Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: nick302 on February 05, 2010, 10:56:56 PM

Title: hello, new guy
Post by: nick302 on February 05, 2010, 10:56:56 PM
hey, im working on my 88 tbird, its got the 5.0 EFI and i was wondering what is going on with it

problem: it will sit and idle all day but when i get to drive it, its starts just chugging, then i come to a stop it idles...its got me confused, i cleaned out the IAC motor, and i still cant get her to run rite, thank you for any help in advance and thanx for having me :) :bowdown:

lol thanx for the welcome, sorry for that, im wondering what it would take to make her run right, so i can drive it, other then that, thats the only thing wrong, sorry! :)
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: 88turbo on February 05, 2010, 11:23:57 PM
what is your question? :dunno:  anyways Welcome
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: cougarman on February 06, 2010, 07:37:52 AM
Will it rev in park ok? If not, I would check to see if the catalytic converters are clogged.:D
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: Bruce M on February 06, 2010, 07:56:46 AM
My car was doing the samething. Mine ended up being a bad EGR valve. I blocked it off because I had already replaced it once and didnt want to waste money on another. Now it runs great.
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: daminc on February 06, 2010, 08:22:54 AM
I would run the computer codes first

Welcome.
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: 50tbrd88 on February 06, 2010, 10:46:34 AM
Will it surge when you get it above idle or not rev up at all?  Is it a miss or more like running out of fuel?
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: 88turbo on February 06, 2010, 11:13:05 AM
not to hijack his thread but I have a problem where the car acts like its running out of fuel, new FPR and fuel pump.  car has me pretty baffled  87 TC
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: nick302 on February 06, 2010, 11:09:23 PM
no, it will rev up fine in park, it does have headers on it if it makes a diff, w/ no 02 sensors, but i doubt that would cause it, and on a side note, its at my dads 2 hours away so i cant just get out there and work on it unfortunatley, and thanx for the welcome, i don't have a check engine light on tho....and cougarman, lol no converters on it anymore :( lol

@50tbird 88 it feels like its running out of gas, because i can rev it in park w/ no miss, im going to cover the basics this w/end tho, im going to get a new fuel filter and see if that changes anything, then ill go from there, but any suggestions are welcome:)
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: cougarman on February 07, 2010, 05:33:01 AM
Quote from: nick302;309500
no, it will rev up fine in park, cougarman, lol no converters on it anymore :( lol
;)
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: mattg on February 07, 2010, 11:51:20 AM
Quote
it does have headers on it if it makes a diff, w/ no 02 sensors, but i doubt that would cause it,
 

i think the o2 sensors are an extremly important part of the SEFI system.  the computer needs communication from every input sensor in order to properly run the engine.  it's not like retro fitting an old school carbureted engine with aftermarket fuel injection....where you can choose not to use o2 sensors if you want.  don't the headers have a spot for the o2 sensors?    the following is an excellent website to read and understand fuel injection:  http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/

I would gather codes and add the o2's.  But that's just me,  though.  In the past year on this forum i've learned enough to do basic trouble shooting.  i am in no way an expert.....yet.  In fact it feels strange chiming with advice cause all i ever do here is ask questions.......
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: 88turbo on February 07, 2010, 12:40:44 PM
will a bad or no O2 cause the engine to die like its starving for fuel?
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: daminc on February 07, 2010, 01:24:59 PM
Codes.....
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: thunderjet302 on February 07, 2010, 11:15:56 PM
Quote from: daminc;309528
Codes.....


+1

If you don't have codes you're wasting money just throwing parts at the car....
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: daminc on February 07, 2010, 11:29:13 PM
here, look under the computer section on the left to check the codes.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.php (http://"http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.php")
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: nick302 on March 10, 2010, 11:20:15 PM
ok, sorry its been so long, finally got it here so i can work on it, and to my suprise, no codes...so im stumped
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: softtouch on March 11, 2010, 12:20:13 AM
Quote from: nick302;313601
ok, sorry its been so long, finally got it here so i can work on it, and to my suprise, no codes...so im stumped

Do you get code 11's indicating everything is OK?
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: nick302 on March 11, 2010, 07:47:36 AM
no codes, no code 11, none, it just says "no codes stored" after i turn the ignition off...
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: RoyLPita on March 11, 2010, 08:33:23 AM
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the site.
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: RoyLPita on March 11, 2010, 08:41:33 AM
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the site.

BTW, Are you near Pittsburgh?
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: softtouch on March 11, 2010, 02:26:39 PM
Quote from: nick302;313641
no codes, no code 11, none, it just says "no codes stored" after i turn the ignition off...

