88 running rich
09-24-2008, 10:09 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Michigan
Posts: 6
88 running rich
Howdy, I am working on a friend 1988 LX with 5.0 HO swap.
He bought the car from a lady whos boyfriend built the car. There is no possible contact with the builder so he is not a source of any info at this point.
Car was a 2.3 n/a originally. I wish I had better info on the car to provide.
Car runs, however it is running mighty rich at this point. So far I have been fighting all the poor ground issues and just installed all new cables, battery and found the '03 Mustang alternator used was DOA.
As I did not not install the motor, nor am I a Mustang nut, I am rather at a loss. I'd rather goto the experts in the car and ask a stupid question that keep looking for the problem in all the wrong areas.
Symptoms are black smoke, fouled plugs, really bad MPG, lack of hp, and loping idle. I get unburned fuel igniting in the exhaust system causing a nasty popping sound.
I've installed a new alt, battery, distributor cap, wires, coil, PCV, and other non-performance parts.
I have checked for vacuum leak, and even removed the upper intake manifold and looked for leaks at that point.
Owner is considering going carby to simplfy things, but I'd prefer to fix the car as it is now.
Is there a few things I should check out first? Or can anyone link me to relevant threads on the issue that I may be able to check out. Any info you need, please ask and I'll do my best to provide it.
He bought the car from a lady whos boyfriend built the car. There is no possible contact with the builder so he is not a source of any info at this point.
Car was a 2.3 n/a originally. I wish I had better info on the car to provide.
Car runs, however it is running mighty rich at this point. So far I have been fighting all the poor ground issues and just installed all new cables, battery and found the '03 Mustang alternator used was DOA.
As I did not not install the motor, nor am I a Mustang nut, I am rather at a loss. I'd rather goto the experts in the car and ask a stupid question that keep looking for the problem in all the wrong areas.
Symptoms are black smoke, fouled plugs, really bad MPG, lack of hp, and loping idle. I get unburned fuel igniting in the exhaust system causing a nasty popping sound.
I've installed a new alt, battery, distributor cap, wires, coil, PCV, and other non-performance parts.
I have checked for vacuum leak, and even removed the upper intake manifold and looked for leaks at that point.
Owner is considering going carby to simplfy things, but I'd prefer to fix the car as it is now.
Is there a few things I should check out first? Or can anyone link me to relevant threads on the issue that I may be able to check out. Any info you need, please ask and I'll do my best to provide it.
09-24-2008, 10:54 AM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Michigan
Posts: 6
The person who installed the motor did not get the dash working right. Almost nothing on the dashboard reads correctly. So sorry no codes. to get checked out.
I will look into the O2 sensor(s) though.
I may screw in my wideband and plug it in and see what it tells me. It will just take a few hours to get it out my car and wire it all in on his.
I will look into the O2 sensor(s) though.
I may screw in my wideband and plug it in and see what it tells me. It will just take a few hours to get it out my car and wire it all in on his.
09-24-2008, 01:20 PM
#4
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: IL
Posts: 10,637
Is it possible that it's an '89, or an '88 from California? That would explain why nothing on the dash works correctly.
However, you don't need the dash to work for it to throw codes. '88's don't have a check engine light anyway.
You need to run a KOEO and a KOER test.
Hang on...Let me find the link instead of explaining how to do it.
However, you don't need the dash to work for it to throw codes. '88's don't have a check engine light anyway.
You need to run a KOEO and a KOER test.
Hang on...Let me find the link instead of explaining how to do it.
09-24-2008, 01:25 PM
#5
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: IL
Posts: 10,637
Here. I couldn't find it here, but the Corral had the info.
http://www.corral.net/tech/maintenan...-koeokoer.html
Give that a whirl. Also, what computer did he put in the car, and is there a MAF on the car?
http://www.corral.net/tech/maintenan...-koeokoer.html
Give that a whirl. Also, what computer did he put in the car, and is there a MAF on the car?
09-24-2008, 02:04 PM
#6
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Spfld, MA
Posts: 9,240
09-24-2008, 09:05 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Michigan
Posts: 6
No it does not have a MAF. I have no idea what year this motor is from.
I'll look into trying to check for codes. I don't own a reader though. We will see what we can find out though.
I have no clue as to which computer was used. I "presume" it was from a complete donor HO car.
I hate dealing with other peoples projects. After my XR4ti, I kinda gave up on Fords for a while.
Thanks for all the help guys.
I'll look into trying to check for codes. I don't own a reader though. We will see what we can find out though.
I have no clue as to which computer was used. I "presume" it was from a complete donor HO car.
I hate dealing with other peoples projects. After my XR4ti, I kinda gave up on Fords for a while.
Thanks for all the help guys.
09-25-2008, 07:27 AM
#8
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: IL
Posts: 10,637
This sounds like a mess. Someone swapped a 5.0, and went to Speed Density? Who does that?
You don't need a reader for the codes. The link I gave you will show you how to do with with a volt meter. It's really simple.
Also, just for ****s and giggles. Pull the passenger side kick panel off, and see what computer is in it. Maybe it's a mass air computer...Which would explain a lot of the crap you're dealing with.
You don't need a reader for the codes. The link I gave you will show you how to do with with a volt meter. It's really simple.
Also, just for ****s and giggles. Pull the passenger side kick panel off, and see what computer is in it. Maybe it's a mass air computer...Which would explain a lot of the crap you're dealing with.
