1. Check for Additional Vacuum Leaks
Since you replaced the intake manifold gasket, there's still a chance of leaks elsewhere:
PCV valve and hoses – A stuck-open PCV valve can cause excessive air intake.
Brake booster hose – If there's a vacuum leak here, it could cause hesitation.
Throttle body gasket – If not sealed properly, it can create an air leak.
2. Throttle Body & MAF Sensor Cleaning
Throttle body – If it's dirty or sticking, it can cause poor throttle response. Clean it with throttle body cleaner (not carb cleaner) and do an ECU throttle reset if needed.
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor – Even if the live data seems normal, a dirty MAF sensor can cause intermittent issues. Try cleaning it with MAF cleaner.
3. Check Fuel Pressure Again
Since replacing the fuel pump motor helped, ensure the fuel pressure regulator and fuel filter are working properly. A weak regulator might not deliver enough fuel under load, causing hesitation.
4. CVT or Transmission Issue?
The part where you mentioned,
"engine revs around 3000 rpm but doesn't pull the car enough relative to the rpm"
suggests a possible CVT transmission slip (if your car is CVT).
Check CVT fluid condition – If it's dark or burnt-smelling, consider changing it (but be cautious with CVT fluid changes if it's never been done before).
If it's not a CVT, check for clutch slippage in an automatic or manual gearbox.
5. Exhaust Backpressure Issue?
You mentioned:
"feels like the engine is trying to push away air."
If the catalytic converter is partially clogged, it could cause power loss and hesitation.
Try removing the upstream O2 sensor (temporarily) and see if power improves.
Check for unusual exhaust smells, rattling, or excessive heat from the catalytic converter.
Next Steps:
Spray test for vacuum leaks (carb cleaner near intake components).
Clean throttle body & MAF sensor.
Check fuel pressure at high RPMs.
Check transmission behavior (if CVT, test for slip).
Test for a possible clogged catalytic converter.
-ChatGPT