Please help! Problems with '86 Cougar GS 5.0
Reply #1 –
Your ignition is more than likely fine. I can definitely say you didn't need to do plugs and wires with only 19k on it!
Wires MAYBE as rubber does corrode but some leakage isn't going to cause these symptoms.
Do a fuel filter as that's easy enough. Check fuel pressure. Take the vac line off the factory pressure regulator, plug that vac line so you don't have a vac leak while testing. Should be 40 psi. Just let it idle for this.
Check codes. You can do this with a paperclip and your check engine light. http://www.troublecodes.net/ford/ Get a clipboard and pencil, watch closely and make tally marks. This will help find a bad sensor/electrical component if the ECU is detecting it. Do this before you go taking things apart or having a repair shop start taking things apart. You don't want to just throw parts and money at it. Fortunately a lot of them are cheap if you shop around.
Certainly could have some bad fuel that plugged things up with that low of mileage. But you never know.
Also....talking about passing gear...read up on the TV / Kickdown cable adjustment and bushing. This is a stupid little plastic thing that can easily kill your transmission!!! Very easy to make right and monitor, but they have a tendency to disconnect. Pay close attention to the skinny pedal. It should have a slushy/slow feeling to it. It should not be super-easy to push down, as in a stick-shift car. If it is, your kickdown cable has fallen off the throttle arm and you need to shut the car down immediately and re-attach it. Or put the selector in "1" and limp the car home in 1st gear then fix it.