Hey guys,

Merging onto the highway my 8 starting stuttering around 6k rpm and wouldn't push past 8k at all. At one point it wouldn't hold speed on cruise control, then the engine cut out totally on the highway. Putting in neutral, then back into 6th, then clutching out started it up again. No CEL at first, then once I parked, turned it off and started it again, it had one.

I got the code pulled and I forget the number but it was "MAF - excessive lean condition" or something like that, and the recommended fix was to replace the MAF, so I bought a new one and dropped it in. No joy. Still had the CEL, which started flashing for a time when I tried and failed to rev past 7.5-8k. I was on a road trip and had to get home, though, so I just limped it back about 200 miles.

The only other symptom is a noise, a soft hard-to-find sound that kind of reminds me of a coffee pot gurgling. It doesn't seem to be coming from the engine bay, it seems like its coming from under the rear seats.

Any ideas?

 

First thing- check your fuel pump beneath the driver side rear seat!

 

Yeah, sounds like it could be fuel pump.

 

Dumb question: how do I know if it's good or not?

 

Check for any puddles caused by leaking. Ensure all hoses are tight and not damaged.
Check the voltage and the pressure, if you have the tools for it.