question for you 2.3 guys.

[82CapriRS]

my uncle has an 85 2.3 non turbo mustang. apparently it has been running fine (88k miles) an then it just started actin up. if you start the car, you have to give it gas otherwise it will stall..an if you try to put it in gear it immediately stalls. its an automatic an the motor shakes violently at idle and the higher the revs it seems like it smooths out. did it jump timing? im used to workin on 5.0's so any help would be great guys. thanks!

 

[Red_LX]

Hmmm...

What RPM does it idle at?

Check the timing, and check all the ignition components.

An '85 has the electronic feedback carb on it doesn't it....I don't know much about those.

 

[82CapriRS]

it wont idle unless you have foot on gas, so whatever rpm you make it idle at. seemed to me that it jumped timing. and i believe it does have the electric feedback carb...wierd.

 

[Red_LX]

Yeah, check the timing first. Make sure the belt is tight.

Out of curiosity, does it have electronic ignition, i.e. does it have a TFI module? Could be another culprit.

And, may be worth it to check out the TPS and make sure it's working alright.

 

[82CapriRS]

pretty sure it has tfi, not positive. have looked at it once as he doesnt know much about cars. as for the tps im not sure where its located or if it has one. any idea where it would be?

 

[Boost-Gobbler]

sounds like a map sensor to me, swap you your map sensor with anoghter stang and see what heppends. i had the same problem once.

 

[82CapriRS]

thanks boost gobbler

 

[Red_LX]

The TPS should be on the carburetor...otherwise I dunno.

 

[Red]

don't think the feedback carbs have a map sensor. they do have the TFI ign though. check the hoses for old/rotten hoses, there's a damn million of them under the hood.

 

[ethangsmith]

My 86 Capri had that same system. TPS is located on the front of the carburetor. MAP sensor is located behind the coolant overflow bottle. It does have TFI ignition. First thing is to check ignition and camshaft timing. If that checks out ok, run codes on it. Your standard EEC IV tester works on it. To me, it sounds almost like the idle motor is bad (on rear of carb), or there is a sensor issue. Also could be the fuel control solenoid is stuck. That is the unit attached to the fuel bowl and has a 2 wire connector. They are still available new through NAPA.