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Topic: 86 t-bird not running right (Read 1245 times) previous topic - next topic

86 t-bird not running right

i have a 1986 t-bird it has a 3.8 v6 tbi

here's how it is


idles fine but put it in gear some times
it will die it acts like its not getting fuel but i put in a new
pump new relays new filter and it was fine till about a week
ago now when you drive her and come to a stop some times she
will shake then die or just die all together some times if you undo
the batt it will run fine then start up all over again but the car has no power just no sure if the car had any power in that v6 to start with

any help

thanks buggmann

86 t-bird not running right

Reply #1 –
i would start checking the fuel injectors and check the fuel pressure.
84 el camino ss-daily driver(efi mild sbc,2004r, posi 3:42 rear.)
84 mercury cougar v6- was a v6/ nitrous drag car, going back to mostly stock
81 chevy malibu-protouring/  drag car.( efi sbc supercharged 283 that will rev to the moon, 2004r, 4:11 posi rear)

86 t-bird not running right

Reply #2 –
Pull codes before you replace parts.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

buggmann

Reply #3 –
Quote from: blackcougar71;306149
i would start checking the fuel injectors and check the fuel pressure.


how do you do that on that tbi set up


Pull codes before you replace parts.

how do you pull codes on this car i did not think you could do that


thanks buggmann

86 t-bird not running right

Reply #4 –
This link will give you all you should need to test.  http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/?p=13

The self test connector on my 84 V6 is located on the drivers side by the washer fluid reservoir.  Also the schrader valve to test the FP should be on the drivers side of the throttle body.

:Edit for better pics in this link:  http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OBD_I.html
1986 Mercury Cougar - 2.3T/T5 swap, TC brakes and suspension and rearend, 3" exhaust, 255 lph fuel pump, Stinger BOV, Gillis MBC @ 18 psi
2003 Chevy Suburban Z71 - Daily driver
2015 Chevy Volt - Wife's daily driver

86 t-bird not running right

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Loaded87IROC;306231
:Edit for better pics in this link:http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OBD_I.html 


These are also better instructions than the fordfuelinjection site.
Jumpering the STI to the Sig RTN is the proper way to activate the self test and pull codes.

86 t-bird not running right

Reply #6 –
Quote from: softtouch;306262
These are also better instructions than the fordfuelinjection site.
Jumpering the STI to the Sig RTN is the proper way to activate the self test and pull codes.


im not to sure what  ((the STI to the Sig RTN )) are more info please
not use to working on a car like this to much comp stuff if i cant fix it
i just might sell it to put in to my other car i can work on that one

86 t-bird not running right

Reply #7 –
My 86 did the same thing.

It was the fuel pump.  It took a long time to die completely but I went nuts trying to figure it out.  Only after it conked out completely and replaced did the car run right.

Also don't forget vacuum leaks.  I had the brake booster big hose rot on the bottom and didn't notice until it failed the smog test.  New hose and all was well.
Armed Forces Car Club
Eastern Sierra Chapter, California
WEB:  armedforcescarclub.com

86 t-bird not running right

Reply #8 –
Quote from: buggmann;306266
im not to sure what  ((the STI to the Sig RTN )) are more info please
not use to working on a car like this to much comp stuff if i cant fix it
i just might sell it to put in to my other car i can work on that one

Did you look at the link?

86 t-bird not running right

Reply #9 –
Quote from: tbirdsps;306281
My 86 did the same thing.

It was the fuel pump.  It took a long time to die completely but I went nuts trying to figure it out.  Only after it conked out completely and replaced did the car run right.

Also don't forget vacuum leaks.  I had the brake booster big hose rot on the bottom and didn't notice until it failed the smog test.  New hose and all was well.



the pump is new as are the relays and the filter
 

buggmann

Reply #10 –
Quote from: softtouch;306284
Did you look at the link?


i have not had a lot of time to look at the link but i did take a look at it
and i think it will help out i will read more on the link in a little bit
thank you

if this is not what is making it do this any more ideas on the prob

thanks buggmann