Another Ford Guy checking in

[Winter_Lion]

Hail and well met

I am John from Seattle area and I have been dealing with a Ford Cougar that I had lack of power problems on hills.

91 Ford Cougar....V6 Fuel Injected, tank mounted fuel pump. 80,000 miles.

I got an estimate from a long time local auto repair shop.

The first estimate was for a major tune-up at 350.00.
The service manager promised that this would solve the problem according to the mechanic who had my car overnight to diagnose it.

Unfortunately........after installing the tune parts and signing off on the required adjustments and maintenance, the shop called me to say that the tune-up didnt solve the problem and they wanted me to authorize a fuel pump replacement which they attempted to charge me for the new pump and amazingly had the nads to quote me the price for labor to install it.

After spending 10 minutes explaing to the Service manager that I had not just been born yesterday which involved a few choice comments about his well trained staff and how proud his mum must be, know he turned out so honest.

I ended up offering to pay the wholesale price on the pump and they backed off trying to charge for the labor.

I ended up forking over over 500 dollars all told and while the pump solved my power on hills problem it was only a trade straight up for another one.

The car now will stall out in the morning on it's first drive of the day about two blocks from home, when I stop for an innersection. I have to hold the pedal all the way to the floor and start it like it was flooded and after it starts I see fuel smoke being blown out the rear pipe when i rev it up.

It only does it once and not again until the next morning when it happens exactly the same way and place.

I took it back to that shop and they kept it overnight again....telling me at pickup time the next day that it was stalling because engines do that when they get old.

That was insulting to hear because the car didnt stall before they worked on it and it only has 80,000 miles on it.

I would take it to a Ford Dealer but I just can't afford any more repairs that don't fix anything as I am a disabled Navy flight engineer living on my disabilty check from the VA.

While i truly appreciate Uncle Sam paying my bills and compensating me for services rendered and injuries sustained on active duty........you can only imagine how hard it is living on such a fixed income.

So........I am resolved to find the answer to this problem without throwing money at it again, hopefully and this looks like a very good site to start my research efforts.

I am glad to be here and I hope to educate myself a bit in it's forums.

May you find what you seek and love what you find.

Respects

Winter Lion "John"

[moon lake rick]

You probably need a repair manual, or at least retrieve the problem codes from the OBD1, to start you on your journey. I am greatful for your service to this great country. Sorry about your injury. We ALL live on a "fixed income". USA is the greatest.

[ambersdawg]

Try replacing the fuel filter its only ten $ plus tax hope this helps g/l Tony

[Falconman]

Check your control module under the hood. Place your hand on it and see if it is warm or hot. If so, pour some cool water on it and see if it starts. I believe "ambersdawg" may be on to something too....

[Winter_Lion]

thanks all,

I changed the fuel filter and no help.
I do have a check engine lite. I should check for codes next but having trouble identifing the correct diagnostic connection that the service manual refers to.
Still trying.

respects.......john