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Topic: helppppp-!!! (Read 1419 times) previous topic - next topic

helppppp-!!!

I have an 88 3.8 roadsters cougar, that I can't get to run correctly, I didn't drive it for two days , those two days were the start of a cold front in my town and the result was my cat not starting, it cranks over but doesn't start up it has spark fuel to the engine the fuel shut off isn't activated I replaced the injectors, the IAC the spark plugs cap and rotor and pretty much everything on top of the engine, the couple of times I managed to start it, it sounded similar to an idling diesel truck and I had to keep my foot on the gas to keep it running, I turned the distributor to change the idle but it keeps dying on me, I was told it could be a ground wire connector went bad. I've also replaced the computer, and corrected the timing. A few weeks before this happened I replaced the timing chain and the crankcase as well as the water pump gaskets. I am stumped on what to do any help would be appreciated

helppppp-!!!

Reply #1
Go through everything here, one step at a time. Come back with any questions. Do not skip any steps, regardless of how dumb or obvious it sounds.

 http://sbftech.com/index.php/topic,588.0.html
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

helppppp-!!!

Reply #2
thanks for the help, but if any of this doesnt solve my problem what else could it be? my only problem is where im at its snowing so its making it difficult to get to work

helppppp-!!!

Reply #3
First time i used that link to solve an efi no start, my buddy was stranded in a parking lot during a blizzard. We had it running well enough for him to drive it home in 10 minutes.

I can tell you what you want to hear, or you can wait till it warms up enough to fix it. That link explains almost anything that can prevent a car from starting.
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

 

helppppp-!!!

Reply #4
Another idea....?  The first post says nothing about replacing the plug wires.  Are those new as well?  If so, are they good?  The comment "Sounds like a diesel engine" suggests to me--multiple misfire.  I would think bad wires could test OK for a momentary check, but go bonkers when under load.  If the weather is damp or the vehicle is in the cold for awhile, it certainly could be wire failure to me.  I heard somewhere that if you use misting water on the plug wires in the dark (Very carefully), you will soon see the problem.  Over the years, I assisted several people with this problem. A friend could not start his early '80s, so I popped the hood and had him crank the engine.  It was night.  It was easy to see a large spark exiting the ignition coil wire to the D-cap--I showed him.  A piece of tape made it go away for the moment--his car was about 5 years old.  He was amazed.  Under regular use,  I have usually trusted wires for about 5 years--not sure about today's vehicles.  Are the wires routed correctly--and all to the correct plugs?  Several years ago I had trouble starting a Lincoln with the same issue--hard starting; foot on the gas and then it die anyway.  Turned out it was the MAP Sensor.  The T-Bird has it mounted on the firewall.  See Pic.  It solved the Lincoln Problem.   

JR