Problems with 2.3 staying running

C

Ciara99

New Member

Jul 28, 2009

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0

0

Jul 28, 2009

#1

• Jul 28, 2009

• #1

I am new to this forum since this is my first 2.3. Problem is that the car starts and idles. If you put it in gear it dies, also if you let it idle long enough it will start shaking, sputter, cough and die. It also spit out like black carbon out the tail pipe. I have replaced plugs, wires, dist cap, and pressure regulator. Another question is do you need a special wrench to tighten dist or just try to fit my hand down in there? Any help would be great. I bought the car like this and trying to fix it with out pouring money into randomly replacing parts. Thanks

 

rd

Founding Member

Jan 12, 2000

3,316

63

109

Ocean Springs MS

Jul 29, 2009

#2

• Jul 29, 2009

• #2

I would pull the codes before doing anything. The country boy jumper wire method and some careful counting will work in a pinch.

Based on the above, I replaced the MAP or baro sensor on my 89 2.3 a couple years ago and cured a similar problem.

 

Red_LX

I’m not much help unless you’re looking for ****!

Founding Member

Nov 29, 1999

5,896

73

129

Morgantown, WV...where couches meet their doom

Jul 30, 2009

#3

• Jul 30, 2009

• #3

What do you mean by "pressure regulator?"

And, the distributor bolt is hard to reach. You need a socket, universal joint, and then a long extension to reach it. Can't remember the size off the top of my head.

 

90mustangGT

I felt sorry for girls because

Founding Member

Jan 15, 2002

2,773

17

89

Dallas, GA

Jul 30, 2009

#4

• Jul 30, 2009

• #4

Slow IAC would be what I would look at first.

 

C

Ciara99

New Member

Jul 28, 2009

12

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0

Jul 30, 2009

#5

• Jul 30, 2009

• #5

I changed the fuel pressure regulator. It was bad and it at least starts everytime now just not for long. Also what and where is the IAC? I should have a code reader this weekend so I can pull some codes. Thanks for the help.

 

Red_LX

I’m not much help unless you’re looking for ****!

Founding Member

Nov 29, 1999

5,896

73

129

Morgantown, WV...where couches meet their doom

Jul 31, 2009

#6

• Jul 31, 2009

• #6

IAC is mounted to the back of the throttle body. Looks like a cylinder about 4" long or so and has some wires plugged into it.

Does it rev up ok?

 

C

Ciara99

New Member

Jul 28, 2009

12

0

0

Jul 31, 2009

#7

• Jul 31, 2009

• #7

When I start the car it idles fine and reves up, but after a minute or two it starting coughing and shaking then dies.

 

Dr_EluSivE

Founding Member

Apr 24, 2002

2,155

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56

Central Illinois

Aug 1, 2009

#8

• Aug 1, 2009

• #8

I would check the timing..

Dr.

 

C

Ciara99

New Member

Jul 28, 2009

12

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0

Aug 1, 2009

#9

• Aug 1, 2009

• #9

The timing is set correctly and I also changed the fuel filter. It still starts and runs for about 30 seconds then it acts like it just shuts off, like you turned off the key.

 

blakmustang93

New Member

May 24, 2005

2

0

2

Portland,Or

Aug 2, 2009

#10

• Aug 2, 2009

• #10

It might be the catylitic converter. I had a similar problem on mines until it completely plugged up and car wouldnt run at all check it out see if thats your issue

 

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Rcdriver45

New Member

Aug 2, 2009

19

0

0

Italy TX

Aug 3, 2009

#11

• Aug 3, 2009

• #11

mine only idles at 1250-1500 rpm any lower and it dies or if i put it in gear it dies why?

 

C

Ciara99

New Member

Jul 28, 2009

12

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0

Aug 5, 2009

#12

• Aug 5, 2009

• #12

How do I check to see if the cat convertor is plugged up?

 

R

Rcdriver45

New Member

Aug 2, 2009

19

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0

Italy TX

Aug 6, 2009

#13

• Aug 6, 2009

• #13

is that the problem?

 

blakmustang93

New Member

May 24, 2005

2

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2

Portland,Or

Aug 8, 2009

#14

• Aug 8, 2009

• #14

I thought mines was the cat. turns out its a couple hoses that are airlines that wore out along with some kind of piece that goes along the transmission... sorry i cant be much help cost me 75 at my mechanic to fix it car runs like a champ again.