Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 21, 2018, 04:28:22 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 21, 2018, 04:28:22 PM
I brought home this 87 5.0 LX today with the original intent of parting it out, but after washing the 14 years of tree sap off of it, I'm not so sure. It was running when parked but had some type of miss going on. Previous owner thought it was likely vacuum related. Probably hasn't been started for 6 or 8 years. It has a few small dents hear and there, probably from limbs falling on it. Although it has just the base grey cloth interior, it is in the best original condition of any that I have seen. With just a little minor cleaning it would be nearly perfect. Virtually no rust in the car that I have seen with a quick look over. It had been owned since 1987 by the guys father in law who kept it under a carport in WV. All the pics I took while the car was wet. Not sure what I want to do with it now. Gotta get it running first to see what's going on there.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 21, 2018, 04:30:27 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 21, 2018, 04:30:27 PM
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 21, 2018, 04:33:47 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 21, 2018, 04:33:47 PM
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on July 21, 2018, 06:14:28 PM
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on July 21, 2018, 06:14:28 PM
My steering wheel was leather wrapped as well & had that sticky feel. I’ve read you can use simple green & VERY fine sandpaper to remove ? I replaced mine.... That appears to be a great/solid car. Keep us posted.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: CoogarXR on July 21, 2018, 07:17:19 PM
Post by: CoogarXR on July 21, 2018, 07:17:19 PM
Nice! I saw a rough-looking 85 cougar on the road today, and I thought to myself "man, I never see any fox birds or cougars around anymore". Especially as nice as the one you bought home. I would keep it. Or fix/flip it. It's too nice to part out.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 21, 2018, 08:42:26 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 21, 2018, 08:42:26 PM
I think you have an 87 Sport, not an LX. The car has blacked out trim. LX would have chrome trim, Turbo Coupe door panels, and different seats.
Either way too nice to part and, being an 87 Sport, one of the rarer late Fox Birds.
Either way too nice to part and, being an 87 Sport, one of the rarer late Fox Birds.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 21, 2018, 10:19:14 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 21, 2018, 10:19:14 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;466446
I think you have an 87 Sport, not an LX. The car has blacked out trim. LX would have chrome trim, Turbo Coupe door panels, and different seats.
Either way too nice to part and, being an 87 Sport, one of the rarer late Fox Birds.
I'm so used to dealing with the Turbo Coupes that I was just kind of assuming this was an LX. This car is part of a deal that I recently made with a local guy to buy 6 87-88 Tbirds and a 90 Mustang Gt. None running at present and one Turbo Coupe does not have a motor. There is one other Tbird that I thought was a Sport and it has the Turbo Coupe style interior. One of the cars has the same paint scheme as yours. Another has these big cushy seats that looks like none that I've seen. This car even has a front tag bracket that doesn't appear to have ever been used.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: Haystack on July 21, 2018, 10:22:18 PM
Post by: Haystack on July 21, 2018, 10:22:18 PM
Yeah, thats no parts car.
I couldn't tell ya how many cars I used to buy as "parts cars" that didn't run. Most of them I threw a battery in and drove home.
My first tbird I actually drove out of a field. It sunk down so far I had to dig out in front of the wheels. On the way home, the tires were dry rotted so bad, I chucked most of the tread off the tires at 25mph.
Got it home, did an oil change and drove it for about 80k miles. Had a few minor things, mainly hoses and the heater core, but overall was rock solid. I bought it for $300 and junked it for $400 when s was high before cash for clunkers.
I couldn't tell ya how many cars I used to buy as "parts cars" that didn't run. Most of them I threw a battery in and drove home.
My first tbird I actually drove out of a field. It sunk down so far I had to dig out in front of the wheels. On the way home, the tires were dry rotted so bad, I chucked most of the tread off the tires at 25mph.
Got it home, did an oil change and drove it for about 80k miles. Had a few minor things, mainly hoses and the heater core, but overall was rock solid. I bought it for $300 and junked it for $400 when s was high before cash for clunkers.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: EricCoolCats on July 22, 2018, 09:02:09 AM
Post by: EricCoolCats on July 22, 2018, 09:02:09 AM
You can always check the sixth and seventh digits of the VIN to see what you have...
60 = Base
61 = Sport
62 = LX
64 = Turbo Coupe
60 = Base
61 = Sport
62 = LX
64 = Turbo Coupe
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 22, 2018, 11:47:38 AM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 22, 2018, 11:47:38 AM
Quote from: 50RACER;466448
I'm so used to dealing with the Turbo Coupes that I was just kind of assuming this was an LX. This car is part of a deal that I recently made with a local guy to buy 6 87-88 Tbirds and a 90 Mustang Gt. None running at present and one Turbo Coupe does not have a motor. There is one other Tbird that I thought was a Sport and it has the Turbo Coupe style interior. One of the cars has the same paint scheme as yours. Another has these big cushy seats that looks like none that I've seen. This car even has a front tag bracket that doesn't appear to have ever been used.
