1987 Ford Thunderbird Rough Idle Shake

1987 FORD THUNDERBIRD
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KAT0802
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Me again... (thunderbird stalling at lights and such)
My Thunderbird is an 8 Cylinder, 5L and while idling in drive, shakes like its having an epileptic seizure... That is why I keep my foot on the gas at the same time, then I do not stall.
My question this time is why would the colder weather help the car run better in this case, and what is the actual shaking I am feeling? And in that case, why is it shaking more sometimes than others?
Any theory on the ignition module affecting this or still a potential fuel pump issue?
Dec 7, 2006 at 9:29 AM
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BOOTDOG
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 665 POSTS
it could be a weak fuel pump, or even a clogged fuel filter. i would start there first. the way u describe the problem it sounds like a fuel problem. let me know :D
Dec 7, 2006 at 11:04 AM
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CATCH_15
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 250 POSTS
We had the same symptoms with our 5.0 Mustang GT, and after we replaced the fuel pump and filter, we had the same problems. It turned out that the mass air flow sensor was bad. It runs like a top now.
Dec 7, 2006 at 12:49 PM

Suggested Repair

Start by checking for a weak fuel pump and a clogged fuel filter. If the rough idle and stalling remain, test or replace the mass air flow sensor.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1987 Ford Thunderbird 5.0 reports shaking and stalling while idling in drive, with symptoms that vary and improve in colder weather, and asks whether the ignition module or fuel pump is involved. One expert says it sounds like a fuel delivery problem and recommends checking a weak fuel pump or clogged fuel filter first. Another reports the same symptoms on a 5.0 Mustang continued after the pump and filter were replaced and were resolved by replacing a bad mass air flow sensor.

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