1990 efi starts then dies

[ald872000]

Yo,

I think I got a problem that I can't seem to figure out on my own.

I got a 1990 EFI that starts but then dies a second or two later. When I start her up agian she starts up but with a struggling idle but after a minute or two she idles kind of ok. I've checked for loose wires and loose tubes and all appears to be normal.

Things I've done to her before this problem occured:
changed spark plugs with autolights, changed wires distributer&rotor, airfilter, fuelfilter, changed O2 sensor (driver side), Thermostat to a superstant 195degree and got the car timed 10 degrees before top dead center (mechanic did it for 10 bucks).


Now when I changed the thermostat and brought the old one to Kragen to get a exact replacement the guy told me that the old one was the wrong kind to have in the car. Keep in mind that I didn't know since I bought the car 4 weeks ago. The guy gave me the one that he recommended and I slaped it in. Now the car runs kind of slugish as if i was dragging a Piano or two on the free way but thats another issue for another thread.

Any advice would be very helpfull
Another thing
Any one think it's worth buying a code reader for the 1990 Crown Vic for $40. The guy at kragen was pushing me to buy one but I think he may be bull Shiten me

[Tiggie]

No on the code reader. And tell that parts store guy to buzz off because he's trying to rip you off. http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=13 tells you how to do it for free, you have a check engine light (which is supposed to light up if there is a code).

Do you have the part number of that thermostat? You need a 192 or 195 degree. Try a Motorcraft RT1139. Make sure you get it in there straight or it might crack the thermostat housing.

Check for vacuum leaks. There's all kinds of vacuum hoses on a vacuum tree on the firewall. You can start under the upper intake and go from there.

Does it idle funky all the time or just when you start it?

[gadget73]

Has the fuel filter been replaced? What about the air filter? No dead birds, cats, or missing children in the air intake? (don't laugh, I've heard stories of dead rodents causing this)

[86VickyLX]

autolights

Autolites suck. The Chinese ones at least. Best plugs for our cars is good ol' made in Mexico Motorcraft plugs. Don't laugh, I'm serious, the motorcraft ones are great, and cheap to boot.

Anyway,
Is the idling problem happening at first start up?

[Lincolnmania]

x2 on the crappy chineese autolites......they used to be good spark plugs

[Lonnie]

You may also want to check out the IAC (Idle Air Control Valve) They tend to get gummed up after awhile and I have replaced a fair number of them over the years when i was working at the Ford/Linc/Merc shops. They can cause idleing issues.

[85crownHPP]

yeah give the IAC a few taps with something and see if it helps...
can you get it to keep running / run better by feathering the gas?

[ald872000]

I thought that kragen fella was bull shiting me about that code reader.

All filters were replaced with 'Fram' parts. She has this problem only when I start her up. But when I get her up and going or drive in normal conditions in stop and go traffic she idles just fine.

But she did it agian this morning . I started her up with a very easy twist of the key (started strong) then she died within 2 seconds. I started her up a second time and she ran with a loopy idle (sounds like its trying to slowly choke her self) for 10 to 20 seconds and then goes to normal. This problem only happens in the morning and when the car sits (turned off) for 2 to 3 hours. This morning when she died the check engine light came on, but when I started her up on the second time the light didn't show and I got that funky idle.

A question I have is, Is the PCM going into safemode when the idle is loopy for the first 10 to 20 seconds? I have been getting 15 miles to the gallon so i'm not sure if its a sensor issue

[86VickyLX]

I have been getting 15 miles to the gallon so i'm not sure if its a sensor issue

As opposed to what? Vicky averages around 17 city, and like 23 highway. Run a code scan with your check engine light with the link Tiggie gave. Even if the light is not on, the computer stores trouble codes for later.

[mrltd]

try replacing the ACT and/or the ECT sensors.

15mpg? I get that with a lead foot and a 300 HP wagon. It's possible it's a sensor issue.

[ald872000]

shit... I get 15 all around city and high way and I got a stock motor... and I drive around like an old lady cause she's sucken down gas

not good

The sensors you mentioned, where are they at

[mrltd]

intake manifold...I think there is a sensor diagram around somewhere....