Ford TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) 89-25-5 -- subject: "hesitation" in carbies

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

A WA local shop (which refuses to work on carbed vehicles) told me about TSB 89-25-5 which it claims addresses "hesitation" in carbed Festies.

The local Ford dealer claims "old -- all deleted by Ford" when I requested a copy.

Mr. Google finds nothing.

Does anybody have this document?

[bravekozak]

I searched and could not find it in the 89 Festiva TSBs

[WmWatt]

Appears to have been given a new number.....

https://workshop-manuals.com/ford/festiva/l4-81_1.3l_sohc/engine_cooling_and_exhaust/engine/tune-up_and_engine_performance_checks/distributor_ignition/distributor_advance_unit/component_information/technical_service_bulletins/customer_interest/91167/aug/91/engine_hesitation_on_acceleration/surge_while_driving/

[bravekozak]

Or, maybe just a "fake news TSB"

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

My 88 and 89 show build dates of 6/8/88 and 7/28/88 (just 50 days apart), so both appear to be subject to this TSB. I do not find any other "labels" on the car. What does "VECI" stand for, anyway?

So, assuming the fix(es) described in this TSB need to be done …
1. What are the parts and where do I get them?
2. How could these fix(es) never have been made after 30 years? BTW, I purchased the 88 in 2003 and the 89 about three years ago. Both cars have already driven poorly since I purchased them. Is it conceivable that all prior owners also experienced the poor running that I'm seeing? I spent over $1,000 having a carb shop trying (unsuccessfully) to fix the 88 more than 5 years ago.

[Rick the Quick]

A lot of carb guys have adapted other carbs that are more readily available and better. Rocketman made adapters to use other carbs. If you look further on this forum you should find some good information on using an alternative carb. My first Festiva was an '88 with a carb (as were all 88's). I bought it around 2005 and drove it until I t-boned an old 280z in 2010. I put on 90K miles with zero carburetor issues. Apparently I got lucky.

[WmWatt]

VECI = vehicle emissions control information
Maybe that label on the underside of the hood?
I'm at the public library and the car is home in the garage so cannot run out and check.