My newest project - 1989 Mustang coupe

[craigb]

Picked up the new project this weekend. It's an '89 Mustang coupe, 4-cylinder auto. Engine is gone, but also picked up an '86 Thunderbird Turbocoupe to swap the drivetrain from into the coupe.









Also came with two more turbo 2.3 blocks and a bunch of other parts.



I'm going to try and get the T-bird running before I pull the engine. I had a battery in it, but could only get it to hit for a few seconds at a time. I suspect bad gas or ignition issues. It's been sitting for a couple of years.

[bobbarker]

gas sitting for a couple years should be the problem!

Good luck with your project, sounds like you've got a bit of work ahead of you.

[Stinger]

It's no SVO but it looks like a good place to start. Definitely a good idea to get the TC running before swapping the drivetrain.

[craigb]

I'd really like to find an SVO front end to put on the coupe, but the parts for those are so pricey...

[craigb]

Started working on the T-bird tonight. I'm trying to get it running before I pull the engine, but it won't start.

Here's what I found:

Cranks no problem
There is spark
Fuel pressure shows 0 at both shrader valves
Fuel pump will run on 12 volts, but I can't build pressure on the gauge
Fuel pump receives 9.9 volts only when cranking
No voltage to pump with key in on position
Fuel will come out of filter while cranking

Something I just thought of, I have to use a screwdriver to start it. I wonder if there is a problem with the electrical ignition switch...

Any other ideas?

[Stinger]

Are you sure the gauge is opening the schrader valve? I find this to be a common problem as the center of the valve is lower than normal and the gauge doesn't press it. I have to remove the center of the valve to read fuel pressure.

[craigb]

I can give that a shot. Might take the fuel damper off while I'm at it.

[Stinger]

It's just very odd to have fuel flow but no pressure at all. That's why I'd suspect the problem mentioned above first.

[craigb]

What if the pump is weak?

[craigb]

Pulled the schrader valve out of the fuel line. Hooked a 12v 1a charger up to the pump and fuel will come out, but it's more of a trickle than what I would expect.

[craigb]

Dropped the tank and pulled the pump. The hose that runs from the pump to the pump bracket was soft, like jello. It was split too. So, I'll replace that, put it all back together and see if she fires.

[Stinger]

That will probably do it. If it's soft, it's most likely swelled nearly shut internally.

[craigb]

[bobbarker]

That'sa good feeling to get it moving, huh?

[craigb]

Indeed. No power and no brakes though. I did find the #4 plug wire was disconnected, but it wouldn't make any boost.