Why does my 5.0 run like S***??

M

mx512racer

New Member

Aug 9, 2006

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Feb 21, 2008

#1

• Feb 21, 2008

• #1

I just bought my 5.0 and it sounds good when it idles but once I get on it, it doesnt have the pull that it should but it also doesnt sound good. I have heard that timing can be off on them which makes it run crappy but I just cant figure it out...... help!!!!!

 

NKau

Founding Member

Dec 15, 2001

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Jefferson, WI

Feb 21, 2008

#2

• Feb 21, 2008

• #2

Start with the basics. Dump the codes from your computer, and see what comes up. Checking timing may be difficult if your engine is older, and the balancer has 'slipped' a little which is fairly typical. To time it in sort of a 'hack' manner, you can scribe a mark on the base of your distributor, and a matching mark on the engine block at the base of the distributor. From there, you can slowly advance/retard timing, and if it just makes things worse, you can set the timing back to where you started based on the marks you made.

 

ttop88

Member

Mar 12, 2007

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indiana

Feb 21, 2008

#3

• Feb 21, 2008

• #3

Do a basic tune up. Check codes. Check timing. Check fuel pressure.

 

Wallzy

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Aug 20, 2006

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Orlando, FL

Feb 21, 2008

#4

• Feb 21, 2008

• #4

Epic Description.

Walz

 

M

mx512racer

New Member

Aug 9, 2006

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Feb 21, 2008

#5

• Feb 21, 2008

• #5

COOL thanks guys... if you have any other suggestions I would appreciate it!!!! Thanks again

 

ttop88

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Mar 12, 2007

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indiana

Feb 21, 2008

#6

• Feb 21, 2008

• #6

Give us more info and we could be more help.

 

jrichker

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Feb 21, 2008

#7

• Feb 21, 2008

• #7

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 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.

 

M

mx512racer

New Member

Aug 9, 2006

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Feb 21, 2008

#8

• Feb 21, 2008

• #8

The mil is not on but when it idles it seems fine but the minute you get on it, the car just doesnt have any pull but it also almost has the same sound as an exhaust leak...its like it spudders but it really doesnt, hard to explain...just doesnt sound smooth.

 

93gtmustang

10 Year Member

Oct 21, 2006

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Feb 21, 2008

#9

• Feb 21, 2008

• #9

When is is last time you changed your fuel filter?
Just a thought.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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Feb 21, 2008

#10

• Feb 21, 2008

• #10

Also, to most folks, sounding good at idle means lopey. A miss at idle equates to crappy performance and sputtering under throttle. As part of Jrichker's code pulling process, I would run a cylinder balance test to see if all cylinders are contributing equally. The test takes a couple minutes and you just have to stand there while the puter does its thing.

Good luck.

 

blackened88lx

Active Member

Aug 9, 2006

0

4

28

Connecticut

Feb 21, 2008

#11

• Feb 21, 2008

• #11

I would just start with a tune up like everyone suggested. Plugs, wires, cap & rotor, fuel filter, check/bump timing, and check the IAC.

 

montyd

Member

Mar 13, 2006

114

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Feb 23, 2008

#12

• Feb 23, 2008

• #12

check your vacuum lines also. had that problem more than once

 

Mustang5L5

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Feb 23, 2008

#13

• Feb 23, 2008

• #13

mx512racer said:

The mil is not on but when it idles it seems fine but the minute you get on it, the car just doesnt have any pull but it also almost has the same sound as an exhaust leak...its like it spudders but it really doesnt, hard to explain...just doesnt sound smooth.

Click to expand...

Still dump the codes Just cuz the light is not on doesn't mean there aren't any codes.

Plus 86-88's done have a MIL.

What type of plugs are you running? Are they gaped to 0.054". Hopefully they aren't Bosch +4's.

Also your wires ok?

Fuel filter recently changed?