Pulling my hair out after stumbles

[GT_y2k]

THe problem I am having is a loss of power, hesitation, stumbling/misfiring between the idle speed and 3500 rpm's. was at first a hesitation intermittantly but now is nearly all the time if i try to drive it.

87 2.3 n/a manual.

steps taken so far include: new wires,plugs,cap,rotor,fuel pump and ignition control module(had tested and showed need for replacement). The posts i have read on here thus far have had similar problems but no clear answers. Showing no codes that i know of. Suggestions? i have narrowed it down to the mass-air or the MAP sensor. just my thoughts. help would be great!

 

[SVOconvLX85]

Well...87 N/A cars didn't have mass air, they were speed density. Did you run it for codes? Did you happen to use all motorcraft tune-up accessories? Try not to use any of that bosch platinum crap. Change the fuel filter and check timing. Also, check into the regulator by checking the fuel pressure on a gauge after you shut the car off. It should not leak down fast...if so, then it ould be a ruptured diaphragm. I just covered the basic investigation stuff. I am having problems with my car too so I hop you at least figure yours out.

 

[GT_y2k]

Ha. agreeded about the bosch. but yes i have changed the fuel filter, it is getting fuel pressure. as far as codes shouldn't the check engine light come on when it throws a code? I feel like such a noob with these fox 2.3's

 

[white1989]

Couple things:

This happens when the engine is hot or cold?

02 sensor - when was it last replaced?

Code sensor for these fords is real cheap. You can easily pick up one off ebay for $20 or less...

 

[GT_y2k]

well it started happening when it was nearly warmed up now it does it at anytime while running. As far as O2 sensor. records don't show replacement. There is no smell of lean or rich coming out the tailpipe though. just ordered a reader thanks for the insight on that crazy thing called ebay. appriciate all your questions and recommendations

 

[white1989]

Whilst on ebay you may want to look for a replacement 02. I experienced the same issue, and the 02 sensor was still somewhat alive, but was giving incorrect readings. Swappin g out the bugger made driving pleasurable again...

 

[GT_y2k]

well after all the troubleshooting i should have just looked at the most basic thing. the cat being plugged. It was still running fine at idle speed so i disregarded the cat as the problem. It had fused a majority of the "honeycombs" in the first cat solid. I busted the guts out and guess what! runs like a champ again. another example of not checking all your bases because you think you know its not something. oh don't need to worry about replacing anything ignition wise for a while .. thanks for your comments!