Well a 5.0 car with Turbo Coupe seats/door panels can be one of 2 things. If is an 87 and has a full digital dash it is a loaded up LX, because it was possible to order a LX like that in 87. If it is an 88 Sport it should have an buttstuffog cluster and base style door panels.
I'd like to see some pictures of the tu-tone car like mine. If it has the same color interior, and you part it out, I would want some bits as spares.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: Sport26 on July 22, 2018, 01:27:51 PM
Post by: Sport26 on July 22, 2018, 01:27:51 PM
+1 on Sport
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 22, 2018, 05:55:05 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 22, 2018, 05:55:05 PM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;466450
You can always check the sixth and seventh digits of the VIN to see what you have...
60 = Base
61 = Sport
62 = LX
64 = Turbo Coupe
Yep. It's a Sport. Thanks for the info!
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 22, 2018, 06:04:39 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 22, 2018, 06:04:39 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;466453
Well a 5.0 car with Turbo Coupe seats/door panels can be one of 2 things. If is an 87 and has a full digital dash it is a loaded up LX, because it was possible to order a LX like that in 87. If it is an 88 Sport it should have an buttstuffog cluster and base style door panels.
I'd like to see some pictures of the tu-tone car like mine. If it has the same color interior, and you part it out, I would want some bits as spares.
Notice how long the two tone cars been sitting? :) The black car with the turbo coupe style interior does show as a sport according to the vin.
Tried to start the car today. No go. Pretty sure its a fuel pump issue. Fires if you give it a little starting fluid and fuel barely trickles out of the pressure fitting at all if at all, most times none. Have I mentioned that I hate changing a fuel pump?
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 22, 2018, 06:33:28 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 22, 2018, 06:33:28 PM
Quote from: 50RACER;466457
Notice how long the two tone cars been sitting? :) The black car with the turbo coupe style interior does show as a sport according to the vin.
Tried to start the car today. No go. Pretty sure its a fuel pump issue. Fires if you give it a little starting fluid and fuel barely trickles out of the pressure fitting at all if at all, most times none. Have I mentioned that I hate changing a fuel pump?
Been sitting for awhile eh? What color is the interior? Maybe something is salvageable....
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 22, 2018, 10:06:30 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 22, 2018, 10:06:30 PM
I think the interior on that one is a dark blue?
One thing I forgot to mention prior about the car I just brought home, since it has the digital gauge cluster, I couldn't get the mileage until I put in a battery. It only has 73,000 mile on it! There was also a warranty packet in the car for an apparent Jasper transmission replacement at some point.
One thing I forgot to mention prior about the car I just brought home, since it has the digital gauge cluster, I couldn't get the mileage until I put in a battery. It only has 73,000 mile on it! There was also a warranty packet in the car for an apparent Jasper transmission replacement at some point.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: bootleggers deluxe on July 22, 2018, 10:22:52 PM
Post by: bootleggers deluxe on July 22, 2018, 10:22:52 PM
i really almost want to drive out and come get this car from you. it's like a nicer, nicer, nicer version of my 87 red Tbird
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 23, 2018, 12:02:14 AM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 23, 2018, 12:02:14 AM
Quote from: 50RACER;466459
I think the interior on that one is a dark blue?
One thing I forgot to mention prior about the car I just brought home, since it has the digital gauge cluster, I couldn't get the mileage until I put in a battery. It only has 73,000 mile on it! There was also a warranty packet in the car for an apparent Jasper transmission replacement at some point.
The interior on that car is dark blue? Is that car tu-tone blue or tu-tone silver over gray?
My car is tu-tone silver over gray with a smoke (light gray) interior.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on July 23, 2018, 07:48:33 AM
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on July 23, 2018, 07:48:33 AM
Fuel pump huh? May as well step up to a 255 or 190 for future upgrades, lol. I think you stumbled across a nice car once you get the bugs worked out. Following your progress.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: CoogarXR on July 24, 2018, 08:26:01 AM
Post by: CoogarXR on July 24, 2018, 08:26:01 AM
Quote from: 50RACER;466457
Notice how long the two tone cars been sitting? :) The black car with the turbo coupe style interior does show as a sport according to the vin.
Tried to start the car today. No go. Pretty sure its a fuel pump issue. Fires if you give it a little starting fluid and fuel barely trickles out of the pressure fitting at all if at all, most times none. Have I mentioned that I hate changing a fuel pump?
