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Topic: sputtering and backfires (Read 917 times) previous topic - next topic

sputtering and backfires

Well I have a 88 bird with a 5.0. After driving around for a while on a hot day (90+) the car suddeny begins to sputter and then backfires intrernally and then just dies. I pull over give it about 20 to 30 seconds and start it again and it runs fine for about 30 seconds then begins this cycle again. I thought about vapor locking... but I never experience this problem before. And would that explain the backfiring? Could I possibly have a sensor going bad when it gets hot? Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Oh... when I finally get the car home I turn it off... then a few hours later I start it and it drives fine until I drive it enough and that cycle of sputtering and dying begins again. It has gas in it. And has gas put in it from different stations (I was thinking bad gas but that doesn't seem to be the case).

Re: sputtering and backfires

Reply #1 –
oh i forgot the 50 is out of a mustang.

Re: sputtering and backfires

Reply #2 –
Probably iginition related..... Likely the TFI or maybe the pickup inside the distributor.

Was always would be a good idea to see if it has any codes in memory...
 

Re: sputtering and backfires

Reply #3 –
Definitely scan it for codes. A couple other things you can check.
Check the coolant temperature sensor with a voltmeter.  Can't remember off hand what it is supposed to read but it varies depending on temperature. I think I read on a Mustang board that if it's failing, it could cause some hesitation and backfiring.
Did you convert the car to mass air? If so be sure to clean the mass air sensor.
I wonder if clogged cats could also cause these symptoms. But if it were that I would think that when the car shut off, it wouldn't be able to start.