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Topic: 86 t-bird 5.0 (Read 1651 times) previous topic - next topic

86 t-bird 5.0

first of all im new here and just recently got an 86 t-bird from a gentleman who was being put in a nursing home (85 years old) The car wasnt driven much....only just rolled over 100k on me. This thing runs like a champ once you get it warmed up.....but the first 5-10 minutes from ANY start is hopeless! I an drive 60 miles and turn it off......start it up and runs like  for 5-10 minutes. same with a cold start first thing in the morning.
I guess my question is what am i missing? I have dumped the old gas out of it, pulled and cleaned the upper and lower intake, plugs wires, cap, rotor, PCV and capped the extra vac lines (temporary)
Dont ask about codes because the py digital dash has no backlight.....can only see a few things. (working on that)
I have had this car for 2 weeks and I am about at the end of my rope with this EFI ! Thinking of doing the Carb swap and be done with this. I worked with RX-7's for years and those are tricky....but this thing is WEIRD!
Any advice or response would be great....:bowdown::bowdown:

86 t-bird 5.0

Reply #1 –
you really need to run codes.  you can get a cheap code reader which attaches to the diagnostic port on the drivers side right near the wheel well.  it's just dangling there you cant miss it.  you don't NEED anything on the dash to run codes.    what extra vaccuum lines are you talking about?    if you retrieve the codes it alleviates alot of guessing.  you can make a code reader out of a test light.  instructions in this forum.

86 t-bird 5.0

Reply #2 –
Fuel Pressure regulator is the first item to check.

86 t-bird 5.0

Reply #3 –
I would pull codes.  You can make a "code reader" with an old bulb socket. Connect it to the test connector.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OBD_I.html

Sounds like something is screwy with your cold enrichment.  It may be a bad IAT or ECT.  They can be checked with a DMM.  Pulling codes will save time.

I had a wiped out IAT that was causing me grief.  It was completely gummed over with carbon.  Gave me similar issues.
My car is a gravity hybrid.  The gasoline engine gets me up the hills, and gravity gets me down.

86 t-bird 5.0

Reply #4 –
ok, got the dash working (old man cut the ground wire while doing a stereo) No CEL. I will pull codes ASAP. I have a feeling after duing some different start up procedures it is fuel related. I did pull the EGR and cleaned and tested that...IAC valve works, but i dont know how well. I cleaned it out (was pretty clean) unplugging it makes a difference in idle. as of now i have the idle screw turned up a good bit just to keep it running when i dump it in gear.1200 rpm. any lower it will die...what is cold enrichment? I had a guy tell me to enlarge the hole in my butterfly flap in the throttle body? does that make sense?

86 t-bird 5.0

Reply #5 –
No, don't enlarge the hole.  There's something wrong with the system.  Could be a bunch of things but its best to start with the codes.  Theres too many things it could be and telling you to check random stuff would just be guesses on our part.

Have you tried the normal tune up type things: Check Plugs, Check wires, check cap, Check timing.  Also check for vac leaks and loose connectors.  May want to check the salt'n'pepper connectors on the back of the upper intake.  They are known to cause issue.  Just pop em apart and check for corrosion and re-seat.
My car is a gravity hybrid.  The gasoline engine gets me up the hills, and gravity gets me down.

86 t-bird 5.0

Reply #6 –
Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, timing, oil, trans filter and fluid, pcv w/grommet, and all major vac lines have all been replaced. pulling codes will be done soon. I have a test light and should be able to get something from that....but i have a feeling that i will just have to replace the 4-5 major sensors and rid the rest of the engine bay of all the BS...Air pump system, egr, purge valve and tank, and all that . It looks as if this forum is new so i havent really found anything usefull about testing individual sensors...but i am going to keep looking. I do appreciate all your guys help with this.

86 t-bird 5.0

Reply #7 –
Do an idle reset as per fordfuelinjection.com

Run codes and let us know what comes up. There is almost no reason to delete the emissions unless there actually is a problem with some part of it. None of it really hurts power or performance under WOT except the draw of the belt on a pulley. It is bypassed under WOT.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com
 

86 t-bird 5.0

Reply #8 –
Start unhooking stuff and you`ll just make things worse. Stop guessing and take it somewhere for a diagnosis. You`ll waste more time and money guessing. It might be something silly like a vacuum leak.