No code 11 is not good. It would mean the program in the EEC is not running.
When you turn the key on without starting the car the fuel pump should run for 1 or 2 seconds. If it runs continuously, that's another indication the EEC's program is not running.

I'm guessing a code scan tool gave the "no codes stored" message.

Try the other methods of pulling codes.
Use "therangerstation" link that daminic posted
In the computer section, EECIV diagnostics.
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: Beau on March 11, 2010, 02:53:37 PM
Quote from: nick302;313641
no codes, no code 11, none, it just says "no codes stored" after i turn the ignition off...

If you think it may be the eec, I have one from my '88 Sport I no longer use or need. If you want to borrow it to test, then pay shipping, and I'll send it to you. PM me if interested ;)
Title: nop
Post by: nick302 on March 14, 2010, 01:59:40 AM
i don't think i need it, i found my prob, im pushing 10-15PSI fuel pressure, im going to replace the pump and see if thats the prob :)
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 14, 2010, 11:51:42 AM
Did you check the fuel pressure regulator?
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: nick302 on March 18, 2010, 08:43:08 AM
no, i have about 40psi @ the rail tho, i put a new exhaust on it, all the way back, put a coil on it, and now it will sit and idle all day but as soon as i give it gas, it dies out, i think its throttle position sensor, im trying that today. i also replaced the IAC motor, do those need to be reset on our foxbirds?
Title: now what!?
Post by: nick302 on March 18, 2010, 05:52:25 PM
i went to take it off the lift at work, its 4 arms on the side, with the bump underneath, now it wont even get up that hill...it drove in and it will start shaking and die, any other ideas, no new codes
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: nick302 on March 18, 2010, 09:45:26 PM
well i found something out, the gauge i was using rest at 10 and i only had 30psi! is that enuff to run it well or no?
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 18, 2010, 10:21:28 PM
Are you checking it with the vac line on or off the regulator? It should be 39-40 psi with the vac line off the regulator @ idle.
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: nick302 on March 19, 2010, 12:02:26 AM
no,i am not, i was checking it with it on the aftermarket motorcraft check valve at the begging of the engine, so would that be part of my prolem then? thanx again, id love to see my tbird on the road here in a couple of days
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: Kitz Kat on March 19, 2010, 03:52:12 PM
One ? I have, how old is the gas in the tank?
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: softtouch on March 19, 2010, 04:25:52 PM
Read this thread and try pulling codes again. (ignore the last post #10 in the thread)
You may or may not have a working check engine light. If the CIL doesn't blink, use the meter or test light method.
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=8897&highlight=pull+codes
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: Kitz Kat on March 19, 2010, 04:41:13 PM
Quote from: softtouch;314966
Read this thread and try pulling codes again. (ignore the last post #10 in the thread)
You may or may not have a working check engine light. If the CIL doesn't blink, use the meter or test light method.
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=8897&highlight=pull+codes

I watched this thread, he doesn't have codes , no 11 no nothing. he has no o2 sensors, instant light on computer will run it's own thing. He either doesn't know how to read codes or I don't know. You have to have a code from the ecc without O2'S. The comp needs that.
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: softtouch on March 19, 2010, 10:17:11 PM
Quote from: Kitz Kat;314968
I watched this thread, he doesn't have codes , no 11 no nothing. he has no o2 sensors, instant light on computer will run it's own thing. He either doesn't know how to read codes or I don't know. You have to have a code from the ecc without O2'S. The comp needs that.

That's why I want him to try again on the codes. Maybe something is wrong with the code reader he was using.
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: daminc on March 19, 2010, 10:23:35 PM
if your still not getting a code 11  I would think you have a computer problem.
I had that happen once. no codes, but still wouldn't run and idle right. Mine ran great after the new computer and a new temp sensor
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 19, 2010, 10:33:28 PM
Quote from: Kitz Kat;314968
I watched this thread, he doesn't have codes , no 11 no nothing. he has no o2 sensors, instant light on computer will run it's own thing. He either doesn't know how to read codes or I don't know. You have to have a code from the ecc without O2'S. The comp needs that.


