Problems with 2.3 staying running

Discussion in '2.3L (N/A & Turbo)' started by Ciara99, Jul 28, 2009.

  1. Ciara99 New Member

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    I am new to this forum since this is my first 2.3. Problem is that the car starts and idles. If you put it in gear it dies, also if you let it idle long enough it will start shaking, sputter, cough and die. It also spit out like black carbon out the tail pipe. I have replaced plugs, wires, dist cap, and pressure regulator. Another question is do you need a special wrench to tighten dist or just try to fit my hand down in there? Any help would be great. I bought the car like this and trying to fix it with out pouring money into randomly replacing parts. Thanks
    Ciara99, Jul 28, 2009
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  2. rd Founding Member

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    I would pull the codes before doing anything. The country boy jumper wire method and some careful counting will work in a pinch.

    Based on the above, I replaced the MAP or baro sensor on my 89 2.3 a couple years ago and cured a similar problem.
    rd, Jul 30, 2009
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  3. Red_LX Doubt I could be of much help, unless you need por

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    What do you mean by "pressure regulator?"

    And, the distributor bolt is hard to reach. You need a socket, universal joint, and then a long extension to reach it. Can't remember the size off the top of my head.
    Red_LX, Jul 30, 2009
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  4. 90mustangGT I felt sorry for girls because

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    Slow IAC would be what I would look at first.
    90mustangGT, Jul 30, 2009
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  5. Ciara99 New Member

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    I changed the fuel pressure regulator. It was bad and it at least starts everytime now just not for long. Also what and where is the IAC? I should have a code reader this weekend so I can pull some codes. Thanks for the help.
    Ciara99, Jul 30, 2009
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  6. Red_LX Doubt I could be of much help, unless you need por

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    IAC is mounted to the back of the throttle body. Looks like a cylinder about 4" long or so and has some wires plugged into it.

    Does it rev up ok?
    Red_LX, Jul 31, 2009
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  7. Ciara99 New Member

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    When I start the car it idles fine and reves up, but after a minute or two it starting coughing and shaking then dies.
    Ciara99, Aug 1, 2009
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  8. Dr_EluSivE Founding Member

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    I would check the timing..

    Dr.
    Dr_EluSivE, Aug 1, 2009
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  9. Ciara99 New Member

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    The timing is set correctly and I also changed the fuel filter. It still starts and runs for about 30 seconds then it acts like it just shuts off, like you turned off the key.
    Ciara99, Aug 2, 2009
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  10. blakmustang93 New Member

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    It might be the catylitic converter. I had a similar problem on mines until it completely plugged up and car wouldnt run at all check it out see if thats your issue :nice:
    blakmustang93, Aug 3, 2009
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  11. Rcdriver45 New Member

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    mine only idles at 1250-1500 rpm any lower and it dies or if i put it in gear it dies why?
    Rcdriver45, Aug 4, 2009
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  12. Ciara99 New Member

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    How do I check to see if the cat convertor is plugged up?
    Ciara99, Aug 5, 2009
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  13. Rcdriver45 New Member

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    is that the problem?
    Rcdriver45, Aug 6, 2009
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  14. blakmustang93 New Member

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    I thought mines was the cat. turns out its a couple hoses that are airlines that wore out along with some kind of piece that goes along the transmission... sorry i cant be much help cost me 75 at my mechanic to fix it car runs like a champ again.:D
    blakmustang93, Aug 8, 2009
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