90 taurus gl starting/running problem

ok, its a 90 taurus gl with 120k (around there) miles 3.0 and auto. it has this problem for when it gets to a certain temp (not even operating) it shuts off, (and doesnt even start sometimes), and normally wont start back up. i replaced the ecu, fuel filter, cleaned the fuel tank, lines, and thermostat. i even have the code tester, and NOTHING has been pulled, on the old ecu or the new one. im pretty sure its a fuel system problem, it sounds like there is a leak or something coming from the fuel pressure regulator, i took it off to inspect it, is there anyway i can test it? ive looked at everything, i have no idea what to do after this, i am really starting to hate this car. any help is appreciated.

here is an update from yesterday:

anyway, it finally started and idled a yesterday, it was really hard to start (took, MANY times trying to start it). it idled until i turned it off (when the fans came on a couple times). then i tried to start it this afternoon and it wouldnt start. before it was let idle, it was running and the pedal was to the floor, it was running REALLY rough at the upper rpm seemed like a loss of power. also the plugs were really black and smelled a little like gas.

oh, and i unhooked the vapor canister purge valve and it would run, hook it up, and it would die or be really hard to start.

any help is appreciated.

oh, and i did get a code finally yesterday: (i assume some of these are due to the vapor canister purge valve being unhooked)

this is what i got in the order they were sent:

85
85
11
88
71
88

i had 87 the time before that.

anyone?

Find a fuel pressure guage and see what your fuel pressure is when the car won't start. If the car does start, great, see what your fuel pressure is then too. I'm not positive about your 1990, but you may need the special Ford adapter to connect to the fuel rail. Most pressure testers come with the adapter.

Since you've documented the codes, you should reset them so next time you read codes, you'll know none are related to the disconnected canister.


Also, check for spark when the car won't start, and make sure that the air filter is not completely plugged.

You need properly timed spark, proper air-fuel ratio, and compression to start a car. Which one (or more) don't you have?

You may also want to try removing the oxygen sensors or dropping the exhaust to see if you have an exhaust restriction/plugged catalytic converter.

-Rod

Hmm, those codes don't make a whole bunch of sense for a 3.0L per the chart that I have. Does your Taurus have EEC-IV? If so, I don't see an option for a code 71 with the 3.0L. For the 3.8L, this would be a Cluster Center Control Circuit failure. Code 85 shows up as Canister Purge cicruit failure (expected) and Code 87 shows as a Primary Fuel Pump Circuit failure. Code 88 would appear to correspond to a Loss of Dual Plug Input Control.

My scan tool suggest that for symptoms such as yours running rough when running to disconnect the SPOUT connector and see if that improves the way the car idles. If so, there is a whole list of distributor and ignition pickup items to check.

If you get your car running again, try disconnecting the SPOUT connector and see what happens.

-Rod

its efi, without the coil packs at each cylinder, so that should be eec-iv. i think the code reader was messing up. how do i reset the ecu to get new codes? i know some cars get put in limp mode if something malfunctions. also it smells like there is some gas in the oil, and from my rx-7 experiences i know that means flooded or fuel injector or something of the sort is leaking.

i am charging the battery now to make sure it has full battery when trying to crank it.

and how can i test the fuel pump relay? i am going to check the rest of the stuff you suggested in a little bit.

thanks.

Well, if you are getting fuel in the oil, it sounds like you have plenty of fuel pressure. I believe Ford was using the Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM) back in 1990. You can get a block diagram for the CCRM at http://www.members.aol.com/Rod2414738/Car_Stuff/CCRM-1.jpg and pinout at http://www.members.aol.com/Rod2414738/Car_Stuff/CCRM-2.jpg. The diagrams posted are for a 1993 Taurus, so they may be slightly different, but I suspect they are quite similar.

-Rod