Please Help!! 88 Ford Tempo Jerking When Hott And Stalls

Adam Stine · 09-24-2006, 10:31 AM

I have a 88 Ford Tempo, 4 cylinder, manual transmission. I'm in financial troubles so I cant afford to take it to the shop. Heres the problem. When I'm driving the car, after about 20 minutes it will heat up but not over heat, and it starts to jerk violently and sooner or later just die. BUT if I let it sit for about 45 minutes or so I can restart it and drive for another 20 minutes. If I push in the clutch or put the car in nutrual the jerking will stop. The car runs perfectly besides for this one major problem that is racking me and my familys brain. PLEASE HELP.

goon · 09-24-2006, 11:18 AM

because it misses then shuts off its likly the fuel pump ( see if the pump is making a noise) Also does it do it when the tank is full.

Adam Stine · 09-24-2006, 12:11 PM

I rarely ever put a full tank of gas into it. I usually run on 2-3 gallons since my workplace is just right down the road. Plus I've filled the tank once and it had/has a leak at the top of the tank so that renders me from filling it up.

BUT I dont understand why the car would jerk so violently if it was just the fuel pump? Then just start right back up in about 45 minutes? I could go out right now and start it right up. And it only does it when the car has heated up and been running for awhile. I don't know why it would have anything to do with the fuel pump? Could you kind of explain to me why? So I have some kind of understanding before I go and spend any $ and much time installing a fuel pump, expecially since its in the gas tank. BUT I do thank for you replying. But could you explain why it could/would be the Fuel Pump and why it would make it jerk so bad?

goon · 09-24-2006, 07:39 PM

the fuel pump is inside the tank ITS THE GAS THAT COOLS them. they are electric pump when they start to over heat they start to loose pressure. So the engine is starving for fuel(jerking problem) then finaly it quites after 45 minutes the pump cools down. You can try to leave at least 1/4 to 1/2 a tank and try to see if it cures it but you have ran it low alot and may have finaly damaged the pump.

Adam Stine · 09-24-2006, 09:55 PM

Thank you for the insight. I appreciatte it. If I can spell it right. Do you know if its tough to change the fuel pump on the tempo? Any special tools needed?

AGIAN! THANKS!!!!

goon · 09-25-2006, 03:46 PM

no its very simple. to get the metal ring off use a big flat screw driver and a hammer. By looking at the ring you will see which way you need to release the ring, try not to hit the same spot(metal knub) You may also want to change the fuel filter.

mikey_oyeah · 05-18-2007, 08:07 AM

oki got one 2 and it does the same thing but i got it fixed when i fixed the pump.

tempo1990 · 05-08-2008, 06:30 PM

I see this was posted long time ago but FOR YOU FUTURE people .IN hot weather this cars always has this problem ..in hot weather make sure you have an {{{{summer thurmastat in an 160 one}}} .keep your tank full only on hot hot days in canada i have this problem between +27 to +30 and above.Sometimes in engine.Plus water condenses lots in tank too .get STP water remover or gas antifreeze works. put in gas tank when full./

st1206 · 07-21-2008, 06:10 PM

I'm having the same problem with my 93 tempo. It stalls when its hot outside. However, if the fuel pump is in the tank, theres no obvious way to remove it. the whole underside is molded

GCTempo · 08-11-2008, 06:52 AM

You have to remove the nuts that hold the straps in the front of the tank.

Use a floor jack to support the tank then remove the 2 nuts that hold the straps.

First you will want to remove the vent and fill hose on the P-side rear of tank before lowering the tank.

I could do it in my sleep seeing how both my kids have 93 tempo's and I've had to replace 2 fuel pumps. I thought I could get away with a used pump but used pumps go bad as well so I would suggest get a new pump and save your self the time.