Set the fuel pressure. Most large auto parts stores will rent/loan you a fuel pressure test gauge.
Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…Codes may be present in the computer even if the Check Engine light isn’t on.
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. You watch the flashing test lamp or Check Engine Light and count the flashes.
See
http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
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.
89 through 95 cars have a working Check Engine light. Watch it instead of using a test lamp.
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 Wal-Mart.
Or for a nicer scanner see
http://www.midwayautosupply.com/pc-7208-90-equus-digital-ford-code-reader-3145.aspx – It has a 3 digit LCD display so that you don’t have to count flashes or beeps.. Cost is $30.
hey guys got a question if anybody can help. i've got a 347 (check sig) well pretty much my engine has about 2500k miles since the engine rebuild w/ stroker kit. i kniow it has been running rich it smells pretty gassy and it's only getting maybe 9-10 mpg. plus when i get on the gas even at 1/2 throttle it blows blue smoke? runs hard and fast and i have heard that chromoly rings take awhile to break in but shouldn't 2500k miles be good and broke in? plus i think that its getting to much fuel, i have an areomotive adjustable fuel regulator but how do adjust it? do i need a gauge that hooks to the fuel rails? still pretty new at all of this.. anybody got some advice please help...
