Any mechanic-types near Salem, OR?

Hey all,

I'm in Dallas and recently purchased a '93 2.3L LX notch. I got it CHEAP, but it does have problems running. I won't be ready to drop in a 5.0+ for another year, so my main goal right now is getting it running correctly and then concentrating on suspension/cosmetics.

Anyone familiar with these engines and willing to help out? I can't pay much, but I'll do what I can, and we always have beer/food at the house. My Dad is helping but can only do so much, he's restoring a '66 Mustang in the garage. We've pulled some codes, and it sounds like something to do with the fuel system, but we haven't been able to track down a fuel pressure test kit yet. Would rather borrow than buy right now. We're very unfamiliar with the engine and where everything is at, the Chilton's only helps so much...

Anyway, if there's anyone in the area that could maybe offer some expert advice, I would REALLY appreciate it. You can shoot me a PM here and I'll toss my phone number your way.

I posted the problems I'm experiencing in the 2.3L section and am hoping for some input, but just in case any of you local guys might have an idea or are willing to help...

On start up, the car has difficulty. It struggles to stay going, backfires occasionally, and tries to stall. Really have to massage the clutch/gas to keep it going. Once it is warmed up, however, it runs and sounds perfectly fine at higher RPMs, unless you give it too much gas - it'll start sputtering, bogging, etc...until it clears a thousand or so RPMs, and then it'll clean up and pull fine. Until the next shift, where the process is repeated. What do you think? We noticed some of the spark plugs appear loose, the air filter looks fine, we're not sure about the fuel filter... Maybe a clogged catalytic converter? Something else? The check engine light is on (!!!), so I'm planning on going somewhere and having them hook up a diagnostic and see what codes are being thrown.

We did that, these are the codes:

181: FUEL SYSTEM AT RICH ADAPTIVE LIMIT AT PART THROTTLE SYSTEM LEAN BANK 1.

186: INJECTOR PULSEWIDTH HIGHER THAN EXPECTED

222: LOSS OF IGNITION DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR SIGNAL RIGHT SIDE

556: FUEL PUMP RELAY PRIMARY CIRCUIT FAILURE

Any ideas? The guy we talked to suggested checking the 02 sensor and fuel pump relay. Also looking for any connections that are loose/broken/unattached.

Thanks for any help!


Thomas

Oh, definitely a reason I got it cheap. But it's a notch, which I love and wanted, and the body is straight as can be. Perfect project car. I just want to get it running better for my commute until I can pull the engine and put something real in there.

I did clear the codes, drove it, the same ones popped up again.

I'll check the injectors and get back to you about that, Repostyle, I appreciate the offer.

Any idea on where the fuel relay is at? I told Shuck's I needed a new one and they handed me a $7 "accessory relay." Not sure if that's the same thing, or even where it goes. Four different people have told me four different things. I'm waiting on the Ford Service Manual I ordered to get here, the Chilton's is not so helpful.

Figure today I'll check the spark plugs, and I'd like to see how clogged, if at all, the cats are. The belts and fluids all appear fine. There's some white gunk on the MAF connections, not sure if that's causing a problem or not. Unplugging it and running the vehicle causes no change in the problems, though. So I guess that answers that.

Thanks folks.


Thomas