• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

perplexing engine problem, need help

  • Thread starter Thread starter cardude
  • Start date Start date Jun 19, 2008

cardude

Founding Member
Apr 20, 2000
221
0
0
Portland, OR
Jun 19, 2008
#1
  • Jun 19, 2008
  • #1
This may be kind of long but it has at least 4 people scratching thier heads trying to figure it out, so I thought I would ask people in this forum.

about a month ago I got some bad gas that had water in it, or someone put something in my tank, dont know. The engine ran strong before that time. The problem was that it sputters and dies at low RPMs sounds like its bogging out.

I first adjusted the carb and even switched them to see if it was a carb issues but the same results, changed all the fuel filters with same results, changed plugs / cap / rotor / and put in XR-i points module same results. I found that when pulling the plugs out, ALL of the plugs had oil on them crom the seat to the end of the threads with a a little dried / burned on the outside edge. I checked leaks outside and the engine is clean.

I am not getting smoke out the pipes, the oil level is not low, and there is no oil in the water. I have not done a compression test yet (dont have the compression guage). There is less than 2K on the whole engine and less than 500 miles on the heads.

Any thoughts before I rip it out and stuff some dynomite in the intake!!
 

HookandLadder

Founding Member
Feb 17, 2001
261
0
17
St Louis
Jun 19, 2008
#2
  • Jun 19, 2008
  • #2
What's the fuel pressure at? Constant?
 

cardude

Founding Member
Apr 20, 2000
221
0
0
Portland, OR
Jun 19, 2008
#3
  • Jun 19, 2008
  • #3
Yes Pressure is constant, and I did a full flush of tank and lines after the gas problem. Verified it was running clean. I could understand one or two plugs getting oily if I had ring failure or valve guide problems, but all 8.....
 
1

10secgoal

Active Member
Dec 1, 2003
2,801
3
49
San Diego
Jun 19, 2008
#4
  • Jun 19, 2008
  • #4
I think it's coincidental that it happened the way it did. I'd step back at look at other things like vacuum leaks or other possible problems it could be. Rather than limit your thinking to just the fuel system. If I'm right, you could chase your tail for a very long time. Ask me how I know.
 
Reactions: 2Blue2

voipguy

Member
Mar 31, 2005
0
0
6
Chandler, AZ
Jun 19, 2008
#5
  • Jun 19, 2008
  • #5
I know you changed points, cap, rotor. Have you changed out the distributor???
 

cardude

Founding Member
Apr 20, 2000
221
0
0
Portland, OR
Jun 19, 2008
#6
  • Jun 19, 2008
  • #6
got a compression guage from friend at work so I will try that, and will check vacuum / leaks. I did not change distributor, I dont have a spare of any kind or anyone close that would have a ford distrib to borrow.... Will check around to see if I can find someone to borrow from. I think the pressure test will tell me if I have a bigger problem on my hands
 

Hardtop68

Founding Member
Aug 23, 1999
193
1
16
Wherever they need me
Jun 20, 2008
#7
  • Jun 20, 2008
  • #7
coil?
 
Reactions: 2Blue2

69gmachine

Member
Dec 2, 2004
576
2
19
Southern Maryland
Jun 21, 2008
#8
  • Jun 21, 2008
  • #8
If you've got oil on the plugs you may be sucking oil in through the PCV hose. Put fresh plugs in, pull the hose off of the PCV valve and cap it, then run it again. You may need to replace the PCV valve.
 
Reactions: 2Blue2
D

D.Hearne

New Member
Sep 29, 2000
11,730
6
0
south louisiana
Jun 22, 2008
#9
  • Jun 22, 2008
  • #9
Ditto on the oil from the PCV, especially if your valve covers have no baffles.
 

StangDreamin'

Founding Member
Aug 10, 2002
583
0
16
2nd Ocotillo bush east of the Colorado River; Sout
Jun 22, 2008
#10
  • Jun 22, 2008
  • #10
Auto trans or stick shift?
 

MrPerfect2

5 Year Member
Jul 23, 2019
308
54
48
Washington DC
Sep 13, 2019
#11
  • Sep 13, 2019
  • #11
What type of spark plugs you running - are they too cool of a range? Try some copper champs ?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
'04 3.8L V6 mineral deposits and oil on #3 cylinder. Does it need a rebuild or something simpler?
  • joeybuddy96
  • Mar 18, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
188
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Mar 18, 2026
joeybuddy96
J
B
Engine Another no start after washing engine bay
  • bruno
  • Apr 26, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
24
Views
482
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 7, 2026
AeroCoupe
Electrical Issues with my 2006 mustang gt
  • VerneVdV
  • May 22, 2026
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech
Replies
0
Views
30
2005 - 2009 Specific Tech May 22, 2026
VerneVdV
J
can you use the heads off a H O 302 to put on a regular 302 engine
  • Jan H
  • Feb 25, 2026
  • Other Auto Tech
Replies
6
Views
260
Other Auto Tech May 17, 2026
nickyb
J
Emission problems
  • jls.zmmr
  • Feb 5, 2026
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
2
Views
205
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Feb 7, 2026
AeroCoupe
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific 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?