Why do I need to pump the pedal to keep it running?

1987 FORD THUNDERBIRD
145,000 MILES
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FRISCH25
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  • 1 POST
I have to pump the accelerator pedal to start and keep the engine running on my 1987 Thunderbird with a 3.8l throttle body fuel injected motor. What could be wrong?
Dec 22, 2011 at 7:17 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check and test the engine coolant temperature sensor and clean the idle air control valve
Dec 22, 2011 at 7:29 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,004 POSTS
AFTER TEARING MY HAIR OUT FOR 2 MONTHS

MY DAD'S '86 T-BIRD WOULD DIE WHEN YOU STOPPED

WOULD THROW DIFFERENT CODES

CLEAR THEM--SOMETIMES NO CODES

TURNED OUT TO BE BAD INJECTORS

WITHOUT ANY OTHER SYMPTOMS BEING DESCRIBED, THIS MIGHT BE WORTH CHECKING INTO

I OBTAINED A $20 THROTTLE BODY FROM A SMALL OPERATION AUTO SALVAGE YARD AND TRIED IT....BINGO!

I WILL NOT GO INTO OBTAINING EVERY SENSOR I COULD, FROM 3 DIFFERENT CARS THERE AND PLAYING THE "COMBO GAME" FOR WEEKS, TALKING TO MANY FOLKS AND THEIR IDEAS--I FELT THAT IF I HAD MANY SENSORS, AT LEAST ONE WOULD BE GOOD.

GLAD THAT'S BEHIND ME!

THE MEDIC
Dec 22, 2011 at 7:34 PM
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