Engine - Hesitation/Low Power/Stumble
89ford14^ HESITATION-3.0L EFI-FUEL SYSTEM-VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 7/1/87
^ LACK OF POWER-3.0L EFI-FUEL SYSTEMVEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 7/l/87
^ STUMBLE-3.0 EFI-FUEL SYSTEM-VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 7/1/87
Article No. 89-12-3
Figure 1:
FORD: 1986-87 TAURUS
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1986-87 SABLE
ISSUE: Hesitation, stumble, and lack of power during acceleration or sharp cornering may be caused by fuel starvation. High ambient temperatures and certain types of highly volatile fuels may cause the fuel tank to expand. When this happens, the fuel pickup may not reach the fuel in the bottom of the tank. This condition usually occurs when the fuel gauge shows less than 1/4 tank of gas. In some cases, swelling of a fuel pump filter retainer may cause a suction leak and a resulting loss of fuel draw.
ACTION: Install the fuel pressure relieving components listed below by using the following service procedure.
^ Dual-purpose fuel tank vapor pressure relief valve
^ Fuel pump filter sock
^ Fuel tank spacers, insulators and attaching hardware
^ Fuel filler cap
WARNING: BEFORE STARTING THIS PROCEDURE, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE TAURUS/SABLE SHOP MANUAL, SECTIONS 24-03 AND 24-50 FOR FUEL SYSTEM RELIEF AND FUEL TANK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION SERVICE DETAILS.
1. Relieve fuel tank pressure and drain the fuel tank.
2. Lower the tank onto a stand.
3. Remove the fuel pump/ sender. Throw away the pump/sender "O" ring seal.
4. Remove and throw away the existing tank vent valve and grommet.
5. Remove the old filter sock by following the steps below, see Figure 1, View C.
a. Note the position of the filter relative to the pump assembly.
b. Cut or tear-off the filter cloth, stuffer material and the plastic filter housing itself without cutting or grasping the brass retention ring inside the filter housing. Use side cutters and pliers at the corners opposite the fuel return tube. The retention ring will remain attached to the pump inlet.
c. Cut the brass retention ring in one or two locations by using side cutters. Remove the retention ring pieces with pliers. Be careful not to scratch the outside diameter of the pump inlet with the cutters.
6. Install a new fuel pump filter sock as follows:
a. Inspect the new filter for any dirt or debris. Do not use a dirty or debris covered filter.
b. Lay the filter on a clean flat surface.
c. Remember the position of the filter relative to the pump assembly from step 5a.
d. Grasp the pump assembly in one hand. Hold it such that the pump is in a horizontal position with the fuel return tube on the topside of the pump.
e. Insert the lower portion of the pump inlet (the side of the pump inlet opposite the fuel return tube) into the plastic filter housing. Maintain the proper position of the filter.
f. Insert the remaining portion of the pump inlet. Rock the pump assembly into the upright position, applying a light downward force throughout the rocking motion. Apply the minimum force necessary to push the filter completely on. This will avoid damaging the filter and plastic housing. It is necessary to create a tight seal around the pump inlet.
7. Install the pump/sender with the new filter sock into the tank, using a new "O"-ring seal. Be careful not to bend the float rod during installation.
8. Install the following new spacers and insulators (adhesive side down) on the top of the fuel tank, Figure 1, Views A & C.
^ Spacer, Black Foam 1/2" thick
^ Insulator, Grey Foam 1" thick
^ Spacer, Hard Rubber 1/4" thick, Foam Backed, 2 Required.
9. Install the new fuel tank vapor pressure relief valve assembly and grommet in the tank. (Lubricate the center hole with a thin film of engine oil.)
CAUTION: DO NOT USE SILICONE LUBE ON THIS OR ANY OTHER FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT BECAUSE IT WILL DAMAGE THE OTHER PARTS OF THE FUEL SYSTEM.
10. Install the small diameter nipple of the new vapor pressure relief valve into the existing small diameter vent line on the vehicle. Tape the new larger diameter vent line on top of the existing fuel line. Bundle the lines about 18 inches from the valve centerline, Figure 1, View A.
11. Hold the new vent line against the fuel line bundle. Tape it together at the convoluted split-tube cover near the fuel line filter.
12. Reconnect fuel (use new fuel line connector retainers) and electrical connectors. Assure that the new vapor valve is pushed completely into the grommet with its ports toward sender unit, Figure 1, View D. See that the original bundle of three fuel lines is placed into the fuel tank top clip. Use body-tape to secure the new lines to the recess on the tank just beyond the open-end of the clip to prevent pinching against the floorpan.
NOTE: MAKE SURE THE NYLON FUEL AND VAPOR LINES ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK ARE NOT KINKED OR BLOCKED.
13. Reinstall the fuel tank by positioning it as far forward as possible. Leave a 1/2" maximum gap forward of the seam weld flange. Reinstall the fuel straps, first the left side and then the right side. Use two new fuel tank strap-attaching bolts and two new nuts. Torque bolts to 20-29 lbs. ft. (28-40 N-m.), Figure 1, View B.
14. Put a clean rag into the fuel filler pipe to prevent underbody dirt from entering the fuel filler pipe. Install the fuel filler pipe. Remove the rag from the pipe.
15. Replace the existing fuel filler cap with a new cap.
16. Replace the fuel that was removed.
17. Start the engine and check for leaks.
NOTE: WHEN RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE CUSTOMER, DO THE FOLLOWING:
^ EXPLAIN THAT A NEW STYLE "PRE-VENT" CAP HAS BEEN INSTALLED.
^ DEMONSTRATE THE "FREE PLAY" FEATURE FOR BLEEDING OFF PRESSURE WHEN REMOVING THE CAR
^ SHOW HOW TO TIGHTEN THE CAP PROPERLY (AT LEAST THREE -3- LOUD CLICKS OF THE RATCHET).
^ EMPHASIZE THAT THE FUEL FILLER CAP SHOULD BE CORRECTLY INSTALLED TO PERMIT PROPER CAP OPERATION.
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS
E0DZ-9000-A Fuel Venting Kit BG
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
SUPERSEDES: 87-22-17 Dated 11/4/87
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty California Emissions Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
891203A Install Fuel Tank Vapor 1.3Hrs.
Pressure Relief Components
And Associated Hardware
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
9002 53
OASIS CODES: 631900, 630400