Noob to the 2.3 crowd, have a ?

[Tim2002GT]

I recently bought a 1992 2.3l auto mustang. It is a work in progress! First off, the car will barely accelarate. I was told that it could be a clogged cat. Well, I found a piece of straight pipe and put that on there and the problem still exists. I am thinking the timing is off. Maybe it needs a new timing belt Any suggestions are appreciated!

thanks,
Tim

edit: also, the tach isn't working. it stays on zero all the time.

 

[Red_LX]

Not entirely sure about the tach, but you might try replacing the TFI...

What does it do/sound like when it's barely accelerating?

 

[Tim2002GT]

The car will not accelerate past 20 mph. With a load on the engine, it has very little power.

 

[GT40 2]

Is it running rough?

 

[Red_LX]

The car will not accelerate past 20 mph. With a load on the engine, it has very little power.

Well yes...and again, what is it doing? Is it running rough, stumbling, sound like it's cutting out, what?

edit: I just saw that your car is DIS so it doesn't have a TFI.

 

[Tim2002GT]

It idles really rough, but once the rpms are brought up above around 1800 rpm it smoothes out a little. Once in gear, the motor idles rough and it doesn't sound like it is cutting out. I can put it to the floor and the car still will not accelerate. Sorry about the vague description, but it is hard to describe!

A friend suggested maybe the rings were bad and it doesn't have enough compression to accelerate the car. I don't necessarily agree with him since the car doesn't smoke at all.

 

[vristang]

Verify all the timing is correct...

Sounds like when my belt slipped a few years ago...

LUK

 

[Red_LX]

Sounds like very similar symptoms to the bad TFI on my old car...

Have you done a basic tuneup? There's a chance one of your coilpacks could be going out.

Honestly I don't know much about the DIS engines (never owned one), maybe somebody that does will chime in.

 

[Tim2002GT]

I checked all the plugs and they looked fine. The previous owner said they haven't drove the car in a while. So it definately needs a full tune up!

 

[Red_LX]

I'd say do that first and foremost. I've had a lot of driveability problems caused by something simple like plug wires.

Are you getting a check engine light or anything?

 

[Tim2002GT]

I'd say do that first and foremost. I've had a lot of driveability problems caused by something simple like plug wires.

Are you getting a check engine light or anything?

First off, I appreciate everyones help! Alot of forums are so dead, it takes days before anybody responds. TGF:SNSign:!

Yes, there is a CEL on.

I'm thinking abou talking my Dad into selling me his mini-stock motor! It's a carbed 2.3 with a radical cam and alot of headwork! Probably not very streetable!

 

[Red_LX]

Well, we try...not fast enough for some people though

If you have a CEL, run the codes! That will be a good starting point.

And yeah you may not like that ministock motor on the street

 

[Tim2002GT]

Update: Today I replaced the Ignition Control Module and now the car runs great! $130 part, but it fixed my problem. Thanks for all the help!