1993 Ford Taurus Engine problems

MCX69

MEMBER
1993 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

Hi, I have a 1993 Ford Taurus that is experiencing some major problems. The car will not idle right and it stutters and often dies when idling. It will also die if driving at city speeds and you have to stop quickly. Also, once it dies, it really hesitates to start back up again, but this only happens once it it warm. It starts just fine when it is cold. There is a heavy gas smell from the engine compartment like it is running very rich, and if you watch the exhaust when someone revs it up, you can see plenty of carbon dust and chips come out of the pipe. As you can guess I am getting crappy gas mileage as well. On my last check I got about 17 mpg, which is terrible for a v6 car. I have changed the plugs a few months ago, but it didn't help resolve my problem. I've also checked for vacuum leaks, but all the lines are good and there is no evident suction audible. I don't have alot of money atm, so I'm trying to figure out what parts most likely need replaced first to try and fix the problem. Also, my check engine light is not functional, but I have tried to get my codes checked, but neither Autozone or Advance has a code reader for the car. Any help on what steps to take first would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

2 Replies

BLONDEMOMMY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi. My husband has been a machanic for sixteen years and wanted to tell you that you might have two seperate problems. Could be the air idle control solenoyde. Its a circural round valve next to throttle body. ON the opposite side where the trottle cable connects to. As far as the heavy gas smell and smelling rich, bad gas mileage and smoke, it sounds like you have a bad fuel pressure regulator. It is a round looking object that sits on the end of the fuel rail opposite of the other end where the fuel line connects to which is attached to your six injectors on the top of the intake manifold. First check to see that you have vacuum going to it. By pulling off the hose, and feeling with your finger if there is any suction to it. If you don't have vaccum, then you need to check to see if the line is broke or kinked some where. Also when you check it, take your finger and smell for any evidence of a gas smell. If you smell any gas, then the regulator is defective. You should not be able to smell anything if it is not defective. Also there could be a chance that the regulator could be stuck wide open and making the engine recieve full fuel pressure regardless of the demand for it and that also would be defective. Good luck. Hope this helps. Please let us know what you found out. My husband is curious. You can contact us directly at Blondemommy81505@aol. Com.