Idling problem 1989 3.0l cobra

gooders

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 27, 2007
Messages
97
Hi everyone, can anyone help me out. My engine fires up perfectly.I give it a bit of throttle to warm her up before throttling back and engaging the gear.The problem I have is when I engage the gear she stalls out. She has a twin barrel rochester fitted but I am a bit unsure as to what adjustment I might need to make.Any ideas.:confused:
 

PINESOL

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 19, 2007
Messages
99
Re: Idling problem 1989 3.0l cobra

this sight will help . but i think we could all use some more info ...
1= does it idle when its warmed up ?
2= what is the timing set at ?
3= whens the last time it had a tune up? i.e plugs, cap, rotor, wires, points, condenser . etc
4= fuel condition .. bad fuel ? fuel filter?
5= was it sitting ?
one thing i can tell you for sure .. dont shift that thing into gear until you get it running at a smooth idle at low rpm ..
 

gooders

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 27, 2007
Messages
97
Re: Idling problem 1989 3.0l cobra

Ok let me check everything you have mentioned then I will get back to you. Thanks.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Idling problem 1989 3.0l cobra

If it idles ok after it's warmed up, and only dies when you try to put it in gear, you probably are due for a new lower shift cable. It's stiff and engages the shift interrupt switch which kills the ignition.
 

PINESOL

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 19, 2007
Messages
99
Re: Idling problem 1989 3.0l cobra

dons, i thought the same thing too re; shift cable and esa prob ... but i quit jumping to conclusions on this board ... your the only one with the almighty crystal ball ... :D
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Idling problem 1989 3.0l cobra

your the only one with the almighty crystal ball ...

Nope, it's broken ;)

I really wasn't jumping to conclusions about the cable, for the simple fact that he mentions WHEN it dies.

The problem I have is when I engage the gear she stalls out.

Which is EXACTLY what happens with a stiff shift cable.
 

PINESOL

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 19, 2007
Messages
99
Re: Idling problem 1989 3.0l cobra

i fully agree with dons .. as i have had that problem ..
time to pull the drive and install a new cable ...
while its apart do some inspecting . ujoints and bellows ,water hose,
gimble bearing , engine alignment. etc.
 
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