What would cause my Protege to hesitate for about 2 seconds from a dead stop when trying to accelerate?

It doesnt happen all of the time, it seems to do it whenever it wants to.

It is a 2003 Protege DX with 36,000 miles on it, yes 36k.

Spark plugs were just changed and made no difference.
New air filter made no difference
Techron Fuel injector cleaner made no difference
Checked the intake for any cracks in the tubes, none present.

I am out of ideas...

 

Clean the MAF sensor, look at loose or corrodide electrical conections on the MAF, and TPS. I'd also suggest fuel filter change, that may be in the tank with pump.

 

In addition look for cracks in the air intake hose and other potential vacuum leaks. How old are the spark plugs?

 

No cracks in the tube, took it off and cleaned and inspected it.

The plugs are about 4000 miles old, still same symptoms.

 

Where is the fuel filter, is their a DIY for this?

 

I think it may be in the tank. Trace the fuel line from the tank to rail, if its not in the tank it will be inline.

 

I did a quick google search, came up with this. No in like fuel filter, but instead their is a sock on the sending unit to filter the fuel.

What else can I try before that? I really dont want to take out the sending unit and all that jazz.

 

It seems fuel/mechanical related. That sock filter is just something to keep the pump from picking up trash from the tank. Mazda should have put a real filter in the system, and if it where mine, I'd add one. Continue with the injector cleaner, and the things I suggested in the previous posts.

 

Fuel filter assy is in the tank. It is connected to the fuel pump.

 

Also the car is fine when it is just started after sitting. For example if the car sat overnight it fires right up and is good to go.

It is when I've been driving it got a while when it acts up more