car runs like crap....help!!!

[solfast]

'88 5.0L with speed density

runs great when warmed up, but when cold it sputters and misses. even after a warm start-up it does the same thing. runs fine after about 3 minutes but seems to run rich. if i throw the hammer down, i get a big puff of black smoke out the back and it sounds like a can of rocks under the hood. i think i have checked everything, but still doing the same thing. any ideas on what to check or has anyone had any of these problems?

thanks i advance...brian

 

[66 Tiger]

Have you checked the timing? That could be the culprit.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Set timing to 10 degrees and then check the engine codes (there is no check engine light on speed density cars)

I bet your car is tossing out codes for the O2 sensors or/and the ECT sensor. A good cleanng of the EGR wouldn't hurt either.

 

[9150ho]

is the vacuum line connected to your map? this vacuum line came off of my buddies speed density and caused it to run real rich and smoke.

 

[solfast]

all very good points and i will check them asap. i just hope this doesn't turn into one of those things where i have to start throwing parts at it to see what fixes the problems. i'll keep you posted.

brian

 

[jrichker]

Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…

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.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html for more descriptive help
OR
See http://www.mustangworks.com/articles/electronics/eec-iv_codes.html

 

[Mizark347]

My friend has the same exact problem with his 87. Im gonna check a couple things on it and i'll keep ya posted. Please do the same if you figure it out.

 

[HaggardGT]

Make that 2 of us - my car did that before it had any of the internal work done, and most of that was done by a friend of mine so I don't know how he fixed it.