'90 5.0 runs rough only when in gear???

**White5.0** · 05-22-2011, 11:08 PM

Car starts and idles perfect. No surging. Revs fine in neutral no misfires or anything. But when car is put into drive it bucks badly and almost stalls similar to dropping the clutch too fast on a 5 speed. I was thinkin maybe fuel filter or timing but it revs perfect and we set timing?? What else should i check??

**PaceFever79** · 05-23-2011, 06:27 AM

Does it die as soon as you put it in gear?

If no codes, I'd be suspecting the torque converter.

**White5.0** · 05-23-2011, 10:09 AM

No it doesnt die... You can drive it but its reaaallllly bad. Torque convertor as in somehow installed wrong or as in need a new one?

**PaceFever79** · 05-23-2011, 11:07 AM

Now that you've elaborated it doesn't sound like the converter.

Take it to Auto Zone or Advanced and have them read the computer codes.

Or you can buy the diagnostic tool for about 50 bucks.

**White5.0** · 05-23-2011, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by PaceFever79

Now that you've elaborated it doesn't sound like the converter.

Take it to Auto Zone or Advanced and have them read the computer codes.

Or you can buy the diagnostic tool for about 50 bucks.

its not even driveable at this point. its like you're in a 5 speed just idleing then you drop the clutch and it bucks and just before it stalls you press the clutch in to save it, then you drop it again, then repeat. its bad hahah

but like i said in neutral or park it revs perfect, idles perfect, no surgning, sounds like the timing is dead on. once its in gear its all screwed up

and its a bone stock 5.0...no bolt ons, no cam, no intake, nothing.

**PaceFever79** · 05-23-2011, 12:28 PM

It's probably one of the sensors.

You need to read the computer with one of these.

autozone, advanced, pep boys, even harbor freight sells them.

**PaceFever79** · 05-23-2011, 12:30 PM

You should also test the fuel pressure.

**White5.0** · 05-23-2011, 03:24 PM

Ill try pullin codes and checkin fuel pressure and see wat i find

**silvernotch** · 05-23-2011, 04:42 PM

might sound odd but is the spout connector plug in? had a buddy that forgot to plug it in,idled fine soon as he put a load on it stalled would run for s##t.

**349Stroker** · 05-23-2011, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by silvernotch

might sound odd but is the spout connector plug in? had a buddy that forgot to plug it in,idled fine soon as he put a load on it stalled would run for s##t.

good point and what u set timig at?

**White5.0** · 05-23-2011, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by silvernotch

might sound odd but is the spout connector plug in? had a buddy that forgot to plug it in,idled fine soon as he put a load on it stalled would run for s##t.

yeah its plugged in...definitely easy to forget though

Originally Posted by 349Stroker

good point and what u set timig at?

just at the factory 10*...maybe ill try advancing it a little

**92306gt** · 05-23-2011, 06:46 PM

what computer is in the car? if you have another to try, id try that.

**jaa55** · 05-23-2011, 07:22 PM

had the same problem with a MAF sensor before

**White5.0** · 05-23-2011, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by 92306gt

what computer is in the car? if you have another to try, id try that.

its the factory computer from a '90 auto...i didnt look at it but im guessing its an A9P. im gonna try a few smaller things first then maybe try throwin a new ECU in

Originally Posted by jaa55

had the same problem with a MAF sensor before

i was thinking this is a possibility. im gonna try the fuel filter first and start small before tossing in a new mass air.

**jaa55** · 05-23-2011, 08:02 PM

dont you have a spare off your car you can try?

**Black Vert** · 05-23-2011, 08:05 PM

Don't you have a Moates QH, can't you just datalog the sensors?

**White5.0** · 05-24-2011, 12:28 AM

Originally Posted by jaa55

dont you have a spare off your car you can try?

Ya ive been tryin parts off my car... We put a new fuel filter in and tried using the coil and mass air meter off of my car that i know work but had no luck

Originally Posted by Black Vert

Don't you have a Moates QH, can't you just datalog the sensors?

I have a QH on my 87... The car having issues is my dads '90.. Its almost bone stock

After timinig it better it now is drivable. But when you hammer it it starts cutting either fuel or spark it seems like... Ill try pullin codes tomorrow. I think its an electrical issue

**mustang50lx** · 05-24-2011, 08:15 AM

How old are the tune up parts? Is there an air leak (Torn boot ?) between the MAF and the throttle body? Is the actual fuel pressure good? Distibutors have also been known to cause odd problems also.

**lib88stang** · 05-24-2011, 09:45 AM

Put a fuel pressure gauge on it that you can watch while you drive it

**Mark Aubele** · 05-24-2011, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by mustang50lx

How old are the tune up parts? Is there an air leak (Torn boot ?) between the MAF and the throttle body? Is the actual fuel pressure good? Distibutors have also been known to cause odd problems also.

Originally Posted by lib88stang

Put a fuel pressure gauge on it that you can watch while you drive it

These two. Sure sounds like something simple if it runs better with more timing. Pull you dizzy out of your car and try it (mostly for the TFI module).