1983 Mercury Cougar Cold Stall

1983 MERCURY COUGAR
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BIGMACK73
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It doesn't like the cold unless its plugged in at colder than 0/32 degrees. Sometimes warmer than that too. Once it starts, it will stall right away. The only thing I can think of, the carburator needs to be rebuilt. Is this right?

What I have is a 3.8 l. engine, carburated, not fuel injected.
Feb 26, 2007 at 7:07 AM
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MERLIN2021
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either a bad starter solinoid or bad ignition switch
Mar 3, 2007 at 10:57 PM
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BIGMACK73
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It doesn't always stall. Once its warmed up it won't stall, it will try to at times. I did notice one time the bolts on the carburator were loose, after I tightened them, it didn't stall as much. I also remember doing a ajustment on the carburator, the pedal to the side of the carburator, that also helped as well.
Mar 4, 2007 at 12:26 AM
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MERLIN2021
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try replacing the choke thermostat under the black circle on the side of the carb, should do the trick!
best to replace it when cold. You need to put enough tension on the butterfly to close it but not so much it won't open when the engine warms up.
Also you need to adjust the fast idle screw located in the same place...
Mar 4, 2007 at 9:39 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the carburetor choke thermostat when the engine is cold, set the butterfly so it closes when cold but opens as the engine warms, and adjust the fast idle screw. Also verify the carburetor mounting bolts are tight.

Conversation Summary

A 1983 Mercury Cougar with a carbureted 3.8L stalls right after starting when cold, especially below freezing unless it is plugged in, but runs better once warm. Tightening loose carburetor bolts and adjusting the side linkage reduced the stalling. The expert recommended replacing the choke thermostat, setting its cold tension correctly, and adjusting the fast idle screw.

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