I recently picked up a 1986 Mercury Cougar XR7. It has the 2.3L turbo motor. When I go to start the car, it'll start and run for about 5 seconds then die out.
I know it is a fuel related problem as it'll run if starting fluid is sprayed into the air inlet. I can hear the fuel pump prime when I turn the key. It seems like the fuel pressure drops off quickly. Could it be a bad fuel regulator? Previous owner did change the fuel filter.
Any help would be appreciated.
Sounds like a fuel pump
also check the fuel pressure regulator to see if it is stuck. If it is a fpr then get an adjusable unit. I know they one from a 5.0 is the same. They list a adjustable in the book for the 5.0 That is what I'm running on my 84 T/c 2.3t works great.