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1990 Ford Taurus engine stalling

Tiny
INDYLEGS
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 13,300 MILES
Twice, while driving with a/c on and engine temp. Above normal car has died. I coast to shoulder, it will crank right up but dies right away. I wait 15 minutes it will start and I drive 1/2 mile and it dies. Wait 30 minutes, leave a/c off and drive for hours with no problems. I can drive for hours with a/c on and temp. Normal, but if I slow for traffic or stop and go driving the temp creeps up and doesn't return to normal if I resume highway speeds. Seems to be a connection between a/c and high engine temp. Any ideas? John
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Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 AT 6:57 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Are the cooling fans coming on?
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Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 AT 11:40 PM
Tiny
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Best that I can recall is yes they are working
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Thursday, July 29th, 2010 AT 8:08 PM
Tiny
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I need to make sure they are working. Run the engine with the AC on and see if they come on.
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Friday, July 30th, 2010 AT 12:41 AM
Tiny
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Electric fan comes on when a/c is turned on. John
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Friday, July 30th, 2010 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
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John:
I reread your original post. When the AC is on, there is an aux fan that comes on to assist the primary fan. If it doesn't overheat when moving, something is telling me that it isn't coming on. The AC, adding and extra load to the engine, would just make things worse even with the aux fan.

If that fan is working, then we need to check basic things such as the thermostat.
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Saturday, July 31st, 2010 AT 12:03 AM
Tiny
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Even if there is another problem such as a bad thermostat, low water level, clogged radiator, bad water pump, something that makes it run hot at certain times. What is there that would make the car shut off? Is there some kind of thermal overload protection? There is no vapor lock anymore is there? I'm afraid if I take it to the local mechanic he will just start changing fuel pumps or sensors or who knows what just hoping he gets it right. John
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Saturday, July 31st, 2010 AT 8:42 AM
Tiny
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If the computer thinks the engine is overheating, it will shut it. As far as the vapor lock, yes it can happen. If you want to try something, when it happens, release pressure from the schrader valve on the fuel rail. Gas should shoot out, so cover the valve with a rag so it doesn't spray on you. If only air comes out and no fuel, then I would say vapor lock.
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Saturday, July 31st, 2010 AT 8:28 PM

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