Ran codes- but worse problems

Ran KOEO, KOER test today. TPS reading- go figure.
But here's the worst part. The car's always run on the warm side. I ran the car a little around the neighborhood before pulling the codes. During the KOER, the idle would rev high, then come down, but the car would stall. On the third try I was able to keep it running and get the codes (TPS, runs rich). However, before the test was done, the car was running really hot, I mean the coolant was BOILING in the reservior.
So now I figure I need a head gasket. Sound right?

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Dan Reese

'87 Turbo Coupe- K&N on the VAM, ATR 2 1/2 inch dual ss exhaust, timing @ 13*, Gillis soon to be installed.

"I love the smell of Cam2 in the morning..."

So now I figure I need a head gasket. Sound right?

No, not necessarly. That can be a normal, it's hot sound. Does you cooling fan(s) work? Did it/they come on?. There is an article on checking the cooling fans in the FAQs under Heat/Cool

What happened to the TPS reading and how did you have the meter hooked up?

Specifically what codes did you get for which parts of the test?

[This message has been edited by Pete D (edited 01-24-2004).]

Don't forget to check your timing.

During KOEO, the CEL flashed out 23 and 28. 23 for TPS, 28 not listed.
During KOER, CEL flashed 23 (TPS again) and 42 (system rich)

I bought the car in May with 84 k miles, I've driven the car less than 1k miles since. It's always run on the hot side even after I replaced the thermostat, the radiator (3-core) and the water pump. After I did all this tune up and replacement work, I set the timing at about 13*.

The fans work in normal driving and during the test.

I surmised that running hot meant the car was running lean but now the codes tell me otherwise.

Now I'm at a loss as to why this car won't run right. It's always run warm and it doesn't seem to build boost through the RPM range, but I have not checked the fuel pressure yet.

[This message has been edited by dreese74 (edited 01-25-2004).]

Are your cooling fans coming on when they are supposed to? The main (pass side) fan will run for the entire KOEO test, and the aux fan (driver side) will run for a second at the start of the test. At start of KOER, both fans will briefly run in sequence.

Is there flow thru the radiator? No flow = stuck thermostat or water pump impeller corroded away to nothing.

The code 42 could be due to the code 23. If TPS voltage is high, EEC thinks car is not at idle but crusing / accelerating, and it will richen up the A/F to the point the long term fuel trim cant correct it. Does it smell rich? If so, the TPS is the likely problem. DO the plugs look like it is rich or lean (white)? If 02 voltage is high due to a bad 02, 02 signal short to power, etc, EEC will try to lean it out all the way, and when LTFT goes as far lean as it can go, and EEC still thinks it is rich, it will set the 42 code. Running lean = running hot.

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Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 21 psi, forced air intercooler, water injection, bypass valve, Ranger roller cam, subframes, etc., etc.. // 86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP nitrous, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.... // 91 Escort: Bone stock winter car // 02 Taurus Vulcan(wifes car)

I know the main fan works. I'll have to double check for the aux fan.

Definitely have coolant flow.

The car doesn't smell like it runs rich. I'll pull a spark plug to see what it looks like. Any suggestion son a good voltmeter? I'll check and adjust the TP sensor and see what happens.

Is there a code for the O2? I didn't change it (duh- the things we think of AFTER we put the car back together) and it's probably original.

Thanks.

Coolant can flow on the top of a radiator that is plugged on the bottom.

Getting an 02 code doesn't automatically mean the 02 is bad. Let us know what you get.

Personally I prefer a digital VOM for setting/testing the TPS but you can use analog.