95 mustang

[scrotec1]

I have a 95 3.8 mustang that runs like the timing is retarded. Have tried a new coil and module, fuel presure is good, no codes, tested all injectors,presure reg, and not getting any where. Please help

[Scott K]

Unplug the maf, see if it improves, if it does, clean the heating element in the face of the maf.

[Jeremy airjer W]

MAF sensor dirty?

Plugged Cats?

[scrotec1]

Cleaned it and tried a different one. No change. manifolds get red hot and converters are not plugged.

[Scott K]

By the way, Welcome to Fishing MN!

[Jeremy airjer W]

By the way, Welcome to Fishing MN!

Totally missed that! Welcome!!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Unplug the upstream O2 sensors and see what happens.

[scrotec1]

Have been lurking for a few year now but this ones got me. We have 4 top notch techs and all have taken a stab at this one. Any one ever seen a chain jump with only 60,000 rounds.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I guess we should have asked, are you sure the timing isn't retarded?

[Scott K]

I would recommend starting with checking the basics first. Is cam timing good? Unplug the cam sensor. You said the cats weren't plugged, did you drop the pipes to verify? Install a back pressure gauge? Is the fuel fresh, or has it been sitting awhile? Does the fuel pressure drop under load? Will the spark jump a good half inch? Is the spark blue? What is the compression? Engine vacuum, at idle, and 2000 rpm?

[Scott K]

As far as seeing the chain jump, I haven't seen it happen before, or heard of it on a 3.8, but that doesn't mean it can't!

[Shack]

Yes, is the check engine light on? Have any codes been found? Have you pulled the plugs?

How many miles on the engine? I agree a chain jumping is very rare if ever!

Edit:

Quote:

manifolds get red hot

Just saw this. If the exhaust manifolds are glowing red, I would say chances are the cats are plugged like said.

[scrotec1]

Runs no different with exhaust dropped. Converters are not plugged. All data on modis looks good.Compresion, all have 150.

[Shack]

Have you checked for crossed plug wires? No lean codes?

Did the customer bring this in like this or did it start after a repair. Any prior/recent repairs done?

[Scott K]

Are there any after market mods? injectors, power chip, K&N air filter, ect? Is the fuel fresh? If that all looks good, possible a bad pcm? If you have 150 compression on all cyl, I wouldn't think base timing is off. BUT, Ford pcm's are NOT common to go bad! Is the EGR stuck open?

[scrotec1]

Ha, finnaly fixed it! I really felt it was retarded ignition, found the balancer key had sheared off and moved about a 1/2". Runs like a top. Thanks for all the replys.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I would have never of thought of that!

[Scott K]

I have seen that happen, but I wasn't thinking of that either.