North American Turbocoupe Organization



Newly aquired TC, need some tips
Ramos617 Offline
Member
#1
Alright I recently bought a 1987 turbo coupe with 185xxx miles for 1500
It's in great condition so I couldn't pass up this deal
Anyways I have a couple issues that need some attention and I'm sure you guys can help me
1. I would say most of the time when I let off the gas, the rpms stay hovering around 2k unless I tap the gas which I always do.
Is this an easy fix or a common prob
2. Another issue is a leak that Im almost positive is power steering fluid
It's coming from the drivers side like behind the wheel, I'm thinking its the rack and pinion, could it just need orings ? It's looks like it leaks everytime I park but I haven't had to add any fluid
3. Also my speedometer doesn't appear to be very accurate, once above 40mph it states a speed much above from what I'm really going , is there a fix or should I just be replaced
4. Lastly I have a smog check (California) coming up and the last owner said the boost controller, and knock sensor must be plugged in and fuel pressure must be set back to 30psl
I lowered the pressure back to 30psi from the 35 that it was set at, plugged in the ks and plugged in the boost controller connector, but I don't know where the hoses the supposed to go, maybe you guys could shed some light
Are these things necessary for passing smog
Also for those of you in Ca or other smog states, do you guys have any tips for passing smog?

I'll post some pics up later of my TC
I'm hoping to fix this thing up right as I don't think il ever sell it haha
I just love this car
1987 T-Bird
Too much stuff to list
Running better than ever
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Pete D Offline
Posting Freak
#2
Have you pulled the codes recently? A suggested first step in trouble shooting.
http://turbotbird.com/techinfo/Retrievin..._codes.htm
http://turbotbird.com/techinfo/In_Car_Co...rCodes.htm
Let us know what you get. Also see: http://www.tbirdheritage.com/turbocoupe/...-Chart.php

1. Check for vacuum leaks

Check the TPS for proper idle setting See http://turbotbird.com/techinfo/Idle-TPSa...e2005.html

If that isn't it check the VAM. See this article:
http://natomessageboard.com/ubbthreads.p...#Post24867

2. I think you need to identify the specific location/cause of the leak first. With 185K miles, it could be a lot of things.

3. ??

4. A fresh tuneup with the right parts, plugs wires, cap and rotor and cleaning the IAC would be a good start. Fresh oil change can make a difference. Fuel pressure should not need to be reduced unless there is some other problem. Retarding timing back to 8* for the test can help. Make sure the engine is thoroughly warmed up before the test.

Vacuum hose diagram http://turbotbird.com/faqs/Vac_Diagram.htm

A properly tuned and running TC should not have a problem passing emissions. Mine have always passed (Ohio) with flying colors and I don't do a lot of the stuff I listed above. A good tuneup is important.
Pete Dunham
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Ramos617 Offline
Member
#3
I have no check engine light on but il check for stored codes
So far I've done the oil/filter change, plugs and wires, cap and rotor, brake pads, and motor mounts
So 8 degrees instead of 10 eh, il probably try that as well
I'll make sure to check the things you posted

Do you know what the stock fuel pressure is, or does that not effect smog readings?
My car has a gauge connected under the hood and was set at 35 psi and is now at 30psi
Btw thanks for the help
Also is there anything I should check on this car?
It's my current daily driver, runs well as far I know
But of course I don't know the common issues or parts that should be replaced soon yet
1987 T-Bird
Too much stuff to list
Running better than ever
Reply

Pete D Offline
Posting Freak
#4
Check this article to check out fuel system and proper pressures.
http://turbotbird.com/techinfo/Fuel_Syst...ostics.htm

Change the cam belt every 60K miles. It would be a good idea to change the trans fluid (Dexron III or IV, 5.6 pints) and the rear end lube assuming it hasn't been done. New fuel filter (near the pass side rear tire). Accessory belts. Clean the idle air controller (take it off, cylinder type thing on the back side throttle body. Check all the coolant hoses, especially the ones on the drivers side under the intakes.
Pete Dunham
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Stang8u Offline
Senior Member
#5
I need to smog mine

I hate ca smog natzis
:mad:
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Ramos617 Offline
Member
#6
Pete D Wrote:Check this article to check out fuel system and proper pressures.
http://turbotbird.com/techinfo/Fuel_Syst...ostics.htm

Change the cam belt every 60K miles. It would be a good idea to change the trans fluid (Dexron III or IV, 5.6 pints) and the rear end lube assuming it hasn't been done. New fuel filter (near the pass side rear tire). Accessory belts. Clean the idle air controller (take it off, cylinder type thing on the back side throttle body. Check all the coolant hoses, especially the ones on the drivers side under the intakes.

Cool its now on the to do list

Stang8u Wrote:I need to smog mine

I hate ca smog natzis
Tell me about it
I have a 95 Saturn sl2 sitting in my driveway that is in perfectly drivable condition
The whole car is in great condition actually
Over 210k miles and it won't pass smog for the life of me
1987 T-Bird
Too much stuff to list
Running better than ever
Reply

Jeff K Offline
Administrator
#7
Stock fuel pressure is 39 psi with engine running and vac line disconnected from pressure regulator. WIth line on FPR, press will be in the low 30s depending on idle vacuum. If the PCM is running closed loop during the smog test, press will not effect test results as PCM is adjusting the A/F ratio to ideal based on the O2 sensor output. If press is too high or too low, PCM wont go closed loop and will set rich (42) or lean (41) codes.
Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 24 psi, forced air IC, water injection, BPV, Ranger cam, subframes, etc., etc.
86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP N2O, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.
11 Crown Vic Interceptor
14 Toyota Camry (wifes car)
95 Taurus GL Vulcan winter beater
67 Honda 450 Super Sport - completely customized
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Stang8u Offline
Senior Member
#8
That's good info

I found a place that dose a pre test and it will not go into the system I'm going to give it a try

You never want a car to fail in the system because you will never be able to get those special hand shake smogs lol
:mad:
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Ramos617 Offline
Member
#9
Well i checked and adjusted the tps position and I found the problem with the idle
It was that the springs on the throttle body were pretty worn out and the throttle would stay a bit open sometimes
Luckily the guy i bought it from included all types of extra parts, one of those being a fresh throttle body
Installed it, readjusted the tps, and problem was fixed

Heres the pics from the buyer when i got it

[Image: 3G33M33N15Nf5Kb5Fed1a10b87393607e12ea.jpg]

[Image: 3Lc3o53He5Ne5G35Kbd1a125a5453824818ca.jpg]

And heres a couple pics from today

[Image: IMAG1009.jpg]

[Image: IMAG1010.jpg]
1987 T-Bird
Too much stuff to list
Running better than ever
Reply

zip Offline
Member
#10
Welcome to NATO, nice to see another CA bird around, even semi local to me.

As others have said passing CA smog should be easy as long as your TC is running correctly. Things that you may need to check are your EVAP system: lines going from the fuel tank to the carbon canister and making sure the carbon canister has the line going to the intake. Timing will have to be at the factory 10*btdc, this can cause you to fail the test depending on the technician. Keep the octane switch in the regular setting and use regular gas, be sure to let the car warm up before taking it in.
Matt
86 TC 5spd:QH/SD,Walbro190,CFI 52#, AFPR,WB,FMIC,3"dp to axle, .63 T3, E6,Stock Longblock.
Shelf:N/A 2.3, Die grinder, Carbide Burrs.
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