No O2 sensors? Yeah that's a big problem, a big one. If he bought the thing with the O2s removed then who the hell knows what other crazy things were done to the car....
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: nick302 on March 20, 2010, 11:48:24 AM
ok, i got a code 11, but if after i start it, hold it at 3 grand, you can hear the computer make adjustments and then it will run fine all day long...now im more confused then i was, and it is running fine without the o2 sensors...like i said, its now just when i start it up that it struggles to keep goin'
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: daminc on March 20, 2010, 12:01:28 PM
you can manually check your temp sensors and any others, with a meter to make sure they are in proper working range.
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 20, 2010, 03:53:04 PM
Quote from: nick302;315106
ok, i got a code 11, but if after i start it, hold it at 3 grand, you can hear the computer make adjustments and then it will run fine all day long...now im more confused then i was, and it is running fine without the o2 sensors...like i said, its now just when i start it up that it struggles to keep goin'


Without input from the O2 sensors the computer is in failure mode and will not run correctly. You need to get those O2s in ASAP. It's not optional. You will have problems getting the car to run right forever if you don't put the O2 sensors back in.
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: JAMEZILLA on March 21, 2010, 10:06:10 AM
Quote from: mattg;309520
i think the o2 sensors are an extremly important part of the sefi system.  The computer needs communication from every input sensor in order to properly run the engine.  It's not like retro fitting an old school carbureted engine with aftermarket fuel injection....where you can choose not to use o2 sensors if you want.  Don't the headers have a spot for the o2 sensors?    The following is an excellent website to read and understand fuel injection:  http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/

i would gather codes and add the o2's.  But that's just me,  though.  In the past year on this forum i've learned enough to do basic trouble shooting.  I am in no way an expert.....yet.  In fact it feels strange chiming with advice cause all i ever do here is ask questions.......


absolutely manditory=o2 sensors!
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on March 21, 2010, 10:11:32 AM
Welcome, are you in Pa.?

I agree with the guys on here, you really need the O2 sencers. I have an aftermarket exhaust without the cats but I do have the sencers, although my chl comes on and throws a code that says the o2 sensor on the the right bank isn't opening. Come to find out when the did my exhaust he didn't leave much room between the pipe and firewall where he put the bung and it crimped the wire.
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: 429fordmann on March 28, 2010, 06:19:49 PM
My 88 does the same no acceleration past 1/8 to 3/8 throttle , it barks spits backfires through the intake mine has the o2s ,completly stumped ready to pull all that  off and run a carb
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: daminc on March 28, 2010, 06:29:27 PM
Quote from: 429fordmann;316277
My 88 does the same no acceleration past 1/8 to 3/8 throttle , it barks spits backfires through the intake mine has the o2s ,completly stumped ready to pull all that  off and run a carb


that sounds like a TFI module
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: hypostang on March 28, 2010, 06:33:05 PM
Quote from: 429fordmann;316277
My 88 does the same no acceleration past 1/8 to 3/8 throttle , it barks spits backfires through the intake mine has the o2s ,completly stumped ready to pull all that  off and run a carb


 When My mark VII fuel pump failed it acted like that too , I'd check fuel pressure and have the TFI tested
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: nick302 on April 20, 2010, 11:38:39 PM
well i replaced pump, strainer, and filter, didnt drill for the 02's and it runs like a champ, thanx for you help guys, sorry it took so long to get back
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: sarjxxx on April 20, 2010, 11:43:03 PM
Quote from: Bruce M;309423
My car was doing the samething. Mine ended up being a bad EGR valve. I blocked it off because I had already replaced it once and didnt want to waste money on another. Now it runs great.

WAIT....THERES NO NEED FOR AN EGR??????????????:confused::confused::eek::eek:  ...since when?????? Mine ran like shpit without it
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: nick302 on April 20, 2010, 11:52:32 PM
lol its there, just blocked :)
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: Haystack on April 21, 2010, 01:55:37 AM
Mine is not functional, and I haven't missed it. still get 25+ mpg on the freeway anywhere from 55 to 80mph on the same day. The last tank I got over 400 miles to and averaged 25.8 mpg with almost 100 miles city.
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: sarjxxx on April 21, 2010, 10:59:43 AM
So how do you go about removing it? That will save me some headache when i go to put my headers on.
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: customcat85 on May 11, 2010, 07:08:35 PM
it sounds like your going to all the big stuff first, i would maybe try checking your 1. Spark plugs 2. TFI module 3. Fuel filter....my car was doin the same exact thing, i cleaned the EGR, changed out my plugs fuel filter and TFI...now she runs great, it could be just about anything, i dont know if thats what it is, but hey, its a suggestion
Title: hello, new guy
Post by: jandmmustangs on May 11, 2010, 07:53:14 PM
You still need the 02 sensors.  They are the tattletales of whats going on in your engine in reference to air/fuel ratios.