1997 Ford Thunderbird not stay running

Tiny
PAWS64
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
It started shuddering while driving if pedal is pushed to floor it maybe would speed up. Then some time it runs perfect. Now go to start up frist time, idles about 1min then dies and won't start unless holding foot to floor. Let it sit. Same thing all over again
Friday, May 7th, 2010 AT 9:18 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Is there black smoke coming from the exhaust? Has the check engine light come on? Have you checked the catalytic converter for plugging?

Let me know.
Joe
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Friday, May 14th, 2010 AT 10:19 AM
Tiny
PAWS64
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
White smoke, no engien lite, dont know how to check converter
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Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 AT 5:50 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I hate to say it but I think you have a bad head gasket. When coolant gets into the combustion chamber, it burns white. Have you been using any coolant? Also, check the motor oil to see if any coolant is mixing with it. Finally, I recommend doing a compression test on the engine to see if one of the cylenders has lower compression. If you need directions, let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 AT 11:07 PM

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