[Pro-Kev.o]

I'm having a problem with my 1987 lx 5-spd. Sometimes when you are crusing in the lower rpm range, the car starts to buck and shake. When you put the pedal down, it pops back through the intake and then is fine under wot. The shitty thing is is that it doesn't seem to do this all the time and performs great as long as the pedal is down! But this problem has been sort of steadily getting worse! Anybody's suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Darkness 96 GT]

If I were you I would take your car to your local Ford
Dealership and have them take a look at it.They will
catch the problem the first time and you will not have
to guess what it mine be.Good luck though.

[Pro-Kev.o]

Those guys aren't very much help there. I tried it already. They only like working on new stuff.

[ZeroSk8er823]

Sounds like my problem, I posted a thread about backfire and hesitation, Ive tried everything, nothing has worked so far, I am about to change the ignition switch because my car doesnt start every once in awhile, after trying several times it will start. I dunno if you have the same problem or not tho, does your car do this more when its hot or cold, or just all the time?

[Pro-Kev.o]

Originally Posted by ZeroSk8er823

Sounds like my problem, I posted a thread about backfire and hesitation, Ive tried everything, nothing has worked so far, I am about to change the ignition switch because my car doesnt start every once in awhile, after trying several times it will start. I dunno if you have the same problem or not tho, does your car do this more when its hot or cold, or just all the time?

Well, It doesn't seem to matter on the temperature. It will do it in hot or cold.

[GhostDog 5.0]

What spark plug gap and timing do you have the car set at?

[Pro-Kev.o]

Timing Is At 14 And Plug Gap Is .045 I Think.

[Vic]

When you come to a stop at the traffic lights, does the motor surge and seem to hunt until it smooths out into normal idle?

[RS89Gt]

I would check your compression.Look for any vacuum leaks.Also check your fuel pressure.
what is the mileage on the engine?I had another car that would back fire up through the intake but work ok under load.it ended up being the cam was wore out on 3 lobes.

[Pro-Kev.o]

Originally Posted by Vic

When you come to a stop at the traffic lights, does the motor surge and seem to hunt until it smooths out into normal idle?

no, the idle is fine!

[Pro-Kev.o]

Ya, I suppose I should check the compression. I haven't found any vacuum leaks yet. The fuel pressure is set at 39 psi. As for mileage, the motor was re-ringed before i bought the car but still has the original cam at 260,000 kms.

[droptop88gt]

Check your O2 sensors and the cats (if you have them) I had the same problem on a car I had way back when about the same year.

[jessewdoss]

Dude, it sounds to me like bad fuel, how long has it been doing this? My buddy had a conquest that did the same thing, come to find out it had rust in the bottom of the gas tank. Could also be a fuel pump or possibly a timing issue.

[89 GTGHOST]

I'm a ford tech and I don't mind the old stuff at all...it's easier, you just aren't going to the right place...anyway, check your map sensor..other than that go back to basics,check fuel pressure,ignition componants,compression.

[privatejoker]

It's gotta be a vacuum leak. This sounds like a classic lean condition. Take some carb cleaner and spray around the upper and lower intake gaskets first, then go from there. If you hear the idle speed up right after you spray, keep spraying that area, that's your leak.