Tune-Up?

[howdySHO]

I may be SHO-ing my ignorance here, but do these engines need periodic tune-ups? If so, how often, and what gets changed?

My 91 MTX just had a new Dynomax Cat-back exhaust installed a few weeks ago. Some definite improvement was noticed, but I still feel she runs "sluggish" for lack of a better word. Kind of stutters when idling, and sometimes just doesn't "feel right" wide open -- like there is something blocking full power.

As vague as these descriptions might be, I'm open to suggestion (being a newby to my SHO and all).

Thanks!

HowdySHO
Lake City, FL

 

[Ishodu]

Tune ups are referred to a 60K on these cars. Recommended you do them every 60000 miles. If you search "60K" you will come up with days of reading and tonnes of info.

 

[adidas_kn]

Well maam, I will let you in on some SHO tune up info. A regular 60k tune up is a host of different things. the main one being the valve shim adjustment as they get worn and need replaced. Your car had this adjustment done like 5k miles ago. The otheres include new plugs (motorcraft platinums), wires, oil change w/ filter, air filter, timing belt, some times water pump and belts and change the valve cover gaskets and plug well seals. Some misc sensors might need replaced. I told you I will be sending you my new motorcraft platinum plugs and my new motorcraft plug wires when I get my new NGK iridiums and 8mm blue Taylor wires installed. I'll bet the intake snakes need a thourough cleaning as well. Might clean up my spare from my car and send it to dad to put on for you. The MAF might be going bonkers as well as it is an original from 1991. That is the metal piece with the black sensor on top of it connected to your airbox and intake tube. Mine went bad awhile back and replaced it with this 75mm pro-m unit. Hopefully your water pump, CPS(crank position sensor) and timing belt are new as that can be a pretty expensive install. The original Ford catted Y-pipe might be clogging up as well. Will have to look into a new one for you soon from MidwestSHO or on the Forum.

love ya Moms,


Me

 

[RStalveyARFF]

See! Who said we weren't a big happy family?

 

[adidas_kn]

Thats right my mom is now a SHO addict like the rest of us. She loves her 91' Blk/blk plus. Cowl hood and all. I should be sending her my current upgrades when I move up to the next step. Intrax springs, Kyb struts, plugs, wires etc...

Later
"J"

 

[howdySHO]

Yes, I would LOVE to have that Midwest SHO curved Y-pipe w/CATS, but $399 plus shipping and install is out of my price range right now. Maybe I'll be able to find a good used one.

The power/horsepower issue seems to come and go. Sometimes 1st gear seems to drag so bad, that it feels like the car is going to self-destruct at 4,000 rpms. This morning, it felt much better.

I suppose I should actually read that stack of service records I have and determine what has (and hasn't) been done to her.

Snaps to my beloved son ("J") over in Italy, who keeps my head on straight with this cute little car!

 

[SHOrespect]

If your car is studders when idiling I would suggest haveing your oxygen sensore changed. My car did the same thing, replaced two oxygen sensors and the weird idol problem went away.

 

[howdySHO]

Is that an expensive part? Does it have to be ordered from Ford or will any auto parts store have it?

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm still learning every day.

"N"

 

[SeanMc]

Auto parts stores have them, and they aren't that expensive.

 

[howdySHO]

Thanks!

 

[howdySHO]

More info needed: As of this morning, my SHO is idling REALLY ragged and that feeling doesn't improve when in gear and on the road. It must be (feels like) something wrong in the intake, fuel injection or front 1/2 of the exhaust, as I just had the Dynomax perfomance cat-back installed 2 weeks ago. HELP!

Are any of these possible problems diagnosable by computer? Or how to check them out systematically? I can't afford to just randomly buy replacement parts until I hit upon the problem via trial and error. What do I do? Where do I go? Oh WOE IS ME!

"N"

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

Autozone with read the codes from the car if there are any for free. Then you could post the codes, and from there determine any problems you may have.

Is your MAF plugged in/need to be cleaned?


Welcome to the wonderful world of SHO....

 

[SHO#7]

It sounds like you should be able to check your codes yourself, or someone will be around to help you.

Follow this link http://www.shophoenixproject.com/eec/eec.htm

It gives in great detail on how to check those codes.

When you say that it sputters, can you explain further. Possibly any popping noises from the air box or that new exhaust. ADADIS, you seem to know some history ( I can guess why ) How old are the plugs/wires? Maybe Mom can pull a front wire out and look into the valley for oil?

Just trying to help narrow some things down.

Mike

 

[howdySHO]

By "sputters," I mean uneven idling - kind of like a hesitation maybe. Feels like something is interfering with the power.

I am taking it in to my mechanic to have them hook it up to the computer tonight. It is only $45 and that should (hopefully) answer a few questions for me. They have been very good to me so far, and specialize in performance cars (although not specifically the SHO.)

Wish me luck!

"N"

 

[DHMag]

91 is OBD-I, i only know Auto-Zone to read OBD-II codes. varies store by store, i guess.

if you are running the wrong heat range of spark plugs, while cold, and upon acceleration, it will stumble. due to the fact that the plugs are not hot enough to spark yet. i experience it regularly, and it hasnt been just on the Taurus. was also evident on my 94 Ranger.

btw, Weclome to the Forum, "N"

 

[howdySHO]

OK, I printed out the instructions and the 91 codes from the shophoenixproject.com link. I'll see if my hubby wants to give it a try. He doesn't have many tools left (gave them all away when we moved) but he used to be a pretty good mechanic.

The MAF is hooked up where it is supposed to be. Whether it is doing its job or not is another story. From what I've read, either that or the O2 sensors seem to be the most likely culprits. I've printed out some stuff from shotimes faq also that might lead to a diagnosis.

I just KNOW something isn't right, and I'm determined to find out what. Wish me luck!

"N"