[DavesSpectra]

Hi BobC...
A few thoughts not covered yet...

There is a "woodruff" key on the crank that is KNOWN to wear and throw the mechanical timing off...
This can damage the "slot" in the crankshaft... This IS repairable if found...Clean well and set the key
next to the undamaged side and fill the damaged area with JB Weld and allow it to dry hard. Then file the extra
JB Weld smooth.... You have to remove the timing belt and crank timing pulley and clean up the grease and dirt to
confirm the wear as it will hide under the crap..

The timing belt on this year can loose teeth and also throw off the timing... This engine is NOT an interference type
engine and won't be damaged if the timing belt jumps time (looses teeth) or even if it breaks...

The symptoms sound like the TB or woodruff key is a possibility.
Dave

 

[DavesSpectra]

If you can also check the compression of all four cylinders.... They should be 185 PSI...Low pressure may indicate a mechanical timing problem..
Dave

 

[DavesSpectra]

Fuel/Main Relays....Check for +12v at the top of the gas tank feeding the fuel pump....Also check the ground on the access plate that the wires go through and into the tank...
A voltage drop on either side of the fuel pump (+12v and ground) can cause the fuel pump to run slow and lack fuel pressure in the rail...
The gas tanks also tend to rust inside and plug up the "sock" around the fuel pump restricting the amount of gas that can be pumped...
These are fairly common problems in early sportages
Dave