It could even be that rubber hose in the fuel tank is split or rotted from age. Mine split, and it caused the same issue, just a dribble at the schrader valve. That's not a whole lot of comfort though, you still have to drop the tank and pull the pump to fix it. And you might as well replace/upgrade the pump while you are in there. Because I didn't, and the pump went out like 10k miles later, lol.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 85CougarCobra on July 24, 2018, 10:44:47 AM
Post by: 85CougarCobra on July 24, 2018, 10:44:47 AM
Quote
It could even be that rubber hose in the fuel tank is split or rotted from age. Mine split, and it caused the same issue, just a dribble at the schrader valve. That's not a whole lot of comfort though, you still have to drop the tank and pull the pump to fix it. And you might as well replace/upgrade the pump while you are in there. Because I didn't, and the pump went out like 10k miles later, lol.
Ugh ... that's what mine did ... new fuel pump with less than 4K miles on it and then the internal fuel tank hose splits on me.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: fordman3 on July 24, 2018, 06:05:57 PM
Post by: fordman3 on July 24, 2018, 06:05:57 PM
As someone else said, that looks much better than a parts car. If you paid a parts car price, then you made out great! Did it come with a title? It's a good looking car. I had an '87 Sport for parts, and snagged a few things interior-wise out of it before sping it, and it had a red interior. I think I only have the door panels and some interior panels, and maybe the back seat. That's just in case you need any of those. Good find!
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: fordman3 on July 24, 2018, 06:11:29 PM
Post by: fordman3 on July 24, 2018, 06:11:29 PM
I should have viewed all the pics before my last post, and saw that you had gray interior. My Sport was black with red interior, and it had the buttstuffog gauge cluster. I do have an extra TC/Sport wheel that's in better shape than that one, but I don't think it's leather-wrapped.
So you could get a Sport with the full digital dash? That is what I saw on your car, right?
So you could get a Sport with the full digital dash? That is what I saw on your car, right?
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 24, 2018, 09:35:29 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 24, 2018, 09:35:29 PM
So you keeping this one?
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: rodsterh on July 24, 2018, 09:44:04 PM
Post by: rodsterh on July 24, 2018, 09:44:04 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;466446
I think you have an 87 Sport, not an LX. The car has blacked out trim. LX would have chrome trim, Turbo Coupe door panels, and different seats.
Either way [COLOR="#FF0000"]too nice to part[/COLOR] and, being an 87 Sport, one of the rarer late Fox Birds.
Yea, keep in mind the car is 31 yrs old! Amazing condition.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 24, 2018, 10:02:33 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 24, 2018, 10:02:33 PM
Not sure yet just what I am gonna do with it? I want to get it running first and then decide from there. I'll probably drop the tank this weekend and see what's up with the fuel pump. Once I get it running, I need to diagnose whatever is the miss issue that it had that resulted in it's being parked. Even the spare in it has never seen use. All the trunk linings look nearly perfect.
Fordman3, yes it does have the digital dash. The other Sport in this collection that I am getting is black with red interior like the Turbo Coupes and it has the buttstuffog dash. And yes, it did come with a title.
It also appears that the transmission was replaced at some point. It had a packet in the door map pocket with Jasper warranty info.
Fordman3, yes it does have the digital dash. The other Sport in this collection that I am getting is black with red interior like the Turbo Coupes and it has the buttstuffog dash. And yes, it did come with a title.
It also appears that the transmission was replaced at some point. It had a packet in the door map pocket with Jasper warranty info.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 25, 2018, 05:22:32 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 25, 2018, 05:22:32 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;466479
Yea, keep in mind the car is 31 yrs old! Amazing condition.
Every time I get into my Thunderbird it feels/looks not any different than getting in my 2 year old Accord. Then where I see other 83-88 cars for sale I realize that my car is an exception, not the rule.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 25, 2018, 05:25:08 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 25, 2018, 05:25:08 PM
Quote from: 50RACER;466480
Not sure yet just what I am gonna do with it? I want to get it running first and then decide from there. I'll probably drop the tank this weekend and see what's up with the fuel pump. Once I get it running, I need to diagnose whatever is the miss issue that it had that resulted in it's being parked. Even the spare in it has never seen use. All the trunk linings look nearly perfect.
Fordman3, yes it does have the digital dash. The other Sport in this collection that I am getting is black with red interior like the Turbo Coupes and it has the buttstuffog dash. And yes, it did come with a title.
It also appears that the transmission was replaced at some point. It had a packet in the door map pocket with Jasper warranty info.
If I were you I would try and drain the tank as well. Then new pump/rubber fuel line/pump filter ("sock)/fuel filter. As far as the miss goes change out the spark plugs/wires, distributor cap, and rotor before trying to figure out what it is. All those parts are old and could be contributing.
After you're done crate the car up and ship it to me :).
