88 lincoln starts then dies

[dirty nails]

Hey guys, new here, I have an '88 lincoln that starts & runs for about 1 minute then dies, the fuel pump is new ( you can hear it running) I've checked the reset switch in the trunk, it seems fine. If you let it sit for a little while it will start again but same results, dies, the fuel guage is acting kinda funny also, any clues? Nate

[junk yard doggie]

Have you replaced the fuel filter ? Try cleaning the idle air control valve, it's right on top of the engine.

[serge_saati]

It may be a bad electric contact. Check voltage on battery when motor is running for about 1min. Voltage should be stable.

It shuts down instantly or it shakes a bit before dying?

[dirty nails]

Hey Junk yard, I just replaced the old filter, could blow through the old with ease, don't think that's it. maybe needa check the idle valve, Serge it just dies like it's a loss of fuel no clatter or banging spit or sputter?

[serge_saati]

Ok, so it can be an electric problem. Check if the battery cable is not loosen, dirt or anythig like that.
Or a bad contact in the fuel gauge wiring.

About the irregular fuel gauge indicator, I think the guy that do the job made a mistake. Maybe the float in the tank is not properly installed or just a bad contact in the tank. It's a separate issue, cause it's not the same wire.

[serge_saati]

I just read the problem again. So when it dies, it cranks but doesn't start? If so, it's not a batt contact problem.

Then when you try to restart, you hear the fuel pump. So it can't be a bad f/p contact.
You tried to depress the gas pedal while trying to start?

[junk yard doggie]

Here is a picture with the location on the IAC valve. The top of oil dip stick handle will point you right to it. My 89 Grand Marquis was doing the same thing, starting and dieing until it warmed up. I cleaned the valve and it will now start and stay running. I think I have the same gas gauge problem, haven't figured that that one out yet. My low fuel light will stay lit all the time, Gas hand is on empty.

http://cmasalvage.com/302_eng9.jpg

http://cmasalvage.com/302_eng10.jpg

[serge_saati]

About the fuel gauge, it's like I said to dirty nails. It may be a bad contact in your fuel pump harness too. It has a variable resistance sensor inside the tank that measure the fuel level. Maybe the connector is not in good shape.

Dirty nails, what is your idle rpm after the engine is started? It should be at least 1000rpm when engine is cold.

[junk yard doggie]

I haven't had a chance to get underneath the car to check out that connection on the sending unit. Some one else mentioned checking that connection, so hopefully that will just need to be cleaned up. This car is super clean underneath from what I've seen so far. There is no rust on the under side to speak of. It was my #5 back up car, but has moved up the food chain to #3. I better get her up to par this summer just in case she's needed.

[serge_saati]

The connection is inside the gas tank (at top of the tank), in the fuel pump housing. It's very hard to access it, cause you need to remove the tank. It doesn't worth to repair a problem like that.

[jteamaz]

I had the same problem with my '89. I ended up replacing the idle air control valve and motor. Seemed to cure the problem.