• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

I cant figure out my problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jimbo_53563
  • Start date Start date Apr 6, 2004
J

Jimbo_53563

New Member
Jun 21, 2003
18
0
0
Milton, WI
Apr 6, 2004
#1
  • Apr 6, 2004
  • #1
Hey guys im having a problem with my car.

About a month ago I had my 4:10s installed, and for a while it ran awesome. and all of a sudden the car lost power. Whenever I get on the gas and the rpms seem to not wanna go (once it gets to around 2000 and up it just takes a crap), and the car will shake and shudder under WOT. It does it a little when under normal acceleration. It just feels like I put the stock gears back in (Wont even chirp the tires off the line). I repplaced the plugs, and checked the wires, cap and rotor. Everthing looked good but still no fix.

Could this be gear related or fuel related? Im asking this because the gears whine a little. Im getting a little upset with the car (my whole family tells me I should sell it. I love driving it and would love to keep it for a long time)

Any info would be appreciated.
 
9

9150ho

New Member
Mar 20, 2004
83
0
0
Apr 6, 2004
#2
  • Apr 6, 2004
  • #2
not the gears, i dont think the gears should whine if properly installed. but yeah, your problem is elsewhere.
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Apr 6, 2004
#3
  • Apr 6, 2004
  • #3
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
 

dastang2

Active Member
Dec 11, 2003
2,020
0
46
tx
Apr 6, 2004
#4
  • Apr 6, 2004
  • #4
are you having blowby maybe you dogged the hell out of it after the gear install and then ruined your rings. i heard about some gear companies that make gears that don't run quietly. check you air and fuel filter if you haven't already, that should be the first thing on the list to check when a problem like this happens.
 

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end
15 Year Member
Nov 11, 2003
6,945
1,598
223
Northern KY
Apr 6, 2004
#5
  • Apr 6, 2004
  • #5
I had an '88 that had a similar loss in power like you talk about, but mine was actually the Headers unbolting....you havent recently installed headers have you? Mine had loosened to the point of nearly every bolt being finger tight, and the car just ran like garbage and had no balls after about 2500rpm. Other than that, i had a similar problem when my 'stupid' @ss forgot to plug a spark plug back on after tightening a header bolt....smoke and 4 banger type power was the result.


Either way, dont give up man....just keep on truckin.

Owning a Mustang = Working on a Mustang
 
J

Jimbo_53563

New Member
Jun 21, 2003
18
0
0
Milton, WI
Apr 6, 2004
#6
  • Apr 6, 2004
  • #6
Im gonna check some of the things you said and ill get back to you guys wether its fixed (my fingers are crossed that its an easy fix)

Jimbo
 
J

Jimbo_53563

New Member
Jun 21, 2003
18
0
0
Milton, WI
Apr 11, 2004
#7
  • Apr 11, 2004
  • #7
here a quick update on whats been done so far
-new plugs (Bosch platinum +2)
-new plug wires (motor craft)
-checked dist cap and rotor and cleaned of the tips
-new fuel filter

it smoothed out a little, and it misses at higher rpms a little (seems to start around 4k, Also it has no balls. I set the timing back to 10 and checked for codes (got nothing),

Im getting confused on whats wrong. anybody have suggestions on what to try

And Happy Easter everybody

Jimbo
 

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end
15 Year Member
Nov 11, 2003
6,945
1,598
223
Northern KY
Apr 11, 2004
#8
  • Apr 11, 2004
  • #8
I wouldnt be surprised if your miss at higher RPM is from those plugs....platinum plugs blow, so i'm sorry you paid what you paid for them. I'd go out and buy some stock replacements or some Autolites. Have you done a compression test yet? Your motor may have just seen better days and has given up the good fight...
 

ALMOSTFINISHED

Member
Jan 8, 2004
315
0
17
Westchester County NY
Apr 11, 2004
#9
  • Apr 11, 2004
  • #9
power

check your fuel filter. it may be clogged. also do you have cats on your car?
 
8

86/92stang

Founding Member
Aug 18, 2002
159
0
0
Charlotte
Apr 11, 2004
#10
  • Apr 11, 2004
  • #10
I wouldnt use those plugs. Ive seen nothing but problems with platinums, mostly on forced induction though. Also try to clean the maf had a car down 40 rwhp from a dirty maf. It was extremely dirty though it had been in a body shop for quite a while
 
J

Jimbo_53563

New Member
Jun 21, 2003
18
0
0
Milton, WI
Apr 12, 2004
#11
  • Apr 12, 2004
  • #11
Hey all thanks for all the info

Let me answer some of your questions. for exhaust I have O/R,H pipe with no cats (dont know the brand), Delta Flow Series 10 Mufflers, BBK non-fenderwall cold air intake.

Im gonna cut my losses and buy the motorcraft plugs and put them in next weekend (I just kicked myself for not buying them to begin with because the motor is stock).

I also have a couple of friends in school at blackhawk tech to become mechanincs and they got permission to hook up my car to their expensive diagnotic machine and help find out whats wrong.

I wont have anyinfo until next weekend, but when I get it done. I'll let you guys know what the problem was.

Jimbo
 

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end
15 Year Member
Nov 11, 2003
6,945
1,598
223
Northern KY
Apr 12, 2004
#12
  • Apr 12, 2004
  • #12
Jimbo_53563 said:
Hey all thanks for all the info

Let me answer some of your questions. for exhaust I have O/R,H pipe with no cats (dont know the brand), Delta Flow Series 10 Mufflers, BBK non-fenderwall cold air intake.

Im gonna cut my losses and buy the motorcraft plugs and put them in next weekend (I just kicked myself for not buying them to begin with because the motor is stock).

I also have a couple of friends in school at blackhawk tech to become mechanincs and they got permission to hook up my car to their expensive diagnotic machine and help find out whats wrong.

I wont have anyinfo until next weekend, but when I get it done. I'll let you guys know what the problem was.

Jimbo
Click to expand...


LOL dont feel bad about those plugs, i too am a recovering victom of the Platinums...the whole idea seems so good, but you just cant beat plain old copper when it comes to conducting, untill someone comes up with a Gold plug....but it'd be like 100 bucks each.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
idles perfect then jolts and cuts out when put into Reverse or Drive.
  • shanesstangs
  • Mar 12, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
212
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Apr 27, 2026
General karthief
Engine 1990 LX 5.0L EFI Mustang Fuel Management Problems - HELP!
  • 5.0LXStanger
  • May 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
45
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 11, 2025
5.0LXStanger
8
Engine Rough idle and aggressive sputtering when accelerating
  • 88vertible
  • Aug 13, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 13, 2025
Jarhead67
J
K
Intense Shaking problem
  • KP_NewEdge
  • Jun 11, 2025
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
1
Views
279
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Jun 11, 2025
gkomo
3
Eight inches is enough for me...
  • 351MooseStang
  • Nov 27, 2025
  • 1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech
Replies
5
Views
534
1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech Mar 2, 2026
Bullitt347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?