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 25, 2018, 05:40:36 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 25, 2018, 05:40:36 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;466484
If I were you I would try and drain the tank as well. Then new pump/rubber fuel line/pump filter ("sock)/fuel filter. As far as the miss goes change out the spark plugs/wires, distributor cap, and rotor before trying to figure out what it is. All those parts are old and could be contributing.
After you're done crate the car up and ship it to me :).
Well, I did buy a battery for it today, just so I wouldn't have to keep switching the one out of my turbo coupe. That battery gives up pretty quickly cranking the v8. And hey! Just about everything I have can be bought for the right amount! :)
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 25, 2018, 07:33:21 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 25, 2018, 07:33:21 PM
Quote from: 50RACER;466486
Well, I did buy a battery for it today, just so I wouldn't have to keep switching the one out of my turbo coupe. That battery gives up pretty quickly cranking the v8. And hey! Just about everything I have can be bought for the right amount! :)
Shipping might be expensive.....
I'd love another one of these cars, but have a twofold problem. First I literally have no where to put another car. Second I barely have time (between work and other commitments) for the one I already have. I don't get to drive it nearly as much as I would like. A second one would make it worse. Plus, from a driving perspective, my car is so far removed from a stock one that I'm not sure how much fun a stock Fox would be.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 26, 2018, 10:03:07 PM
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 26, 2018, 10:03:07 PM
Quote from: 50RACER;466441
WOW!!! Looks like I'm looking at my car back when it was stock inside and out. My parents bought the bird I have now back in 87 from Battlefield Ford in Manassas. If you don't mind me asking what did pay for the car? You can pm if your willing to divulge the price.
Donnie
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 26, 2018, 10:54:55 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 26, 2018, 10:54:55 PM
Quote from: 87 T-BIRD;466505
WOW!!! Looks like I'm looking at my car back when it was stock inside and out. My parents bought the bird I have now back in 87 from Battlefield Ford in Manassas. If you don't mind me asking what did pay for the car? You can pm if your willing to divulge the price.
Donnie
I paid $860 for it.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on July 27, 2018, 07:01:21 AM
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on July 27, 2018, 07:01:21 AM
Quote from: 50RACER;466506
I paid $860 for it.
If you figure out the miss, then you got a deal on that 1 !
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 27, 2018, 12:02:13 PM
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 27, 2018, 12:02:13 PM
Nice! I sure hope you keep it. Their are times I want to find another bird and do a street build, but its getting hard to find pieces and parts for them. One reason I've been looking for a four-eyed stang to build.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 27, 2018, 12:13:00 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 27, 2018, 12:13:00 PM
Quote from: 87 T-BIRD;466519
Their are times I want to find another bird and do a street build, but its getting hard to find pieces and parts for them. One reason I've been looking for a four-eyed stang to build.
When I had my car painted last year I was able to find all the exterior trim NOS through places like Green Sales and eBay. That stuff is available. The big issue is interior bits. Being these things are 30 years old minimum it's only going to get worse....
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 27, 2018, 12:19:13 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 27, 2018, 12:19:13 PM
Quote from: 50RACER;466506
I paid $860 for it.
I will give you $861.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 27, 2018, 12:23:56 PM
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 27, 2018, 12:23:56 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;466520
When I had my car painted last year I was able to find all the exterior trim NOS through places like Green Sales and eBay. That stuff is available. The big issue is interior bits. Being these things are 30 years old minimum it's only going to get worse....
I found the some of the exterior parts, but your correct on the interior stuff. Finding the interior components in better shape then what's in the car now is the issue.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 27, 2018, 12:32:48 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 27, 2018, 12:32:48 PM
Quote from: 87 T-BIRD;466523
I found the some of the exterior parts, but your correct on the interior stuff. Finding the interior components in better shape then what's in the car now is the issue.
What are you looking for? I've got a box of misc interior bits kicking around the garage. PM me and I can see if I have what you need.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 27, 2018, 04:22:42 PM
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 27, 2018, 04:22:42 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;466527
What are you looking for? I've got a box of misc interior bits kicking around the garage. PM me and I can see if I have what you need.
The only thing I'm looking for now is an 87-88 Turbo Coupe front nose. My bird is a full on drag car now. Thank you though!
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 27, 2018, 07:20:41 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 27, 2018, 07:20:41 PM
Quote from: 87 T-BIRD;466532
The only thing I'm looking for now is an 87-88 Turbo Coupe front nose. My bird is a full on drag car now. Thank you though!
Then come to Manassas and get one from me! I've got header panel and bumper cover. $225.00. I have lights too if you need them.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 27, 2018, 11:47:13 PM
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 27, 2018, 11:47:13 PM
Quote from: 50RACER;466534
Then come to Manassas and get one from me! I've got header panel and bumper cover. $225.00. I have lights too if you need them.
