Normally I just use the search feature and it hasn't steered me wrong but I have a problem that I can't seem to find an answer for. First off I own a 1992 mustang that is pretty much stock except for a cold air intake, long tube headers and exhaust. The smog pump has also been removed. Now to the problem. When I first start it in the morning it won't stay running. If i give it gas it keeps going and after a minute or so of doing this it stays running. If I don't give it gas it dies right away. If I drive it somewhere turn it off and then start it back up it stays running as long as I don't let it sit for hours. Any idea what could be causing this problem. From the searches I thought it could be a IAC valve but I replaced that and it didn't help. I also cleaned the MAF sensor. Any help is greatly appreciated as I have no idea what the problem is. Thanks.

 

have you checked for vacuum leaks? my car has done this too and i changed some vacuum hoses and it cleared up. a friend of mine had his car doing the same, and it ended up being his intake gaskets. but just a though, dont go and tear it down without some more input from some of these other guys

 

im having this same problem with my 88. any input would be much appreciated. thanks in advance.

 

I have looked. I did find one. The tube that goes into the charcoal canister wasn't connected and I was hoping this was going to fix the problem but it didn't. I will keep checking for other leaks but this problem is driving me nuts.

 

Check fuel pressure do all the EEC1V tests. The CEL is not always on because there is a fault.

 

same thing happened with a 88 i picked up. i started checking it over and realized the 02 sensors were gone and the harness which was messing with the fuel curve. i replaced that and rerouted some vacuum lines that were pluged off and it ran fine. i would check over vacuum lines, 02 sensors, and pull a plug see what it looks like that may give you a better indication of whats goin on, rich lean oil water, ect.

 

that canister your reffering to only vents the gas tank, to keep fumes away from the exhaust in case of a really bad backfire. dont wanna blow it up you know. but yeah what 1987gt40ttop said, check everything really good. the other guy brought up the fuel pressure test too, thats a good idea, you may have a faulty pump, pump relay, or a bad ignition switch.

 

I checked more vacuum lines and the one that runs from the intake to that canister was toast. I replaced all of it and it runs amazing now.

 

Awesome. Nothing like fixing some shady vacuum lines