rough start, engine lag b/w 2k-3k rpms

[hexfactor]

I have Injen CAI, HKS ignition, Greddy SP exhaust on my 1990 240sx SE automatic.

PROBLEM: delayed start, motor makes severe putting sound from exhaust, when engine is cold it has delayed acceleration when I try and get moving. It seems to have a lag between 2k - 3k rpms when accelerating.

Possible Causes: I sprayed cleaner on MAFS to clean it up (thought it would help rough idle). I also removed the Black resonator box that is supposed to improve HP gains. I sealed up all the hoses that were disconnected when I did this mod. I also was running on no oil for 1-2 days last week because I checked my oil after I found a puddle of it on the ground and I had none. So i put more in the engine, and I havent lost any since. I removed and spray painted the valve cover, but there seems to be no gasket on it when i put it back on, and im too poor to get one right now, but if i really need to i could. I think thats where the oil came out from, but how could all of the oil drain from top of motor? Then IM thinking it was sabotage by my evil stepfather, because it seems to freakish that it doesnt leak anymore (believe me he hates me enuff to do something like that to me). I think the timing chain tensioner is really badly damaged inside because of the rattle...could that be the problem....and if soo is that hard to fix??

I had to turn my idle up just to get the car not to stall when i go to take of in Drive, but that problem seemed to have lessened so its almost back to normal idle now

Basicaly the car runs like crap untill its heated up well and I beat on it to get hot, then it runs nice. Has anyone had symptoms like this before, and if so can you please give me advice to help fix it?

Thank you guys!!!! I am soo fortunate for this website, you guys are great :ylsuper !!

-Chris

[hexfactor]

the putting sound gets better when I drive for a little while. and the problem comes back when the motor is shut off for a while and it gets cold. HELP!!!!

[NISTECH]

fix your valve cover and other props first. then test your coolant temp and inspect its harness for corrosion.

[[Zero-S]]

Autozone sells a v/c gasket set for the 240SX.And driving around without one is asking for disaster, the oil up top will slowly leak out. (Will also happen if your valve cover isn't torqued to specs (found this out the hard way))

[Und3rprshUr]

Check your tps sensor or chts sensor for ruff idle when cold and bogging-