1998 Mercury Sable Car dies immediately after starting

1998 MERCURY SABLE
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BEVELD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Engine Performance problem
1998 Mercury Sable 6 cyl Automatic 76000 miles

I recently had a fire in the air cleaner assembly. I replaced the boot and air intake tube, then replaced all spark plugs, added Seafoam and started the car. It started right up, idled up to 10,000 (?) rpm, then died. I started it over and over and it always died when it reached the same rpm. Can you tell me why and/or what to check next? I'm a disabled 60 yr old woman trying to keep my old car running. Any help is greatly appreciated!!!

beveld
Jul 9, 2010 at 6:54 PM
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BMRFIXIT
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 19,053 POSTS
SOUNDS AS IF YOU HAVE A MAJOR VACUUM LEAK
CHECK AND MAKE SURE ALL HOSES CONNECTED THROTTLE BODY FREE AND NO DAMAGE TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD
Jul 9, 2010 at 8:25 PM
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BRAVESTAR1
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 234 POSTS
It definitely sounds like a vacuum leak. My main guess would be a broken elbow that connects the Power Brake booster to the underside of the intake manifold. The easiest repair is to go to Lowes or Home Depot, and buy 90 degree 1/2 inch elbow and replace the busted plastic doohickey with some reinforced 1/2 inch hose.
Aug 12, 2010 at 8:33 PM
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