1995 SHO 3.0 MTX: Suddenly, my engine doesn't have power. When I start it, the engine cranks and fires immediately, revs to 2000, drops to 300 and dies (5 seconds). I can repeat this process 3 times, then the engine stays running, but at a low idle. After running for a minute, the engine stabilizes at 7-800 rpm and idles perfectly. If I open the throttle immediately, it hesitates, coughs, backfires and dies. If I open the throttle slowly, the engine responds up to 3000 rpm. If I get the engine revved up, and slowly engage the clutch in first gear, power is lost and I have to be pretty creative with the throttle to keep it running and moving. I'm leaning towards a fuel issue, but it behaves like timing. I will test fuel pressure tomorrow and update. Any suggestions?
Poor idle; open throttle leads to backfire
- Thread starter 12flyrot
- Start date
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1993MTXSHO
Its a Taurus...
Mighta skipped a few teeth on the timing belt.
No, the engine doesn't make any tapping noises. I've heard about the Crank Sprocket shearing the key that holds it in place resulting in poor timing. But I haven't gotten that far yet. I'm going to get into it tonight and tomorrow and let you know. I'm pretty sure that if I take the crank dampener/pulley off I'll be able to see the sprocket and whether or not it has sheared the key.
jayro
SHO Member
Have u pulled the codes to see if anything is there? Cleaned the MAF and checked the coil, plugs, plug wires and plug wells? This is where I would start. You should be able to pull the top timing belt cover to see if the belt has skipped a tooth or 2.
Since it just started, did you do anything right before?
Jeremy
Since it just started, did you do anything right before?
Jeremy
I have not pulled the codes. About 1500 miles ago I replaced 1/2 of the A/C system (evaporator, accumulator and the lines that connect them). To do this, I removed the upper intake, valve covers and spark plugs. I replaced all of the associated gaskets (the plug wells were full) and changed the plugs. On a side note, the heads looked great . . . no sludge and just a light caramel color (Castrol GTX). All this to say that the intake looks good as well and I cleaned the MAF and throttle body, but it really wasn't bad.
Solution
Thank you all for your input. It took me about 5 minutes to troubleshoot the problem with this one. It turns out that all I needed was a fuel pump. It took me longer to decide that I wasn't going to cut a hole in the floor. So, I dropped the tank, swapped the pumps, changed the filter, replaced some fasteners, changed the oil and away we go! 155K and the engine still runs great.
Thank you all for your input. It took me about 5 minutes to troubleshoot the problem with this one. It turns out that all I needed was a fuel pump. It took me longer to decide that I wasn't going to cut a hole in the floor. So, I dropped the tank, swapped the pumps, changed the filter, replaced some fasteners, changed the oil and away we go! 155K and the engine still runs great.
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