17 Year Old Spark Plugs, Wires, Cap & Rotor?????????????????

Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…Codes may be present in the computer even if the Check Engine light isn’t on.

Here's the link to dump the computer codes with only a jumper wire or paper clip and the check engine light, or test light or voltmeter. I’ve used it for years, and it works great.
See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
OR
See http://www.mustangworks.com/articles/electronics/eec-iv_codes.html





IF your car is an 86-88 stang, you'll have to use the test lamp or voltmeter method. There is no functional check engine light on the 86-88's except possibly the Cali Mass Air cars.

Codes have different answers if the engine is running from the answers that it has when the engine isn't running. It helps a lot to know if you had the engine running when you ran the test.

Trouble codes are either 2 digit or 3 digit, there are no cars that use both 2 digit codes and 3 digit codes.

For those who are intimidated by all the wires & connections, see http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153 for what a typical hand scanner looks like. Normal retail price is less than $30 or so at AutoZone or Wal-Mart.

Or for a nicer scanner see http://www.midwayautosupply.com/p-7208-equus-digital-ford-code-reader-3145.aspx– It has a 3 digit LCD display so that you don’t have to count flashes or beeps.. Cost is $30.

The answer to your stalling problems may be found in the "Help me create the Surging Idle Checklist" at http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=534062
The first 2 posts contains all the updates to the fixes. I continue to update it as more people post fixes or ask questions.

ARMAGEDON said:

Hey Everyone,

I bought a '93 5.0 LX Vert. with 20,622 origional miles.

It normally stalls at first start up. There is no bottom end power and under much acceleration it pops and has no power.

I did a mini-tune yesturday and found that the plugs, wires, cap and rotor were all origional (17 years old). I haven't taken it for a ride yet as I still have to cannect all the plug wires. I changed the air filter, bumped the timing to 12 and will clean the MAS filamnet and change the fuel filter.

Anyone have any other ideas.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

that car is CLEAN

You have TWO titanium Foxes No fair! SO clean!

Sounds like you covered the basics...i might consider the following: Run some fuel system cleaner through it for the injectors, fuel pump, regulator, and lines. Maybe pull the O2 sensors and clean them. Check TPS voltage and then maybe clean the IAC, EGR valve, and throttle body to remove any carbon build up. All these things are free, quick, and easy. They might not make a huge difference but might make the car run smoother and get better gas mileage. good luck....the car looks sick

Nice looking cars, I was in a simular situation as you then i did a simple tune up and was amazed at the differnce. Good luck with the new toy!

Damn if you still have the origninal parts (wires, cap, etc) I would throw them in a box and stick them on the garage shelf, you never know, that could make the deal when you decide to sell later on for someone that wants an ORIGINAL low mileage car like yours!!

When I bought my vert in 2004 I did a tune up just because I wanted to do something to it and found origional wires cap and rotor and plugs with 99k on them. The owner I bought it from was the first owner and he had every single service receipt for it and he said he never had it tuned up because it always ran good. I could not beleive it. The plugs had about a 70 thousands gap too. I actually am still running the stock wires. They ohmed out fine.

Can we get some more pics?