88 Festiva L' Stalling under load

[Jblair]

I'm going to check into the fuel line issue, that is a simple solution to a pain of a problem if that is it. I'm also curious when the ignition is mentioned because I had the same suspicion. This problem is so intermitent that it is driving me crazy. It idles just fine, I'm talking perfect idle. But, it is a random cut out and it has gotten worse. I've had it parked this whole week while I ponder and research.

[bob^3]

Hm mine started doing this some time back as well. It bogs at WOT but not partial throttle. I still haven't found the cause. In4info.

'88 with 215k so far.

Now with 100% more autocorrect fail!

[rmoltis]

Could be bad gasoline?
After sitting for so long
Or possibly water in the tank.

Does it happen when the tank is closer to empty?
Or when driving around corners.
If there's water in there it would stay on the bottom
and the fuel would remain on top.

I've read a few threads where they exhibit similar symptoms.
They drain the fuel tank and fill with new
And everything is better.

Possibly could be this?
Just an idea.

[drddan]

Jeremy, what you descibe sounds like a problem that is starting to show up a lot on the carb festy's.
Old deteriating soft fuel lines
Please read thread posts#5, #8, and #13 on this thread. Check the fuel line described in it. It could be your problem.

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...-now-won-t-run

[WmWatt]

It could be electrical. When the ignition control module starts to go one symptom is stalling usually after it warms up. First I'd clean the spark plugs and wires and check for good connections. Aslo try searching the rest of the Internet for stalling under load. Lots of replies out there.

[95Compact]

May be something in the tank blocking the pickup occassionally - I think that what happens in my '88.

When it occurs, I remove the fuel line from the filter in the engine bay and blow out the line from the tank with compressed air (like 15psi).

I should pull the tank and clean it out, but I'm too lazy.

Maybe someone else has a better diagnosis, lots of good Festiva techs here!

[Jblair]

Hey,
My wife has a 88Festiva with 116k on it. It sat for awhile but we have been driving it now for about 6months. It has ran great. Recently while driving at cruise speeds it started to bog and stall. I sprayed carb cleaner, put in premium fuel and cleaner in tank, changed plugs and fuel filter. The problem has not improved. She drives mostly in town so I decided to drive it on the freeway 130miles round trip. It did ok but every now and then would randomly start stalling, bucking, die. I noticed it on very small inclines and at small changes in the throttle. I thought fuel pump was cutting out, so I ran a few test to check it, fuel is getting to the carb consistantly. Tried to drive it around town today, made it around the block fine, tried to drive it to the parts store, then less then a block away, continues stalling. Seems like, runs on fuel in carb bowl, then runs out. Just my experience from my old Honda tho. Also, this problem is real inconsistant, could it be electrical? I've read similar problems on other forum sights but I want to hear from your true festiva lovers, I've come to like this little car and want to do a few things to it, but first, how to make it run right now. Thank you.

Portland, OR - JEREMY