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Topic: 88 3.8 problem (Read 2318 times) previous topic - next topic

88 3.8 problem

ive got an 88 bird with a 3.8 and i recently ran over a 8in high concrete wall. shortly after it started stumbling and hesitating. if i give it any gas it bogs down and dies. its not driveable at all. this is my only car. any info would be appreciated

88 3.8 problem

Reply #1
Exaust system is crushed... Engine can't breathe...

88 3.8 problem

Reply #2
8 inch concrete wall?

holy , ma'am.
93 Festiva L, 193k miles, BP+T/G25MR swap, T3 50trim .48/.42, SRT FMIC, Capri electronics/Rocketchip, 2.5" exhaust
bests: ET 12.86, MPH 110.25, 1.92 short
02 Subaru Impreza WRX, 129k miles
97 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, 236k miles

88 3.8 problem

Reply #3
exhaust is clear, it doesnt have any. hit the wall right behind the passenger side tire

88 3.8 problem

Reply #4
probabally loosened up  in the tank plugging your filter and or pickup.
1980 birds X 3, 1982 bird, 1984 XR7, 1988 TC

88 3.8 problem

Reply #5
crushed your fuel filter?  fuel line?

88 3.8 problem

Reply #6
..car said..F this!
1988- 3.8- T-bird- sold 2005 Grand Prix, GTP- COMP.G MODS: Inferno Hood, GXP spoiler, Liquid Metal Wheels,K&N Intake,LED taillights,LED reverse lights, LED interior lights, 180*,605s, Pacesetters :burnout:

88 3.8 problem

Reply #7
I'll bet if you hit it THAT hard, there's also gonna be more wrong wit it than just engine probs.
First thing, as mentioned before, check the fuel lines, on '88 V6 cars, the lines are mostly plastic from the lower fender area on back...might have even scuffed it enought to cause a small leak, i.e; drop in pressure, mimicing a bad pump.  Check it out really well...even to the point of pulling lines off your car so you can see them really good.
They're not that hard to remove it you have the disconnect tools..napa sells em at least.
Let us know how it turns out.
It's conceivable that you jarred some in-tank gunk loose too...might be worth it to drop the tank if the lines check out alright, new pump, and filter, as well.
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

88 3.8 problem

Reply #8
i checked all the lines and the filter and they all seemed to be in good shape. i also ran a pressure test and am getting 43psi. someone mentioned a fuel pump cutoff switch that might have been tripped, only wouldnt this make the pump not work at all? i can hear it running

88 3.8 problem

Reply #9
or maybe it just doesnt like me anymore. wouldnt blame it

88 3.8 problem

Reply #10
Some cars are just evil, like my mustang, pure evil.

Where are you located btw? fill in your profile.


Scott
1980 birds X 3, 1982 bird, 1984 XR7, 1988 TC

88 3.8 problem

Reply #11
the cut off switch your talking about totally cuts off the power to the fuel pump completely if the car getshiznit or hits something with enough force. In turn it causes the engine to not even fire as there is no gas what so ever pumping from the tank. If the car still starts I would cross that switch off the list.
But if you want to check anyway, on my 87 the switch is in the trunk behind the cover that goes over the rear of the trunk, covering the wiring for the tail lights. pull that cover forward so you can see behind it and that switch is mounted against the rear of the trunk. its a little black box with a button on top of it.
The lines and everything , I would think are fine if youre getting that high of fuel pressure.  it does sound like some sort of fuel starvation problem. Just a thought I may be whizzin in the wind here so perhaps someone else can add their thoughts. With a jolt that hard Im sure it prolly felt like the underneath of the car fell out, but it could be possible it stirred the junk in the tank up and allowed some dirt or something into the lines that actually made it to the injectors. that wouldnt effect the pressure reading, but would cause the engine not to get as much fuel Ive seen engines cough and sputter and loose the funtionality of cylinders when those get clogged and if its the same 3.8 that was in my 87 its only got 2 injectors total where as the engine that I witnessed that in had 6. big difference.
I dont know for sure but hopefully you get it going soon.
87 T-bird two tone diarrhea color. 5.0 converted with AOD.  GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
 
94 Lincoln Towncar, Dark Metallic Green, 4.6L AOD
SOLD!!!!
 
99 Mercury Cougar. V6 MTX75 Trans. CURRENT PROJECT DAILY DRIVER.

88 3.8 problem

Reply #12
could it be like a map sensor or something. it wont run at all now

88 3.8 problem

Reply #13
no, it has multi point with 6 seperate injectors. so youre saying that even if the pressure is good, it could still be clogged? ill check it out

88 3.8 problem

Reply #14
Back to basics, are you getting any codes?