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  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

rough idle, wont start when warm

  • Thread starter Thread starter iamjoe16
  • Start date Start date Sep 10, 2005
I

iamjoe16

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Feb 1, 2004
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Sep 10, 2005
#1
  • Sep 10, 2005
  • #1
I have found a similar post to this, but his car was injected. i am running a carbed/no emitions 5.0. I am having issues with the idle, it runs rough below 2k rpms, and if i tune the carb down at all to slow the idle, it dies. After trying to tune this it died so i went to start it. It would turn and almost start but just couldn't do it. what could cause this, i ahve new plugs, wires, and cap and rotor. could this be the ignition module?
 

curtisimo81

New Member
Jun 3, 2005
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pensacola,fl
Sep 10, 2005
#2
  • Sep 10, 2005
  • #2
your timing could be off a lil bit. It could cause these problems.
 
I

iamjoe16

New Member
Feb 1, 2004
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Sep 13, 2005
#3
  • Sep 13, 2005
  • #3
so i fixed the timing and it didnt get any better. I did a compression test and im getting about 25lbs om 3, 4, 7, and 8. What could be causing this? I'm also getting a lot of valvtrain noise.
 

Moffa

New Member
Apr 5, 2005
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Sep 13, 2005
#4
  • Sep 13, 2005
  • #4
What kinda noise pinging/knocking?
 
I

iamjoe16

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Feb 1, 2004
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Sep 14, 2005
#5
  • Sep 14, 2005
  • #5
it sounds like its missing really bad, there is unburned fuel coming out of the exaust. it sounds like the rockers are knocking bad. it had hardly any power. it's driving me nutz cus i just rebuilt the top end like 5 months ago. O and there is no blue smoke so it cant be the rings right?
 

srothfuss

Last night I stabbed the same guy 7 times in a row
Oct 17, 2004
1,796
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Woodward Ave.
Sep 14, 2005
#6
  • Sep 14, 2005
  • #6
Unburnt gas... Did you cross your injector harnesses?
 

jrichker

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Sep 14, 2005
#7
  • Sep 14, 2005
  • #7
I recommend that you dump the codes to spot potential problems such as bad ECT or ACT sensors

Here's the link to dump the computer codes with only a jumper wire or paper clip and the check engine light, or test light or voltmeter. I’ve used it for years, and it works great.

See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
OR
See http://www.mustangworks.com/articles/electronics/eec-iv_codes.html

IF your car is an 86-88 stang, you'll have to use the test lamp or voltmeter method. There is no functional check engine light on the 86-88's except possibly the Cali Mass Air cars.

Codes have different answers if the engine is running from the answers that it has when the engine isn't running. It helps a lot to know if you had the engine running when you ran the test.

Trouble codes are either 2 digit or 3 digit, there are no cars that use both 2 digit codes and 3 digit codes.

For those who are intimidated by all the wires & connections, see http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153 for what a typical hand scanner looks like. Normal retail price is about $30 or so at AutoZone or Walmart.

Or for a nicer scanner see http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?3829 – It has a 3 digit LCD display so that you don’t have to count flashes or beeps.. Cost is $35.

Cranks OK, but No Start Checklist for Fuel Injected Mustangs

1.) Remove push on connector from starter solenoid and turn ignition switch on. Place car in neutral or Park. Remove coil wire from distributor & and hold 3/8” away from engine block. Jumper the screw to the big bolt on the starter solenoid that has the battery wire connected to it. You should get a nice fat blue spark.
Most of the items are electrical in nature, so a test light, or even better, a voltmeter, is helpful to be sure they have power to them.
No spark, possible failed items in order of their probability:
A.) MSD or Crane ignition box if so equipped
B.) Coil
C.) TFI module
D.) PIP sensor in distributor
E.) ECC relay next to computer - look for 12 volts at the fuel injector red wires
F.) Fuse links in wiring harness - look for 12 volts at the fuel injector red wires. All the fuse links live in a bundle up near the starter solenoid.
G.) Ignition switch - look for 12 volts at the ignition coil red/lt green wire.
H.) Computer

See the following links for wiring diagrams...

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/16/71/3c/0900823d8016713c.jsp for 79-88 model cars

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/19/59/5a/0900823d8019595a.jsp for 89-93 model cars

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/1d/db/3c/0900823d801ddb3c.jsp for 94-98 model cars


2.) Spark at coil wire, pull #1 plug wire off at the spark plug and check to see spark. No spark, possible failed items in order of their probability:
A.) Moisture inside distributor – remove cap, dry off & spray with WD40
B.) Distributor cap
C.) Rotor
D.) Spark Plug wires
E.) Coil weak or intermittent - you should see 3/8" fat blue spark with a good coil

3.) Spark at spark plug, but no start.
Next, get a can of starting fluid (ether) from your local auto parts store: costs a $1.30 or so. Then pull the air duct off at the throttle body elbow, open the throttle, and spray the ether in it. Reconnect the air duct and try to start the car. Do not try to start the car without reconnecting the air duct.
Two reasons:
1.) If it backfires, the chance for a serious fire is increased.
2.) On Mass Air cars, the computer needs to measure the MAF flow once the engine starts.
If it starts then, you have a fuel management issue. Continue the checklist with emphasis of fuel related items that follow. If it doesn’t, then it is a computer or timing issue: see Step 4.

