I own a 1988 mustang lx 2.3L automatic my car wont stay running?

Question

i turn the key it doesnt turn over i try again it goes too 3000rpms and then dies the only way i kept it running was too step on the gas little by little but sounds like it was rev ving up and down but when i released the gas pedal it quickly died.

Answer 1

you need a professional tune-up ..

Answer 2

Could be several problems.

FIRST!!!

Change your spark plugs, wires, button and cap. This is cheap and relatively easy. This is usually the first thing that goes wrong to cause this problem. Check your air filter and even your fuel filter. Turn the key and listen to a buzzing sound that lasts for 1-2 seconds. This should be your fuel pump charging up.

I had a problem with my fuel pump where I had to do this same thing, where you press the accelerator a little at a time. If you've done all the above, have your fuel pressure checked. If your fuel pressure was fine on the send side, but not the return side, it could be your fuel injectors.

BUT, on an '88, you could have several things:

Vacuum leak:
Listen for hisses under the hood, especially right behind the engine. The best way to do this is to get a hose and put it to your hear, then move the other end around till you find the source of the noise.This can cause problems that range anywhere from your fuel pressure regulator not supplying fuel, to your timing control (I don't think ford had vacuum assisted timing control), to your throttle airflow loss (it would have to be a pretty severe leak).

Bad timing:(no pun intended)
Check your timing with the chip out. If you don't know what I mean, contact me and I will explain the process to you.

Catalytic converter:
Dirty fuel, bad fuel burn, or bad polution control systems can cause excess buildup in the catalytic converter, which can actually clog it up, preventing your engine from exhausting, therefore not alowing it to run. They only have a 10 year warranty on them, which means they usually go out in 11 years.

Cracked head or head gasket:
Oil and water can leak into the cylinders, dirtying up your combustion. Pressure from the cylinders can leak out, dropping power from the engine, causing it to shut off. This is a likely cause for an '88 mustang owner... The best way to tell is if you have to add water or oil now and then. Check your levels (If, of course, you haven't checked them in a long time, this won't do you much good.)

Water in the fuel:
This can be caused by letting the car sit for extended periods of time, especially returning from winter storage, or from idiots that put the fuel in the large underground tanks at the gas stations not being careful. Have someone syphon your fuel, and try putting new fuel in the car. Try to keep it running until the car has had time to run new fuel into the fuel rails... takes about 5 minutes.

There are a couple of other obscure causes, such as the TPS sensor, blow-by, and valve malfuction, but let's look at the more likely first, shall we?

Answer 3

The source of your frustrations is a little sensor called the TPS. (Throttle Position Sensor) I had a 1989 Mustang LX 2.3 liter 4 cyl. I had the same problem, and I replaced the TPS sensor, and all my problems went away.

PS:(6 months later, my valve guides were shot in the head, so I sold it for $300)

Answer 4

It sounds like it turns over but doesn't start. There's a difference between the two phrases. Turning over means the engine cranks.

If that's the case, it sounds like your fuel pump is bad or your fuel filter is clogged. I'd check that first and go from there.

Answer 5

in case you probably did by ability of accident have water in the gasoline, an octane booster won't help. what's mandatory for water is one, drain and refil the tank, or, put in some quart of alcohol in the gasoline tank. this could mixture with the water and pass in the path of the carb equipment and burn off. the vehicle incredibly seems to desire a solid song up, with plugs, factors, wires and a carb cleansing, additionally a solid concept to alter the gasoline filter out. it could additionally be a solid concept to verify compression on all cylinders to confirm the valve timing hasn't jumped, previously performing the different artwork.

Answer 6

My bf says that it Sounds like you may have an air leak between the throttle body and manifold. Or the air flow meter could be faulty