at idle
Compression test: 180PSI (gauge may be reading a bit high, but all cylinders are checking the same.)

Now it is pulling an O2 code (13) but I think it is because it is running like crap (the sensor seems to be working with a meter): also, the plugs are now black (excess fuel)

Does anyone know...
1. How to check fuel pressure at the rail
2. Is there is a test for the ignition module (160 bucks to replace)
3. Any other ideas? I have become somewhat attached to my car; all help will be greatly appreciated.

[DominionTuner]

I think someone said you can get the coil pack(s) tested at Autozone for free. I would do that, if your not buring fuel right it maybe your ignition isn't fireing properly rather than getting too much fuel as you are suggesting.

[4kQuad]

Coils, and or coil housing.

Call around. I found them from 32.78 to over 60 bucks. Same part different stores. 1st place said 51 bucks, then 48 then I found the 32.78 ones. I asked what kind they were, I then called the other two places, Same stuff.

I think I only paided a little over 25 for the housing. The housing is the big plastic thing the coils live in. If it has dusty marks on it or dust trails, change it out.

[black95ho]

know if i read this correct your car has 210,000 mile right. If so i think that is could be that the head gasket is gone. my dads truck had the same problem we first notice it that when we turned the car on it was fine but had some small misses but when we put it in gear it had no prower. we also notice that it was missing realy bad. This we be the only other sugestion since you've tried every thing else.

[cokebeetle]

all... thanks for the advice. It turned out to be an (unseen) crack in the coil pack housing. R&R... runs good for the next 200000... i wonder how much longer i can milk the timing chain? Thanks again.

[Brad97GS]

It didn't take two years to figure that out, did it? :D

I don't remember this thread (may have missed it, since I didn't have the net for a long time), but the coil housing was the first thing that came to mind as I read your description....