1987 5.0 T-Bird - Runs rough cold, occasionally stalls when hot

July 13, 2018, 03:48:46 PM

Hi All;

Sorry for what's bound to be a stupid couple of questions.
I have an '87 bird. 5.0 Jasper engine. Long story but it sat for many years.
I got it running again with a few problems.

It bucks and kicks and feels almost like a backfire when it's cold. That is, if it's driven over 20 Mph. After it warms up it runs OK. Not a lot of pickup but I'm not trying to race it.

I had it out yesterday for the first time this year. It stalled when pulling out from a stop sign a few times. Didn't feel like it was running out of gas. Felt more like if someone reached over and turned off the ignition.

The check engine light never comes on. Would it still have an error code even though the check engine light never comes on?

I just had the fuel pump and fuel filter replaced so I'm reasonably sure it's not a fuel delivery issue.

Also, I'm having a hard time finding exact instructions for pulling engine error codes. I've found them for mustangs but can't find anything that says it'll work specifically for my car. Here's an example of what I've found: https://www.muscularmustangs.com/test1.php I'm a bit hesitant to short out connectors and introduce +12V from the battery to a connector terminal unless I'm 100% certain this will work for the exact make/model car I'm working on.

If the directions at that link will indeed work, where do I find the error codes for my exact make/model?

Again, I apologize for what must be stupid questions. But they're easier to answer than the hard ones.

Thanks!
George

1987 5.0 T-Bird - Runs rough cold, occasionally stalls when hot

Reply #1 – July 13, 2018, 04:25:28 PM

The code pulling procedure you linked to will work fine for your car.
the code definitions are a composite of multiple years and engines. You have to be able to weed out what doesn't apply to your car.
There are people on this forum that can help you with that.
To get just 87 specific codes you would have to have a copy of the 87 Ford shop manual.

1987 5.0 T-Bird - Runs rough cold, occasionally stalls when hot

Reply #2 – July 13, 2018, 04:41:52 PM

Just pull codes as shown. Once you get them, report back.

Good luck and let us know.