Quirky Engine

[Ford Man]

89 SHO with 182K miles. Item 1. When the Engine is cold it starts immediatly. After the car has been driven and shut off anywhere from 1 hour to maybe 5 or maybe 6 hours, when you hit the key it cranks, but won't usually start. You have to let off and as soon as you hit the key again it starts immediatly. I actuall cranks a little hard like it over-fueled and hydraulics like the compression is up a little the second time.

Item 2. I have recently aquired a second 89 SHO, now having this comparrison SHO number 1 acts like the timing or something may not be just right. This car has always had a real easyly induced pre-ignition nock when you lug it a little, "very little" and doesn't run near as strong as SHO number 2. It also acts much more sluggish and unresponsive than SHO number 2. Overall the car runs just fine. I have had this car since 60k miles and don't think it was run hard or abused early on. It still gets 30 to 36 mpg out on the road.
Item 3. The transmission also grouls quit a bit compared to the new one. I thought it was just the way the Mazda slush-box was, but car 2 is relatively quiet.

Any ideas, Thanks

FordGuy

<small>[ July 28, 2003, 03:17 PM: Message edited by: Ford Man ]</small>

 

[SHO--ripper]

Try checking the codes on SHO #1. You can find the procedure for this by using the search function. Your timing belt may in fact be missing a tooth. I wouldn't pull the timing covers until you check the codes. Does the car misfire? How's the starter? Have you recently done a 60k? You're probably down on power because you need to do a 60k, i.e, timing belt,water pump, CPS,plugs,wires, valve cover gaskets,and plug well seals. Check the codes and let us know how it turns out. thumb

 

[Ford Man]

Thanks for the reply Ripper. I checked the belt and replaced plugs wires at around 60K when I first got the car. Everything else seemed to checked out ok. I did the almost complete 60K again at about 150K. A little overdue I know. I had inspected and retensioned the timing belt around 100K. The only things I did not do at 150K were CPS, Wires, valve cover gaskets and seals.

I have an older "binary" code reader. I may have to update that. The car never misses or misfires. Starter is fine and always cranks regardless if starting and always starts the second time regardless! Thats kinda why I call it a quirk. Never any check engine lite! I will get a better code reader and see what's going on in there. Would improper timing show a code? Where would I find complete code definitions for it?
What about the grouling Transmission? It's not a CV joint, bearing!
Thanks for your help.
Ford Man

<small>[ July 28, 2003, 03:52 PM: Message edited by: Ford Man ]</small>