When I get the extra money it's a deal. Trying to finish some other projects around the house.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 29, 2018, 05:16:17 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 29, 2018, 05:16:17 PM
Trying to get this thing to start with no luck yet. Still seems to be a fuel issue. It is getting spark because if I give it a shot of starting fluid, it tries to fire, if only for a second. I replaced the fuel pump and filter. I can hear it cycle on when I hit the key. When I hit the Schrader valve in the fuel line, it comes out, but not a spray. More like a little trickle, so not much pressure. I have also made sure the that the inertia button in the trunk is pushed in as well.
Also, when trying to crank the engine, the small ground wire off the battery cable that attaches to the inside of the fender well gets really hot after only a few seconds of cranking. That doesn't seem normal to me.
Thoughts?
Also, when trying to crank the engine, the small ground wire off the battery cable that attaches to the inside of the fender well gets really hot after only a few seconds of cranking. That doesn't seem normal to me.
Thoughts?
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 29, 2018, 06:14:47 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 29, 2018, 06:14:47 PM
And then there is this wire that has been cut off at some point that is coming out of the bottom right harness / plug that is at the right rear of the intake manifold. The wiring diagram says is goes to the RIGHT EGO GND. Is this a ground that should probably attach to the firewall?
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 29, 2018, 06:16:02 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 29, 2018, 06:16:02 PM
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 29, 2018, 06:44:02 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 29, 2018, 06:44:02 PM
While looking at the photos, I did notice the white plug wasn't seated. That is now corrected. Still no start. When I turn the key to run, I hear a series of clicks about a second or so apart, coming from rearward in the car, but I don't actually hear the fuel pump prime. Shouldn't I be able to hear that?
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: Beau on July 29, 2018, 07:45:52 PM
Post by: Beau on July 29, 2018, 07:45:52 PM
You'll get it going. That ain't no parts car. Hell, I've driven for years worse cars than that LOL.
Finding something like that would pretty much get me out of the Mustang and back into a 'Bird..
Finding something like that would pretty much get me out of the Mustang and back into a 'Bird..
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 29, 2018, 10:52:27 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 29, 2018, 10:52:27 PM
Attach the ground for the oxygen sensor wire.
Have you checked the fuel pump relay? Is the pump getting power? If the key is turned to on you should hear the fuel pump run for a second or two then shut off.
Have you checked the fuel pump relay? Is the pump getting power? If the key is turned to on you should hear the fuel pump run for a second or two then shut off.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on July 30, 2018, 07:08:33 AM
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on July 30, 2018, 07:08:33 AM
Not sure everything you have tested/checked so far but SBFtech.com has a good write up on EFI no start? May help you out a little? Good luck & hang in there.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 30, 2018, 08:32:04 AM
Post by: 50RACER on July 30, 2018, 08:32:04 AM
Quote from: ISTLCRUZ;466571
Not sure everything you have tested/checked so far but SBFtech.com has a good write up on EFI no start? May help you out a little? Good luck & hang in there.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 30, 2018, 08:36:35 AM
Post by: 50RACER on July 30, 2018, 08:36:35 AM
Quote from: thunderjet302;466570
Attach the ground for the oxygen sensor wire.
Have you checked the fuel pump relay? Is the pump getting power? If the key is turned to on you should hear the fuel pump run for a second or two then shut off.
I think what I am hearing is the fuel pump relay click on and off, but I can't say that I actually hear it prime. Is the relay in the trunk near the inertia switch? I'd like to try bypassing the relay and getting power directly to the fuel pump to see if it will start then, and also that would pretty much let me know the relay is not functioning correctly.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: softtouch on July 30, 2018, 03:05:27 PM
Post by: softtouch on July 30, 2018, 03:05:27 PM
Quote from: 50RACER;466561
Also, when trying to crank the engine, the small ground wire off the battery cable that attaches to the inside of the fender well gets really hot after only a few seconds of cranking. That doesn't seem normal to me.
Thoughts?
Check your large battery ground cable connection on the engine. I suspect it is loose or disconnected.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: ZondaC12 on July 30, 2018, 03:40:44 PM
Post by: ZondaC12 on July 30, 2018, 03:40:44 PM
Quote from: 50RACER;466562
And then there is this wire that has been cut off at some point that is coming out of the bottom right harness / plug that is at the right rear of the intake manifold. The wiring diagram says is goes to the RIGHT EGO GND. Is this a ground that should probably attach to the firewall?
BOOM Get that wire grounded!!!!!
I still have no idea why this is. I found it out the hard way after first doing my H.O. top end swap on the red car over 10 years ago.
That pissed me off then and still me off a little bit. Why? WHY? It's for CLOSED GOD LOOP. And it's another harness.
