Additionally, three times during this period, one plug fouled upon a warm start-up. I was able to clear it with about 15 seconds of higher rpm (2,500) running. This may or may not be related. Where do I go from here?Chuck CromIndependence, ORThough your EEC test didn't come up with anything conclusive, you still have a problem somewhere. Let's take a look at some supporting systems. Have you checked the available fuel pressure? Fuel pressure should be in the 38-42-psi range for the car to run smoothly-anything lower and you can have a hesitation or stumble on acceleration. As for your low idle on a cold start-up, the culprit could be a sludged throttle body and/or the idle-air bypass controller. When the throttle body wall and throttle blade get coated in sludge from crankcase-vapor recirculation, it can drastically affect idle speed. Often times, the inside walls and bypass opening of the idle-air bypass controller will be so conta-minated, hardly any air flows through at idle. While this usually throws a code 12 or 13, sometimes the PCM isn't sensitive enough to detect this problem. Inspect the throttle body for buildup, and clean it with a rag soaked in carburetor cleaner. If the idle-air bypass is full of sludge deposits, you can unbolt it from the side of the throttle body and clean it separately as well. Good luck with your repairs.
The V-6 DoctorIn the Oct. 2000 issue, you responded to a letter ("V-6 History Lesson," p. 84) without really responding to it. It seems that the 3.8L V-6 from the '83-'86 is the black sheep of the Blue Oval family. Nobody really responds to questions about it. Sure, it will never make the power of a 5.0, but performance and economy can be improved.
Cars with this engine can potentially handle better than the nose-heavy GT, thanks to aluminum heads, intake, and front cover. Responding to a question from a reader helps that reader and other readers in the same boat. Furthermore, the 2.9 was never, never used in a Mustang. The solid lifter 2.8 was used from the '74 to the '82-171ci, German-built. The 2.9 was used in the Ranger/Bronco II. Less popular engine sizes are a good, cheap way into the hobby. I am in the process of restoring an '84 Mercury Capri with a 3.8, a C5, and a 2.73:1 axle. I have found that there is virtually no information on these cars. They are much more rare than a Mustang, in that only 14,117 were built for the '84 model year (and less and less after that). I would like to know about how to obtain information on the '79-'86 Mustang and Capri that would help in the restoration.E. GrimmeEast Hampton, CT
Sorry, Mr. Grimme. We stand by our answer and believe that we gave the reader good information to help him on his way. As for the 2.9/2.8 snafu, yes, you are correct there. We got our ".8" and our ".9" mixed up when we were writing the reply. If you read this column regularly, we do not answer only 5.0 questions (just read the letter below yours). Quite often, there are turbo four, inline-four, V-6, modular V-8, and other letters printed on these pages. Why even a Mustang II, a Fox-body Thunderbird, a Mark VII, or a Capri can show up here from time to time. We definitely don't discriminate. If we are guilty of anything, it is not getting answers to our readers fast enough, due to our volume of mail. If we had the budget, we could hire someone just to fire back e-mail replies (please hold the resumes).
To answer your question, contact the Mustang Club of America for judging rules and judging sheets for '79-'86 Mustangs. You will find plenty of detailing information there. Also, check out major shows, such as MCA Nationals-where the best cars are brought out. Take some notes and plenty of pictures as to where things go: colors, orientation, and more. Good luck with your restoration.