XF Falcon - running problem - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

09-27-2003, 17:22

I have a 1986 XF Falcon S Wagon that is running like a dog. I have put a new carby kit, changed plugs, leads, oil, and basically checked everything and I cannot find what the problem is. Any ideas, because I think I may have to take it to a workshop to get it fixed and I really do not want to do that because I usually can fix everything myself as I am a plant mechanic. HELP! before I burn it.

Extreme_2020 · 09-27-2003, 19:16

Whats wrong with it exactly smithy? No Power? Rough Running?

Tell us a bit more

Extreme

09-28-2003, 19:44

It is running really rough and is hard to start. Have changed plugs, leads, fuel pump and oil. Thought it may have been carby so I put new carby kit. That didn't work so I got a carby from th wreckers. Since putting in carby from wreckers it is running better and not stalling at lights. But, still idling very rough and hard to start. I am a plant mechanic so I usually fix it myself. But this time I have checked every possible thing it could be and nothing. Any ideas?

Extreme_2020 · 09-28-2003, 20:46

I had some issues with mine idling very rougly and having no power..it ended up being the diaphragm for the choke it was punctured and the choke wasnt opening all the way...and the two cylinders directly below the carb were running rich...

Hows the ignition coil? My XF still had the original coil and that was putting out a very weak spark and causing issues...

Air Leaks? I had heaps of air leaks from the manifold and carb base...they played havoc with the idle...how are all the vac lines to the carb? Any disconnected/perished?

Once i emptied my wallet and fixed all that it was fine

Check all that and see how you go

Extreme

09-29-2003, 17:32

Thanks Extreme. I will give it a go. I'll keep you posted.

mongoose3800 · 10-19-2003, 23:43

My wifes XF had problems running rough - particularly on idle. Had me stuffed and I tried everything including replacing the carby, resealing the inlet manifold, spark plugs, leads, etc. The main problem was that it seamed like one cylinder was not running when idling. In the end it turned out to be a worn hydraulic tappet. It was so badly worn that if you sit it on a table it leans. You can check by removing the rocker cover and running the engine and watching each tapet. It will be quite obvious that one looks different, plus there be less oil spilling onto the valves.

SPALDING GREEN · 10-20-2003, 03:26

Some XF's had cam wear issues also.

mongoose3800 · 10-21-2003, 23:22

Yep! apparently the Ford 4.1's are well known for having the odd problems with the oil galleys

ViGiLaNtE · 10-22-2003, 23:03

What about the timing being to far advanced.
Coil may well be the problem, condensor also. PCVs all ok? You seem to have done what any1 else would do, so it must be something else that isnt always thought of. Cap and rotor got changed as well??

Good luck fixing that one

ViGiLaNtE