Maybe it's for emissions reasons. So if the ECM thinks that the harness is missing altogether, it assumes that the car was desmogged haphazardly and will refuse to run? :rollin:
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 30, 2018, 05:16:10 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 30, 2018, 05:16:10 PM
Quote from: 50RACER;466573
I think what I am hearing is the fuel pump relay click on and off, but I can't say that I actually hear it prime. Is the relay in the trunk near the inertia switch? I'd like to try bypassing the relay and getting power directly to the fuel pump to see if it will start then, and also that would pretty much let me know the relay is not functioning correctly.
I can't remember off the top of my head but I believe it's near the inertia switch in the trunk. I think it's green in color.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 30, 2018, 05:55:56 PM
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 30, 2018, 05:55:56 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;466581
I can't remember off the top of my head but I believe it's near the inertia switch in the trunk. I think it's green in color.
I just pulled out my Ford EVTM Book, the fuel pump relay is in the trunk area above the right side wheel well area. You are correct thunderjet302, it is green in color unless someone replaced with an aftermarket relay.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 30, 2018, 06:30:08 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 30, 2018, 06:30:08 PM
Quote from: 87 T-BIRD;466584
I just pulled out my Ford EVTM Book, the fuel pump relay is in the trunk area above the right side wheel well area. You are correct thunderjet302, it is green in color unless someone replaced with an aftermarket relay.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 30, 2018, 06:58:55 PM
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 30, 2018, 06:58:55 PM
Quote from: 50RACER;466586
So I should be able to bypass the fuel relay by removing the connector, jump across from the hot wire with the key on, to the (I believe it is the pink black) wire to the fuel pump and it should start pumping fuel.
Yes if you apply a 12 volt power source to the PK/BK wire it should come on as long as the ground wire is good and the PK/BK wire is good. You can also jump the Red or Yellow wire to the PK/BK.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 30, 2018, 07:06:22 PM
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on July 30, 2018, 07:06:22 PM
The T/LG wire is the computer ground circuit for the relay. If you attach your test light lead to a 12v power source and then turn the key on it should light for approximately 2-3 seconds and the go off. If you go to crank mode it should light and stay on as you crank the engine.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: softtouch on July 30, 2018, 07:20:25 PM
Post by: softtouch on July 30, 2018, 07:20:25 PM
Check the negative battery cable connection on the engine.
The little ground wire getting hot probably means you are drawing the starter motor load through the little wire instead of the main battery cable.
This could cause the voltage to sag too low to run the pump.
The little ground wire getting hot probably means you are drawing the starter motor load through the little wire instead of the main battery cable.
This could cause the voltage to sag too low to run the pump.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: softtouch on July 30, 2018, 07:30:11 PM
Post by: softtouch on July 30, 2018, 07:30:11 PM
The TAN/Light Green wire that comes from the EEC to provide ground for the pump relay also goes to the self test connector.
Grounding the T/LG wire at the test connector should cause the pump to run as long as the key is on.
Grounding the T/LG wire at the test connector should cause the pump to run as long as the key is on.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 30, 2018, 07:33:35 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 30, 2018, 07:33:35 PM
Quote from: 87 T-BIRD;466584
I just pulled out my Ford EVTM Book, the fuel pump relay is in the trunk area above the right side wheel well area. You are correct thunderjet302, it is green in color unless someone replaced with an aftermarket relay.
I thought I remembered correctly. I didn't have my 88 EVTM handy to check. It should be accessible by removing the trunk lining on the right (passenger) side.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 30, 2018, 07:36:54 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 30, 2018, 07:36:54 PM
Quote from: softtouch;466589
Check the negative battery cable connection on the engine.
The little ground wire getting hot probably means you are drawing the starter motor load through the little wire instead of the main battery cable.
This could cause the voltage to sag too low to run the pump.
The battery cable should be grounded to the timing cover, near the power steering pump. You may have to look under the car to find it.
Quote from: softtouch;466590
The TAN/Light Green wire that comes from the EEC to provide ground for the pump relay also goes to the self test connector.
Grounding the T/LG wire at the test connector should cause the pump to run as long as the key is on.
Try this first. It'll by pass the pump relay. Then you can check the relay if the pump runs. That is if fixing the battery cable ground doesn't solve the issue.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 30, 2018, 08:19:28 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 30, 2018, 08:19:28 PM
Fixed the battery cable ground. It apparently just needed a very little tightening at the engine block. No more heating the cable. Fixed the orange ground wire. I just attached it to the firewall. Still no start. Found the fuel relay. It just clicks twice when turning the key to run. I can not hear it priming. Ran out of daylight. I will try the fuel pump relay bypass tomorrow. I think I am very close now. I even have a couple of turbo coupes sitting around with known good relays. I may just snag one. Thank you guys for all the help! This is by far still the best and most interesting and informative forum that I go on!
