Barely runs, no power, then dies

[limasspiderman]

I have a 97 T-Bird with an 3.8 automatic. It has 157,000 miles on it. It has been well maintained.
The problem: While driving home from work, I lose power, then it stalls. I am able to get it started, drive less than a mile with it acting like it barely getting fuel. It then died and would not start.
I got it towed home. Changed the fuel filter then the fuel pump. Still would not start. I forgot to turn the car off and had to recharge the battery the next day. I think that any codes that was stored might have been erased. I should have pulled the codes first.
The things I have tried since: I have swapped out the following used parts I had access to, map sensor, IAC, crank sensor. I also installed new plugs & plug wires, punched out two of the cat, leaving the third intact. I then broke one of the o2 sensors in the process : (. I pulled the codes also and only got the code for the o2 sensor (PO161). I also ohm checked the injectors & coil pack & they seemed. I also did a compression check and they all cylinders came in at 110 except one came in at 115.

Any ideas I can do now? I am running out of money & patience. I also had replaced the water pump about 10,000 miles ago and while I was in the area I I checked out the timing chain & gears then & they looked to be in good shape then.

Help, any ideas?

[limasspiderman]

Update: Changed coil pack, no change. Does anyone have any ideas? If not, does someone want a 97 T-bird!

[limasspiderman]

Could the cam sensor be bad? Any idea how to test this.

[limasspiderman]

Thanks for the help.

[97Bird]

Use a timing light to see if you actually have a spark at the plugs. Do you have fuel at the injectors? I don't have a V6 so I don't know where it is but there should be a schrader valve (like in a tire valve stem) in the fuel rail. Push it in to see if gas comes squirting out under pressure.

[limasspiderman]

The car is not running at all now. There is fuel at the valve. The timing shows that I have spark and the number one cylinder is firing at 0 degrees TDC. I also notice that I have smoke that is coming out of the oil fill cap. I am believing that I might have a stuck valve and/or a bent push rod. By the way, thanks for the response!!

[97Bird]

I don't have a 3.8 which is why I didn't respond sooner. I was hoping someone else could help you. The timing should be at 10 deg BTDC and is supposed to be non adjustable. To check the timing chain, can you rock the crankshaft back and forth much before you feel the resistance of the camshaft turning. It used to be you could see if the distributor shaft moved when you rocked the crankshaft. There should be 40lbs of pressure at the fuel pressure relief valve (schader). Autozone might have a pressure gauge for rent or try a tire pressure guage (I don't know if it will work or not). Check your library for a Mitchell electrical manual for your year car and it might tell you how to test the electrical system.

[azmattaz06]

Im Havin the same sorta Problem with my 94 thunderbird.. sounds simular.. my problem is the EGR Valve i believe.. And man o man they are a bitch to get too..

[limasspiderman]

I'm thinking it might be the computer at this point. I am having trouble however finding a good use computer that will work with my car. Apparently mine is an odd one for my area (Ohio) in that it is an Calif. emmissions computer (F6Sf-12A650-BF). MY question, which might need a different post, is will another computer from the same year t bird work?

[97Bird]

I would try to find out if your car is set up as a Calif. car. There should be a sticker in the engine compartment stating if it is. A dumb question- did this car run all right and then start having problems or did you buy it this way?

[limasspiderman]

I have had the car for several years now, it ran fine. I did find a different numbered computer locally (for $35) out of a 97 Cougar. I tried it, with no difference in my cars problems. I am thinking now it was not my cars computer. This might sound stupied, but I have never checked the EGR valve.I am going check it out tomorrow and I'll post what happens tomorrow. I'll check the stickers also. Thanks

[limasspiderman]

The stickers are Calif. emmissions. Well the sad news is nothing I've tried has worked. I am done trying to fix this engine & I can not afford to rebuild/replace it at this time. Thanks to all who have tried to help. I'll be putting by T Bird up for sale. thanks again all.

[limasspiderman]

Decided not to sell the car, just can't do it. I'll post what I find out. Might have to bite the bullet and let a dealer tell me : (

[limasspiderman]

Problem solved, the harmonic balancer was broke which caused it to jump time. Thanks every one!