1989 Ford Escort GT 1.9L EFI - Stalling

[PrewashedYeti]

Delete.

[mightymoose_22]

Flickering lights is probably a bad ground- a result of the electrical bypassing you mentioned.

The stalling could be a vacuum leak or a fuel pump issue. Also, if the car sat for long periods of time there may be some build up in the fuel lines. Consider changing the filter and running some injector cleaners through the system.

The fan issue you will have to describe a little better. What makes it irregular? What is the temp when it comes on?

The fact that your car has jimmyrigged electrical stuff will make it harder to diagnose your problems. If it were me I would start with a simple compression check just to see what I am starting with, and then test the vacuum system. There is a good chance one of those tests will lead you to a major problem.

If you have the means and the time for it, you might want to consider just removing your injectors too... have a good look at them and make sure they aren't plugged up with goo from sitting so long... otherwise run the cleaners through the fuel tank.

[mightymoose_22]

A vacuum pump will help a lot to isolate a leak. If you don't have one, just check every hose as best you can. If they feel brittle, replace them. Yes, the leak could be from the intake manifold (if the problem is in fact a vacuum leak).

As for your injectors, if you are confident the rest of the system appears to be in good shape.... it wouldn't hurt to run some kind of cleaner through the gas tank just for good measure. (The the fuel lines build pressure that does not mean the injectors are spraying well).

As for the short... it will just take patience. If you can un-jimmy the rigging and get it back to normal then that would help a lot... otherwise use a circuit tester and follow one wire at a time to see what you can fine. Perhaps someone else can give you some good tips on finding a bad ground... I think you are in for a challenge if the wiring is as bad as you say.

And last... no, it is probably not worth the while to drop the fuel tank.

[mightymoose_22]

Did fixing the ground get the engine running smoothly?