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 31, 2018, 02:41:24 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 31, 2018, 02:41:24 PM
When you turn the key you should hear the relay click and the pump run for a second or two. Try grounding the fuel pump at the EEC-IV connector. If the pump runs the relay is probably bad. If the pump doesn't run check the wiring to the pump. Good luck!
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 31, 2018, 06:24:59 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 31, 2018, 06:24:59 PM
Ok, so this evening I spent a few minutes with it. There is power at the fuel pump relay with key off on the yellow wire, so I jumped it to the fuel pump hot wire. Nothing, and then after it sat for probably a minute or less, the pump started to run eratically for just a few seconds and then stopped. Never came back on again after several attempts. I am thinking now that there is a problem in the fuel tank harness. Which means I get to drop the fuel tank again to try and trace the problem. Joy! I think that is another Saturday job. I am thinking there is a loose connection somewhere and I jostled the car around enough to get a very minor, brief connection and that is what caused it to come on. I also first tried grounding the fuel pump at the EEC-IV connector. Nothing happened there.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 31, 2018, 09:28:17 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 31, 2018, 09:28:17 PM
Well that sucks. Dropping the tank again isn't fun. It's not that full is it?
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on July 31, 2018, 09:36:26 PM
Post by: 50RACER on July 31, 2018, 09:36:26 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;466605
Well that sucks. Dropping the tank again isn't fun. It's not that full is it?
No, I just put a couple of gallons in it. At this point I am pretty sure the problem is between the relay and the pump, somewhere in the wiring. At least I am getting it narrowed down. Who knows, one of the wires could have slipped off the pump? I'll find out on Saturday, I suppose.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: CoogarXR on August 01, 2018, 08:34:52 AM
Post by: CoogarXR on August 01, 2018, 08:34:52 AM
It's probably just a dead/dying pump. When mine died, it went silent. After screwing around, banging on the tank and all those hail-mary tricks, it did come one one final time, just enough to drive it home, then never ran again. It's not uncommon for a dead pump to give a couple death throes here and there, lol.
There could also be a big mouse nest on top of the tank. Mine had that too when I first bought it (after sitting for 8 years). No wiring damage, thank goodness, but there was about a 20" circle of nest debris up there. It is a nice spot for a nest, if I do say so myself, lol.
Don't forget to replace that in-tank rubber hose that goes from the pump to the top of the sending unit too. Even if it looks OK. They all go bad eventually (crack and leak) and cause low fuel pressure.
There could also be a big mouse nest on top of the tank. Mine had that too when I first bought it (after sitting for 8 years). No wiring damage, thank goodness, but there was about a 20" circle of nest debris up there. It is a nice spot for a nest, if I do say so myself, lol.
Don't forget to replace that in-tank rubber hose that goes from the pump to the top of the sending unit too. Even if it looks OK. They all go bad eventually (crack and leak) and cause low fuel pressure.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: Mikey97D on August 01, 2018, 08:47:00 AM
Post by: Mikey97D on August 01, 2018, 08:47:00 AM
I had the tank dropped this past winter and some rodents had been chewing on the fuel pump wires. Hope you find the problem this Saturday.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on August 01, 2018, 04:24:29 PM
Post by: 50RACER on August 01, 2018, 04:24:29 PM
When I pulled the tank, the car's build sheet was still laying on top of it. It was very fragile though.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on August 01, 2018, 04:51:56 PM
Post by: 87 T-BIRD on August 01, 2018, 04:51:56 PM
Quote from: CoogarXR;466609
It's probably just a dead/dying pump. When mine died, it went silent. After screwing around, banging on the tank and all those hail-mary tricks, it did come one one final time, just enough to drive it home, then never ran again. It's not uncommon for a dead pump to give a couple death throes here and there, lol.
There could also be a big mouse nest on top of the tank. Mine had that too when I first bought it (after sitting for 8 years). No wiring damage, thank goodness, but there was about a 20" circle of nest debris up there. It is a nice spot for a nest, if I do say so myself, lol.
Don't forget to replace that in-tank rubber hose that goes from the pump to the top of the sending unit too. Even if it looks OK. They all go bad eventually (crack and leak) and cause low fuel pressure.
You're right about the in-tank fuel hose, I used steel braided hose left over from another job and its been good to go.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on August 04, 2018, 05:02:12 PM
Post by: 50RACER on August 04, 2018, 05:02:12 PM
IT'S ALIVE!!!!!!!! The brand new Delphi fuel pump that I installed was bad. Dropped the tank again today and installed a new Delphi / Walbro pump and after about half a dozen attempts where it would fire and quit (how would you feel if you'd been asleep for 10+ years?), she fired up and kept running. No smoke! It's idling a little rough though, but did get somewhat better the more it ran. It's giving me a NO EGR FLOW DETECTED code. Would that affect how it is running / idling? Can I take that off and just try to clean it up? Wonder if one off of a 90 Mustang GT is the same? I have one of those.
