I'm in need of some help and opinions

[mustang88]

My 1988 Mustang gt is giving me trouble.. When I give it gas the engine feels like it chokes. sometimes it feels like it doesnt give the good amount of power when i press on the gas even when it doesnt choke and it takes me more then two tried to start it up. I have replaced the spark plug cable and the starter but that doesnt seem to be the problem... if you think you might know what the problem is let me know please.. I would really appriciate it.

Thanks, Mustang88

[Nicksbluestang]

My 1988 Mustang gt is giving me trouble.. When I give it gas the engine feels like it chokes. sometimes it feels like it doesnt give the good amount of power when i press on the gas even when it doesnt choke and it takes me more then two tried to start it up. I have replaced the spark plug cable and the starter but that doesnt seem to be the problem... if you think you might know what the problem is let me know please.. I would really appriciate it.

Thanks, Mustang88

Thats cause you have a 5.0 :look:

Maybe one of the 5.0 guys can chime in and answer your question.

[slow232]

fuel filter, spark plugs, coil.

Lastly, get rid of it, it will only get worse from here on. :look:

[Nicksbluestang]

the truth hurts. :(

[mustang88]

Thanks guys, im not getting rid of it. i put a lot of time and work into it and im not gona let it go..

[slow232]

Thanks guys, im not getting rid of it. i put a lot of time and work into it and im not gona let it go..

i was kidding. :batman:

check your timing too. :keke:

[mustang88]

i was kidding. :batman:

check your timing too. :keke:

I think my exhast piping might be ripped.. Ill check it tomorrow but other then that any more suggestions?

[Sal]

You can't diagnose a vehicle over the internet. Take it to a pro. There are a few Mustang shops in your area. PM me for info.

[Ogbatman]

You can't diagnose a vehicle over the internet. Take it to a pro. There are a few Mustang shops in your area. PM me for info.

+1

But I do think its the fuel filter...:whoknows:

[Black96SVT]

I think my exhast piping might be ripped.. Ill check it tomorrow but other then that any more suggestions?

what?

[M.Dest.B]

ripped like buff or ripped like a piece of paper? :look:

[Blanco32v]

wont hurt to clean your MAF . unless its speed density but if i memmer correctly 88 is when they stopped the speed density stuff.

[Black96SVT]

wont hurt to clean your MAF . unless its speed density but if i memmer correctly 88 is when they stopped the speed density stuff.

close. 88 California cars got the MAF, rest of the states were still speed density. in 89 all cars went to MAF

[Killer95Stang]

Like mentioned....

-check your fuel pressure
-replace wires
-clean the MAF

This is is an 88 mustang we are talking about, not a rocketship.

You probably could use new wires, the other things are free to check / clean.

[5litrarag]

Try and pull codes, if no codes start thinking of maintenance items you haven't done in a reasonable amount of time and replace those.
Plugs, wires, fuel filter, clean MAF, 02 sensors, etc

All those things will make it run like shit.

[mustang88]

I just changed the plugs a week ago and i changed the wires 2 days ago. i think it might be the muffler because it has a hole in it and theres not enough pressure but Ill take a look at that as soon as i can and see if that was the problem..I will consider every suggestion that you guys gave me and try it out Thanks.

[Sal]

A hole in the muffler will NOT cause a vehicle to perform as described. Unless you want to waste time and money chasing down false leads and replacing unnecessary components, TAKE IT TO A PROFESSIONAL!!! :hammer:

[YORCHI]

I agree...change every single part of the car that you can until you fix it

:look:

[grumps91GT]

A hole in the muffler will NOT cause a vehicle to perform as described. Unless you want to waste time and money chasing down false leads and replacing unnecessary components, TAKE IT TO A PROFESSIONAL!!! :hammer:

Agreed.

If you are unsure, then dont waste any more time and money.

I recommend doing a general maintanence like stated above:

-oil change
-air filter/k&n cleaner kit
-plugs, wires, cap, & rotor
-clean MAF with MAF cleaner *do not use brake, carb, or intake cleaner. MAF's are sensitive.
-Fuel filter

See if these dont improve your cars performance. If not, then I could be other causes that a technician need to further diagnosed.

I would look at a few other places, like:

-timing
-fuel pump
-fuel regulator


GL, with your car.