Got a question for anybody willing to help.
I came here from the dsm boards for some help on a 1996 Mystique I'm having real issues with.
I was rebuilding a 1996 Mercury Mystique for my brother in law that is in desparate need of a car. I got the car off a friend that knows nothing about cars because he thought that the head gasket was blown. Long story short it was a blown water-pump.
I got to work on it when I could and finally (thought) I finished a few days ago. I replaced the waterpump, timing belt, serpintene belt, a few pulleys, spark plugs, air filter, battery, changed the oil. Got finished car started, but ran very rough.
The car did sit for a year + before I ever got to it. Had about a half tank of gas in it, and being in Wisconsin, the car got cold and hot just sitting there. Figured the gas was crappy. I let it run about 2 days ago for a good 30 min, took it to the gas station and put 93 octane in it to bring the octane of the existing gas up, through in some injector cleaner and a bottle of Heet (takes water out of gas.) Drove it around for about 20 miles, highway and city. Ran GREAT!! I was very happy and proud of my accomplishment.
I have to hand the car over in 2 days to my brother in law and I go to start the car this morning (about 5 or so degrees out) and it won't start. Turns over fine, is sparking, won't start. After about 15 mins of trying and holding the accelerator to the floor it barely starts/ idles, runs very rough. Let it run is missing in the lower rpms badly. Kinda runs fine past 2500 rpms. Put it in gear and the idle falls off/sometimes dies out. Does NOT throw any kind of check engine code.
My thoughts are possibly clogged fuel filter. Any other ideas??? My buddy here at work says no way. I'm damn near positive I set the timing correctly.
Thought the very helpful people here might help a dsm'r in unfamiliar territory out.
Clif notes:
Rebuilt 1996 Mercury Mystique after sitting for 1 year +. 1/2 tank of old gas in the car. Changed spark plugs, battery, new gas, timing belt. Idles and runs like ass, nearly dies when put into gear.
Last edited by Newbie; 12/09/05 07:47 PM.