Discovered that it also has a bad right front hard brake line.
Discovered that it also has a bad right front hard brake line.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: Haystack on August 04, 2018, 05:23:47 PM
Post by: Haystack on August 04, 2018, 05:23:47 PM
Egrs are pretty much all the same. It shouldn't effect idle too much, once the code is tripped, the computer should quit trying to use it.
It would only be an issue with the idle if the egr is stuck open and the computer thinks its closed.
Throw $50 buck at rock auto and do a basic tuneup and fix the little things you find.
Ive had really bad luck with parts store pumps. I think 4 out of 5 were bad out of the box.
It would only be an issue with the idle if the egr is stuck open and the computer thinks its closed.
Throw $50 buck at rock auto and do a basic tuneup and fix the little things you find.
Ive had really bad luck with parts store pumps. I think 4 out of 5 were bad out of the box.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on August 06, 2018, 06:27:49 AM
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on August 06, 2018, 06:27:49 AM
Quote from: 50RACER;466628
IT'S ALIVE!!!!!!!! The brand new Delphi fuel pump that I installed was bad. Dropped the tank again today and installed a new Delphi / Walbro pump and after about half a dozen attempts where it would fire and quit (how would you feel if you'd been asleep for 10+ years?), she fired up and kept running. No smoke! It's idling a little rough though, but did get somewhat better the more it ran. It's giving me a NO EGR FLOW DETECTED code. Would that affect how it is running / idling? Can I take that off and just try to clean it up? Wonder if one off of a 90 Mustang GT is the same? I have one of those.
Discovered that it also has a bad right front hard brake line.
Making progress 50. Gotta be a good feeling. Keep at it, you’ll get it.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on August 06, 2018, 08:16:54 AM
Post by: 50RACER on August 06, 2018, 08:16:54 AM
Quote from: ISTLCRUZ;466640
Making progress 50. Gotta be a good feeling. Keep at it, you’ll get it.
I'm not so sure that I want to. I have a little over $1000 in this car now. If I buy a brake line, EGR valve ( if that is the problem), and then 4 tires, I am at the very least into this car for $1500 for a car that is not worth more than probably $2000 on the best day. Once it gets moving, there are likely more issues to crop up.
Anyone here interested in this car for $1500?
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 07, 2018, 01:45:53 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 07, 2018, 01:45:53 PM
Quote from: 50RACER;466641
I'm not so sure that I want to. I have a little over $1000 in this car now. If I buy a brake line, EGR valve ( if that is the problem), and then 4 tires, I am at the very least into this car for $1500 for a car that is not worth more than probably $2000 on the best day. Once it gets moving, there are likely more issues to crop up.
Anyone here interested in this car for $1500?
I can see where you're coming from. If you don't intend to keep the car for yourself then you'll end up underwater by fixing it before selling it. I know I've got more $$$$ in my car than I could sell it for, but it's a car I always intended on keeping, not flipping.
Also the EGR valve/EGR valve position sensor from any 86-93 5.0 Mustang is the same as the one used on 86-88 5.0 Thunderbirds/Cougars.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: 50RACER on August 07, 2018, 05:09:59 PM
Post by: 50RACER on August 07, 2018, 05:09:59 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;466652
I can see where you're coming from. If you don't intend to keep the car for yourself then you'll end up underwater by fixing it before selling it. I know I've got more $$$$ in my car than I could sell it for, but it's a car I always intended on keeping, not flipping.
Also the EGR valve/EGR valve position sensor from any 86-93 5.0 Mustang is the same as the one used on 86-88 5.0 Thunderbirds/Cougars.
Exactly. It's not a car I ever intended on keeping. I'd like to see someone rescue it. I think I am going to try for a couple of weeks to sell it as is, and if it doesn't sell, I'll just part it out. If I do, I'll probably end up keeping some of the stuff for my TC, especially from the interior. Perfect headliner, visors and the best console lid that I've seen.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 08, 2018, 07:26:22 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 08, 2018, 07:26:22 PM
Hopefully someone here with the space buys it and saves the car. It just seems too nice to part out.
Title: Brought home an LX parts car today, or did I?
Post by: bootleggers deluxe on August 10, 2018, 01:08:23 AM
Post by: bootleggers deluxe on August 10, 2018, 01:08:23 AM
I saw you posted the car ( or maybe it was someone who has a very similar car, in VA) on a fox Tbird facebook page. If not for the distance, i would consider rocking down, buying it from you, and using it as a platform to build my project, as my current red 87 Tbird is a bit more ... rusty, for wear.
Good luck with the sale. It would be a great starting point.
Good luck with the sale. It would be a great starting point.