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Messages - turbo coupe guy

1
Engine Tech / 1988 Turbo Coupe ammeter not working.
Correction to last response. I went out to verify the gauge not moving and I saw the slightest of movement downwards when I turned on the lights and rear defogger. I saw the slightest of movement upwards when I started the car. If this is normal movement man, this gauge is weak.
2
Engine Tech / 1988 Turbo Coupe ammeter not working.
Quote from: softtouch;460230
If you put load on the battery without the engine running, does it move?
Key on, headlights, rear window defroster, operate the windows, power seat etc.


 No, it doesn't move at all. It hasn't since I've owned it.
3
Engine Tech / 1988 Turbo Coupe ammeter not working.
Hey guys,

 My first post went so well and I got a lot of useful advice I though I'd post again. I got the fuel problem taken care of now I have another question. The ammeter gauge doesn't work and hasn't since I've owned the car. The needle stays a little above center. From what I've read this is a common problem. I don't know if that's true or not. Is there a fix for this? It doesn't really bother me but I would be nice to have everything working. I have a couple of spare clusters I got on eBay and the sellers said all gauges work but I haven't verified that. If I can get the one that's there working again I'd just as soon so that. Any ideas?
4
Engine Tech / 1988 Turbo Coupe Boost Problems
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;460125
Sounds like those ed projection TVs I used to service, get the optic system all cleaned and focused then 99 times out of a 100 was "WOW it never looked that good when new"... Degradation is so slow it's not noticed...
 
If your car had more than 75/80K mile when purchased it's very possible the pump was getting weak...

For starter, swap to the late PMGR starter used on the late 2.3 stangs, far better piece than the old field magnet types... There is a small amount of wiring necessary, but its easy...

 Thanks for the info, I'll check it out.
5
Engine Tech / 1988 Turbo Coupe Boost Problems
Installed the new fuel pump after work today and all is well with the world. The fuel pump was the problem. The car runs and drives perfectly. Smooth acceleration and boost all the way to 15psi. I don't know if it's the excitement of getting the car back on the road but I don't think it's run this good since I've had it. Now that the fuel pump is fixed the starter is acting up. Probably original also. I'm not angry, I just accept that the car is going on 30 years old with original parts. They're going to wear out.
6
Engine Tech / 1988 Turbo Coupe Boost Problems
Quote from: Loaded87IROC;459949
I'd say it's safe to say that if it won't make the required pressure at idle, it won't make it under load.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to upgrade the pump in case you feel like adding a bit more power down the road.

 I'm a kill joy stock guy but that's a good idea.
7
Engine Tech / 1988 Turbo Coupe Boost Problems
Quote from: lakenheath24;459952
It sounds more like a vacuum leak.  Make sure you have those hose  clamps on perfect or they will suck air.  Feel all the way around the intercooler and wherever those big air tubes attach. I had a pinch underneath where the intercooler to turbo connector was.

 All is well in that respect.
8
Engine Tech / 1988 Turbo Coupe Boost Problems
Quote from: TheFoeYouKnow;459852
THIS. In a class I recently had, the instructor spent a lot of time stressing that an idle fuel pressure test is worth just about dick.  Ideally, you want to attach the gauge and rout it so that it can be seen from the driver's seat with the hood down.  You drive the vehicle and look to see if the pressure falls off under load, or increases.  If it increases, you're probably not looking at a fuel delivery problem.  If it drops, you're underfueling.  Change the filter and retest, if no improvement, replace the pump.  This measures the pump's ability to provide adequate volume, without adequate volume, good pressure is useless.

 I tested the fuel pressure according to the Ford service manual for my Turbo Coupe. I have no way to test it under load. I replaced the filter less than 2 months ago. From the way the car is acting I'd say it's fuel starved. I plan to drop the tank and remove the fuel pump assembly tomorrow 3/25.
9
Engine Tech / 1988 Turbo Coupe Boost Problems
Right now it can't make 39psi at idle. Now that I think on it, when I turn the key on the fuel pump does run but it sounds sick, not smooth. I don't know if that's a normal sound. Like I said, I do believe the pump is original. Even if it is a replacement it was most likely done many many years ago. She should be back in top form soon.
10
Engine Tech / 1988 Turbo Coupe Boost Problems
I was finally able to test the fuel pressure today. I had to order a adapter for my tester. The book says the fuel pressure should be 39lbs. The fuel pressure currently is 30lbs. I tested it with the vacuum line on and off of the pressure regulator. The reading didn't change. It is a steady 30lbs. I increased the engine rpm and it dropped a little. I'm thinking the fuel pump is on the way out. The ECU calls for more fuel and it can't deliver. I don't believe it's a injector problem because the car idles smoothly and is more or less drivable until you put a load on the turbo. The car only recently started acting up.  It was doing it before the tune up. I believe the fuel pump is the original. When I first bought the car a couple of years ago it ran like a scolded dog. No problems at all. I think my manual gives instruction on how to test the pump. I'll look into it tomorrow. I appreciate all of the input.


P.S. I will try the things you suggested. I buy only Motorcraft parts if available.
11
Engine Tech / 1988 Turbo Coupe Boost Problems
Thanks for the response. I recently replaced the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil, fuel filter and air filter as part of regular maintenance. I do have a fuel pressure tester, I just have to find it. Please pardon my ignorance but what is TFI?
12
Engine Tech / 1988 Turbo Coupe Boost Problems
Greetings,

 This is my first post and I thought this would be a great place to do it. I have a 1988 Turbo Coupe with the 5 speed manual transmission. It has just over 93,000 miles. Lately it has developed a problem where it bucks and pops when boosting. The original vane air meter tested out of spec so I purchased a remanufactured unit. That was bad right out of the box because the car wouldn't even start and it tested out of spec. I returned that one and got another remanufactured unit. This one tests ok but the car is still doing the same thing. I even tried bypassing the boost control solenoid but no luck. I did get codes at different times in KOEO mode. One having to do with the vane air sensor and the other was vane air temp sensor. This unit tested ok so I don't know what's going on. Unfortunately all that is available are remanufactured units. Could the ECU or a bad wastegate be causing this? Have any of you had this problem? I like the car but it's not drivable and I'm getting annoyed. Please, if anyone can help I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

P.S. The car drives well enough while not in boost but as soon as it reaches 5 psi it starts acting up. I won't drive it at all until I can fix it, if I can fix it.