88 stumble

[bikehandle]

Hi all!
Being new to this forum I am needing some info on my 88 festiva. I have a stumble that happens when I am shifting to 2nt gear. I have read that the carbed models had an upgrade you could get from ford but it is no longer produced to cure this stumble. Does any one have an idea how to cure it? I advanced the timing and that helped some but still need a fix!
Thanks
Bikehandle

[deceiver]

how old is the timing belt?
does it happen only when it is cold (just started)?
have you cleaned your carb recently/ever?

[bikehandle]

New belt, did it both before and after. Easy to notice warm. Replaced carb, did it before and after. I had read on the ford site this was common on the carbed models. I think it has some thing to do with the egr valve either opening to soon or to late. Ford had an aftermarket fix for it and I am trying to find out just what that was? The only time its noticeable is just as you shift into 2nd

[FB71]

the modification you're talking about was a vacuum blocker placed inline between the valve and the regulator, to prevent the valve from opening. This "fix" was approved by the EPA because the carbed festivas were certified without the valve in 1987, then added for the 1988 nationally available model (1987 California only). Follow the vacuum line from the valve back to the regulator, pull the line off of the regulator and put a vacuum cap on the regulator.

[bikehandle]

Thanks!!
I have been looking for some one who remembered for about 7 years!!
Not to sound stupid but where is this regulator your talking about? on the carb?
Thanks all!
Bikehandle

[FB71]

no, should be on the firewall. just follow the hose from the valve back to it.

[bikehandle]

Thanks again! I got it now. Its been raining for the last 2 days and as soon as it slows down I will give this fix a try. One question though, would it do the same thing by just pulling the hose off of the EGR valve and plugging it?
Bikehandle

[bikehandle]

I had a chance to dodge the rain drops long enough to check out the hose you were talking about and it seemed to have a plastic (valve?) in line. Would this be the one you was talking about as an upgrade? I have not had a chance to remove it and see if I could blow through it yet.
Bikehandle

[FB71]

depends on the color of the valve. it should be two colors, one on each side. its been awhile, but i think black/white was the blocker valve, and any other color would be a delay valve of varying times. and yes, blocking the hose would do the same thing, except you run the risk of the hose leaking (especially considering the age of our festies) and causing a lean/ runs hot/ runs rough condition. better to cap the port.

[bikehandle]

Hey Man, You have been a prince! the valve is two tone black and green. I can't seem to get air through it either way so will play it safe and cap the port!!
Thanks again for the help!!
Bikehandle :lol:

[FB71]

no prob man. keep the shiny side up!