Hey guys, my 1983 Lincoln TC has been acting up recently. It has the 5.0l V8 and a 4speed auto tranny. I'll be driving and it'll start, "bucking", as it it will surge forward then stop, every few seconds repeatedly. I've also had it stall out after these episodes, as in I'll be driving normally and the engine will just die. I know this is a rather vauge description, but if anyone knows what could possibly be wrong I'd appreciate any info. Thanks.

 

Clogged fuel filter or a weak fuel pump?

 

my grandmas 2000 marquis and 1992 crown vic had similar issues due to a fuel pump.

 

do the cheap stuff first.

Fuel filter, plugs and plug wires.

 

Did that already

 

It's a FORD?

experience with fords....

 

See if you can get a hold of someone who manages a cab company or a livery fleet of
TownCars/ CrownVic's and hit 'em up for an opinion. I'm pretty sure they would be able to diagnose any problem that these cars would have.

It could also be a vacuum leak but I really don't know.

 

Hmmm..........maybe the fact that it's a 23 YEAR OLD CAR with 140k miles might have something to do with a mechanical part failing?

 

Is it carbed or fuel injection?
If it's FI does it have a MAS air sensor, or IAC(idle air control valve)
Try cleaning those with some 02 sensor safe cleaner. Also look into the 02 sensors.
Another thing to lok at is the TB. The TPS(throttle position sensor).
Does it do it when hot, cold, or all the time?

 

Another vote for fuel pump. At least thats why its shutting off after the bucking.

When does the car start bucking? Are you accelerating? Slowing down? Id try and pull codes and see if you can find out anything.

 

No, that couldn't be it.

I think the fact that it's a FORD is the problem

 

At least older Ford problems are common among all their lines. So if you know the problems of 1 Ford you can fix most any Ford.

 

I was gonna say it's old. Christ, the thing is 23 years old, what do you expect?

 

how much longer on the extended warranty?

 

Are you gonna let us know what the problem was?

One last possibility that no one has mentioned is a clogged catalytic converter. If that's the case this problem would most likely manifest itself under heavy engine loads (e.g.: 3/4 throttle or more).

 

I haven't been able to determine what the problem is yet. I need to take it in to a mechanic, but finding time to do so is proving troublesome. I was quoted around $800 for a new fuel pump and installation

 

I thought you and your dad was restoring it?

Changing a fuel pump isnt that hard....

 

I don't have all the details yet, I don't even know if that's the problem. We are restoring it, but we'd also like to be able to drive it, you know