Clue – listen for the fuel pump to prime when you first turn the ignition switch on. It should run for 5-20 seconds and shut off. To trick the fuel pump into running, find the ECC test connector and jump the connector in the lower RH corner to ground. See http://www.mustangworks.com/article...c-iv_codes.html for a description of the test connector. If the relay & inertia switch are OK, you will have power to the pump. Check fuel pressure – remove the cap from the schrader valve behind the alternator and depress the core. Fuel should squirt out, catch it in a rag. Beware of fire hazard when you do this. In pinch you can use a tire pressure gauge to measure the fuel pressure. It may not be completely accurate, but you will have some clue as to how much pressure you have.

No fuel pressure, possible failed items in order of their probability:
A.) Tripped inertia switch – Coupe & hatch cars hide it under the plastic trim covering the driver's side taillight. Use the voltmeter or test light to make sure you have power to both sides of the switch
B.) Fuel pump power relay – located under the driver’s seat in most stangs built before 92. On 92 and later model cars it is located below the Mass Air Flow meter. Look for 12 volts at the Pink/Black wire on the fuel pump relay.
C.) Clogged fuel filter
D.) Failed fuel pump
E.) Blown fuse link in wiring harness. Look for 12 volts at the Orange/Lt Blue wire on the fuel pump relay. The fuse links live in the wiring harness near the starter solenoid.
F.) Fuel pressure regulator failed. Remove vacuum line from regulator and inspect for fuel escaping while pump is running.

Fuel pressure OK, the injectors are not firing.

A.) A Noid light available from Autozone, is one way to test the injector wiring.
B.) I like to use an old injector with compressed air applied to the injector where the fuel rail would normally connect. I hook the whole thing up, apply compressed air to the injector and stick it in a paper cup of soapy water. When the engine cranks with the ignition switch on, if the injector fires, it makes bubbles. Cheap if you have the stuff laying around, and works good too.

a.) Pull an injector wire connector off and look for 12 volts on the red wire when the ignition switch is on.
b.) No power, then look for problems with the 10 pin connecter (salt & pepper shakers at the rear of the upper manifold).
c.) No power and the 10 pin connections are good: look for broken wiring between the orange/black wire on the ECC relay and the red wire for the 10 pin connectors.


4.) Spark & fuel pressure OK.

A.) Failed IAB (no airflow to start engine). Press the throttle ¼ way down and try to start the car.
B.) Failed computer (not very likely)
C.) Engine ignition or cam timing off: only likely if the engine has been worked on recently).
D.) Firing order off: HO & 351 use a different firing order from the non HO engines.
HO & 351W 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Non HO 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
E.) No start when hot - Press the throttle to the floor & try starting it if you get this far. If it starts, replace the ECT.
 
I

iamjoe16

New Member
Feb 1, 2004
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Sep 14, 2005
#8
  • Sep 14, 2005
  • #8
my car is carbed
 
I

iamjoe16

New Member
Feb 1, 2004
13
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Sep 14, 2005
#9
  • Sep 14, 2005
  • #9
i did recently rebuilt the top end about 5 months ago, so i am completely lost, any chance for it being the module?
 

jrichker

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Sep 15, 2005
#10
  • Sep 15, 2005
  • #10
iamjoe16 said:
my car is carbed
Click to expand...
That's why it is a good idea to use the sig under the user control panel (User CP) option. It allows you to post your car year & mods, which help greatly when troubleshooting things. No, it is not there for us to snoop and see any "Secrets" you have hidden away under the hood. Be a good stangnetter and update you sig for future reference & don't keep us guessing.
 
I

iamjoe16

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Feb 1, 2004
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Sep 15, 2005
#11
  • Sep 15, 2005
  • #11
ya thats why i just updated it, sorry for not doing it sooner. if anyone has any ideas or has experienced this it would help me a tun, this car is driving me crazy
 

CoupedUp

Banned
Aug 26, 2005
260
0
0
Gone Fishing
Sep 15, 2005
#12
  • Sep 15, 2005
  • #12
iamjoe16 said:
I have found a similar post to this, but his car was injected. i am running a carbed/no emitions 5.0 .....
Click to expand...

srothfuss said:
Unburnt gas... Did you cross your injector harnesses?
Click to expand...

No, no, I don't think that's it
 
I

iamjoe16

New Member
Feb 1, 2004
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Sep 15, 2005
#13
  • Sep 15, 2005
  • #13
For all who are as curious as i am.... i took it to a shop and it turns out my cam shaft snapped. which would explain the rear four cylinders no longer firing..... Because i am moving i need to unload this car asap. If anyone wants it $1000 and its yours
 
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