Ok, a couple of weeks ago i was driving my car and when i turned left it felt & sounded like i was running out of gas.. when i would press down on the pedal it wasn't getting any power. so i coasted it into a gas station and put 5 gallons in the tank.. then, when i turned the ignition it would crank, start for about 2-3 seconds, sputter out and die.. i had it towed to a mechanic for a diagnostic check and he told me the fuel pump went out & my spark plugs were bad. so he replaced the plugs, towed it to my house, and i installed a new fuel pump and fuel pump relay. now it starts and stay's running. but the idle is real ruff and it feels like it's gonna die, and when i drive it and try to pick up speed it stutters and loses power almost like when it first died. someone told me it was the fuel pressure regulator so i replaced that too but with no improvements... i've put alot of work, time, & most importantly money that me or my parents dont have. my moms put $300 of the rent money into fixing my car. if someone could please help me out i'd really appreciate it. thanks in advance... my car specs are below
-1987 Mercury Cougar LS, V8 5.0
oh, and fyi, the engine light doesn't come on
I have never seen a fuel pump diagnosed as the problem and not fix the problem. the circuit is too simple for hit and miss.
Are you certain shop dropped the tank and did the work they say they did.
Check the black hard line that goes to the throttle body for cracks, also while at idle, listen for any "hissing" noises.
pull your codes,, please dont ask how,,,,,,,,go to my diy link below and all the information awaits you. No you dont need a code reader, just a paperclip.
DO NOT PULL YOUR CODES UNTIL THE ENGINE IS HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i put the fuel pump in myself. the mechanic just replaced the spark plugs. i dont hear any hissing noises, but i noticed my exhaust is putting out a different smell
ok
check basics.
Fuel presure needs to be at 40psi+ at idle
Fuel presure needs to be at 30+ while driving and in between shifts.
Spark needs to blueish white,, no orange. You could have a bad stator / TFI that is intermittant due to heat.
Do compression test
pull codes.
Check pressure with the vacuum line disconnected. Ford aims for 39 PSI @ idle, however 35-45 is considered within limits...
If you check the pressure with the vacuum line connected it will read lower unless you create a near zero or zero vacuum condition (WOT in gear with a load on the motor)
i dont have access to a pressure gauge, and i definetly cant afford to buy one.... i'll check to see how much a mechanic would charge to run a pressure check... also i went down right now to adjust my timing and i noticed a continous clicking sound by the fuel pressure regulator.. to get the regulator on i had to pop out the rail a little bit. does anyone know if both injectors are side by side, or are they far apart on the rail
also the mechanic told me that if the "check engine light" isn't on then there will be no codes to read...
I would check the plugs...check to make sure there are no cracks in the insulator, check the gap, make sure it's the right plug and correct heat range...just an idea...sometimes it's best to start simple.
Good luck,
Don
yeah, thats what im gonna go do right now.. i think that mechanic got me for some $$$
He's wrong....There can be codes stored.
ok, i think i might have not set the injectors all the way back in after i replaced the pressure regulator.. but would it still run???? its driving the same way as it did before i took the old regulator off so i dont think thats it.... and again, i really appreciate all of your help
ok, just hooked up a volt meter to check for codes... it gave me 145 (wich isn't listed), 33, 45, & 33 again.... any suggestions?
also, can someone tell me where the egr valve is located?
Yours will be behind and slightly to the right of the TPS sensor on the rear facing the firewall.
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk191/V8Demon/HPIM2092.jpg)
thanks, my book tells me how to check the harness and sensor so i'll be right back with an update
ok, harness and sensor are good... what could be the problem?
well, i dont know what happened but its driving fine now... i think im gonna sell it... any takers?? $900 OBO... it has eagle 17" 5 star rims...